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Penelope was awoken when she felt the direct hit of morning sunlight on her face and the cheery voice of her lady's maid entering the room. She lightly groaned. She went to bed late because her kids, especially her eldest, Agatha, would not sleep easily, and such a domino effect made it hard to get her younger siblings down for the night. Normally, the Featerington turned Bridgerton wouldn't mind, but being pregnant while doing so was another story. She loved the little girl like no other, but man, did she have her wit and attitude. Penelope knew she should get up and start her day. But a small part of her wanted a few more minutes of peacefulness before the life of being a mother and wife would call for another day. She turned over to her other side, hoping to be greeted by her loving husband next to her. There was nothing more she loved in the morning before rising than curling up into her love's side and taking in any alone moments they could gather nowadays. She couldn't help but be disappointed yet curious that he wasn't there. "Delila," she sat up, finding herself strengthening. "Have you seen my husband yet this morning?"
"I have ma'am. He's dining for breakfast with the children in the drawing room." The young lady moved around the room to prepare Penolope's outfit for the day and everything she needed for the morning.
"Without me?" she questioned. That was unlike Colin.
"He figured you deserved some extra sleep this morning, given the night you had with the children and your pregnancy." Once the outfit was settled, she grabbed a note from a table in their chambers and handed it to her. "He wanted this given to you when you woke."
Penelope beamed at hearing what Colin had done for her. Sure, she wasn't a stranger to the nights, giving her many late-night writing sessions over the years, but she still couldn't help but love this simple, thoughtful gesture. While these moments, big or small, shouldn't have been surprising given their years of marriage and love for each other, he never failed to do things that made her giddy like a schoolgirl. A bit of excitement tingled in her stomach when she learned of the note; after all, it was their little thing, ever since they were pen pals all those summers of Colin traveling. Now, it was just another unique part of their marriage. She opened the note, a smile instantly glued to her face. Never in her wildest dream did she think she would be here, sitting in bed reading a note from her husband - Colin Bridgerton, yet she was. Her life with him never stopped feeling like a dream. 'Good morning, my love. My sincerest apologies for not being there when you awoke this morning. While I wanted nothing more than to be next to you, I thought you deserved a little time for yourself. Do not worry. I assure you that the children and I will get along just fine during your early morning absence. I hope this time makes up a sliver of what you do for our family daily. I love you. Yours forever more. - Colin.'
While she knew Colin had always appreciated her as a wife and mother, it didn't mean these moments were any less special to her. It just made it more certain that Penelope and Colin were meant for each other. Every time one felt one complicated emotion, the other was there, being the opposite to help take the burden from the other. The former Featherington would be lying if she said motherhood was always easy and enjoyable when, in reality, it was the most challenging title ever bestowed upon her. Yet she never regretted it, even during the hardships. Colin saw her frustration and tiredness with their eldest last night and decided she needed this small break. Now, she knew it would be her turn to find a way to show her appreciation to him. Her attention was drawn away when she heard Delia.
"Your bath is ready, ma'am. Shall we get you up and prepared for the day?"
X
Once dressed and ready for the day, Penelope knew it was time to greet her family, especially before her oldest children were sent off to their daily lessons. As she swiftly made her way to the drawing room, she couldn't help but admire everything through the state halls and open rooms. A chain of portraits of Colin and their family hung on the walls, and the mixture of interior styles oddly made their home design nothing short of cozy yet simple. She married for love, had her family, and liked a wonderful life, one that she, for the longest time, had never imagined herself having. Penelope couldn't help but appreciate her reality every day. She heard a mixture of voices as she approached the drawing room doors. She silently peered around the frame to see her husband sitting on a chair that was way too small for him, with one daughter on each side of him and one of Agatha's dolls across from him. It was the cutest sight to see.
"Papa," Agetha furrowed her small brow, slightly annoyed with Colin. "No pouring more tea." Her small brows furrowed. "The plate must stay on the table when sipping." She removed herself from her chair and placed the napkin on her father's lap. "That stays there." she pointed at the cloth, glaring at her father before marching back to her seat.
Colin tried to keep a serious face as his 6-year-old daughter called him out on his tea etiquette. "Oh well, of course. We wouldn't want to be anything else but proper." He took a fake sip of his tea. "My word, this is utterly delicious tea, miss." He took another fake sip. "I'll tell all my friends that you serve the most splendid tea in all the ton." He grinned. "Dearest, you didn't give your dolly any tea. She has been rather patiently waiting."
The little girl narrowed her eyes as if trying to process what her father told her. "Papa, she already has her cup and is now waiting for her host to pour more and serve her the treats." The 6-year-old giggled happily. Her family quickly turned cold at seeing her little sister starting to eat away at the food on the trays. "Jane, you must wait for the food to be served as a guest." her arms crossed over her body, a slight pout forming.
"My apologies miss." He then said the same to the stuffed dolly across from him. Colin bit his lip to hold in a chuckle. There was no denying his children were adorable. "Of course. How could I forget about the treats? What was I thinking? We must have something to go with the tea." He sighed as he watched his oldest get serious about the tea time. "Agatha, your sister is still too young to know any better—all she sees in the food." A daughter after his own heart truly. "Why don't you serve me something?"
The young girl huffed before nodding. She puffed her lips out as she glanced at the tray, trying to figure out what to give to her father. After moments, she picked a few choices, placing them on the little plate before him. Excited for Colin to try, she grabbed one of the pastries and placed it near her father's mouth, wanting him to take a bite."Try this one, papa."
Colin was happy to see Agatha take his advice on returning her attention to him. She was undoubtedly a lovely big sister, but she was nothing short of passionate when doing things, even with something as simple as tea. He smiled before taking a bite of the food. "Hmm, absolutely divine." Colin looked over at the little 2-and-a-half-year-old to his other side. Surely, she didn't truly understand what was happening, but there was a smile on her face and mouth on food nonetheless. He noticed she was following her sister and offering him some of her food. He took a bite and smiled sweetly at his younger daughter.
Penelope smiled brightly as she watched on. She never got tired of seeing her husband as a father. There was no denying that Colin was still a big nerdy child himself, but it's what she loved most about him. She often looked at her son Thoams, who was nearby enjoying his toys. She knew her son very well, and while Colin could play pretend with his daughter, it was the last thing the young Bridgerton wanted for himself when he was just as content playing with his blocks and knowing her husband, he spent the perfect amount of time between the 3 of them. As much as she wished to stand by and watch them, she knew the day must continue. "Well, good morning, my darlings." She greeted her family. The children didn't take long to run to Penelope and hug her tightly.
"Mama," Agatha and Thomas shouted once Penelope entered the room. "Did you see what I set up for Papa? The young daughter beamed, so proud of herself. "Papa and I played pins." Thomas chimed in excitedly.
"I did, Agatha, and it looks absolutely lovely." Penelope looked down at her son. "And I'm so glad you had fun playing with your pins and blocks." she giggled. There was nothing like seeing their children happy. There was no better feeling as a parent. "I hate to disrupt your playtime with your papa, but it is time for you two to tidy up, as you two have some studies to attend to." She could tell her children were not too thrilled about them. "But do not worry because I shall see you both soon where you can tell me everything you learned today." She kissed the oldest two children before watching them return to their study room. She walked over to her current youngest and picked her up swiftly. "Hello, my little dearest. I can see you, too had a productive breakfast," she chuckled, kissing her cheek. "We shall get you cleaned up and off to start the day." She gave her off to a maid so they could freshen her up. Once the room was cleaned of children and staff, Penelope couldn't help but beam at her husband.
Colin stood up from his little chair when his wife entered the room. His eyes stayed locked on her. She looked beautiful as always. It was like no one else existed other than Penelope and their kids. He smiled at them, rushing to their mother upon seeing her and seeing them excited about their time with him this morning. There was nothing he loved more than spending time with their children. It always warmed his heart to see his family together. Penelope was nothing short of an amazing mother, not that it surprised him. He gave each child a gentle kiss on the head before they were all taken from the room, leaving just him and his wife. He bit his lip and gave her a look down as he made his way to her before wrapping his arms around her frame and pulling her to his chest. "Good Morning, Mrs Bridgerton."
Her cheeks couldn't help but blush. Even after all this time, she still managed to get butterflies in her stomach whenever Colin looked at her. A look of love, lust, and passion. As if she was the most beautiful and delicate thing he had ever seen. It may have taken so many years to get where they were now, but there's no doubt she would go through all the hardships and struggles again if it meant the result being him, them, and their family each time over. "Hm, and good morning to you too, Mr. Brigerton." She captured her lips with his, a soft hum escaping her. Once parted, her hand softly moved and down his arms. "Thank you." Penelope momentarily stared in awe at him before turning her attention to the messy floor scattered with toys. "I see you and the children were having some fun."
Colin kissed her back. It was passionate yet delicate. He couldn't help but chase her lips when the kiss ended. "Whatever for?" He narrowed his eyes. "Darling, you do not have to thank me for anything at all. It should be I who thanks you." Truthfully, Colin didn't know how Penelope did it. She ran their home and raised their children and did so naturally and beautifully, especially when she was carrying their newest child. He couldn't help but be even more in awe of his wife the first time she became pregnant and gave birth. It just proved how much stronger she was than he would ever be. Anything he could do to help her, he would undoubtedly do it. He followed her eyes to the kids' toys. "We sure did. Thomas and I played with some blocks and pins before Agatha insisted I join in for tea with her and Jane."
"Oh, but I do." she looked at her husband lovingly. "And I don't just mean with this morning, but for everything. From the way you look at me and appreciate me to the fact that you know what I need and when. It still astonishes me, Colin. You think it wouldn't, given our years of marriage, not to mention all the total years of knowing each other, but it does. So thank you for seeing, loving, and giving me the beautiful family we have made." She briefly focused on the toys, making the gentle note to have them picked up and cared for by the children when they returned for lunch. "I see. It's making our little boy out to be a competitor already." She giggled. "All why setting the bar oh so high for our daughters for when they are set to debate into the marriage mart."
A sweet smile spread across his lips. "Well, I could say the same back to you. After all, you are the one who helped me find my purpose after the many years of feeling hopeless that I would never find it, and I have never looked back since." His grip gently loses around her waist. "And if anyone deserves the praise for the children, that is entirely on you, my darling." His hand gently rubbed her growing stomach. "You are the one who brings them into the world, and each time, it just makes me even more in awe of you." His eyes darted back down to her stomach. "Speaking off, I hope you are resting as much as possible, especially the closer you are to expecting." Colin gently nestled with his coat. "Of course, one can't be a Bridgerton without competition." He joked before his face turned a bit more serious. "Pen, do not do that to me. I'm not even remotely ready for the marriage market talk yet."
Penelope shook her head. "None sense you had within yourself the entire time. I just nudged you along, is all." Her eyes followed his hands on her stomach. "You do plenty for this family as well. You are the best father our children could have." She loved seeing him extra protective when she was pregnant. Each time, it started light, but then the closer she got to birth, it was like she was constantly crowded between him, the doctor, and all the staff. While it had its frustrating moments, it was also enduring, especially when she could have the complete opposite of it all. "My love, it is okay. We both know we are from that talk." Penelope knew when they did come; Colin would be a wreck when sending their sweet daughters free into the world. But thankfully, they were still young and had much more time to play and learn. "I am resting just fine, I assure you." Her hands rested on his chest. " Now, as much as I would love nothing more than to stay in your arms all day long, I should get some details finalized about the house and get to some of my correspondences before the children grow tired of their lessons and become hungry."
He smiled at the compliment. He remembered being terrified about being a father for the first time. So many fears surrounded the idea. But between his wife and family now, he couldn't imagine anything better, especially with Penelope by his side. "And you are the best mother." He kissed her head. "But I am glad to know that you are resting. I know you love going out and being within the ton Pen, but you know I worry about you, especially when you are with your child, our child." Another thing he knew grew tired of saying. He playfully sighed before allowing a small smirk to form. "Darling, is there something I should know? After all, I dare to think there is someone more worthy of corresponding with you than me."
"Well, just like all the other times, I promise to inform you on even the slightest of things, okay." Penelope gave a small yet happy pout, which then turned into her little smirk. "Of course, no one could ever compare to you, dearest. But you seem to have forgotten that I now have more people to write to. After all, I have my sisters, my mother, and, of course, my sisters-in-law, whom I've grown quite close to over the years. After all, it's only natural for all Bridgertons to be close, is it not?" her hands moved to his chest. "But not to worry, my love, you will forever be my favorite pen pal."
Colin couldn't help but think about those summers when he was off-traveling. Those were some of the most important months of his life. It was empowering while lonely. He not only learned more about himself and the world, but ultimately, he couldn't help but think it brought Penelope and him closer together in the end. "Yes, of course. You Bridgerton wives and sisters are truly something." he joked. "But we brothers are undoubtedly lucky to have such incredible women in our lives." He kissed her again softly.
Another giggle escaped her. "We are a bunch, aren't we? But I couldn't think of a better family to marry into." Penelope let out a soft breath once their lips parted. Being a part of the Bridgerton family was something so special. It felt like an actual family. Sure, she had her mother and sisters, but even with them, she was an outcast. But since being with Colin, she never felt out of place. Was it because of her friendship with Eloise? Possibly, but she truly felt she belonged with them. "Okay, if we wish to get anything done today, we must part. You have that meeting before meeting up with your brothers, and I've got much to do before your mama visits with the children for a bit. Then, later on this evening, we have one of Lady Danbury's balls to attend."
He sighed, not wanting to leave his wife and family. But he knew they both had matters to attend to. "Very well. But let this be known, Mrs. Penelope Bridgerton, I will see to the fact that this will not be the only alone time we get today. That, I promise." He placed one more passionate kiss on his wife. "I shall see you later tonight, my dearest." Colin kept his eyes on her as long as he could until he was out of sight.