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Portia Featherington stood on the doorstep of her daughter Penelope's house, her gloved hand pressing the doorbell button with a slight smile on her face. She loved visiting Penelope and Colin’s home, but today, she had a very specific reason for stopping by. And although she hadn’t mentioned it to anyone, her three daughters were all married to a nice and reliable man but there was one person she was particularly fond of her son-in-law, Colin. Despite his easy-going charm and humorous nature, she had a soft spot for him that she rarely admitted. He had a way of making her Penelope so happy, and that made him special in her eyes.
As the door swung open, Penelope appeared in the doorway, her face lighting up with a warm smile. In her arms was none other than her adorable, giggling son, Thomas Bridgerton. The baby’s bright ginger hair stood out against Penelope’s darker locks, and his infectious smile made Portia’s heart swell with affection.
"Mother! What a pleasant surprise," Penelope greeted, stepping aside to let her inside. Thomas recognizing his grandma, reached out to Portia, and she couldn’t help but melt at the sight of her grandson.
"Hello, darling," Portia said with a smile, her voice softening as she took in the sight of her daughter and grandson, though she had to admit, seeing Thomas was always the highlight of her visits. "And hello to you too, my sweet little Thomas." Portia’s eyes softened, she gently cupped Thomas’s cheek and gave him a tender kiss on the forehead when she took him from Penelope’s arms.
"He’s getting so big," Portia remarked a hint of awe in her voice. "I can hardly keep up with how quickly he's growing."
Penelope chuckled, "I know, it feels like just yesterday we were bringing him home."
Portia’s expression shifted as she studied her daughter for a moment. Penelope looked a bit distracted, her usually calm demeanor paired with the unmistakable signs of exhaustion. She could only imagine how busy things had been for Penelope and Colin with the baby.
“I assume you’re preparing for the gala tonight?” Portia asked, her tone casual but observant. She knew how much the Bridgerton Gala meant to both of them.
Penelope sighed, her eyes flicking to the clock on the wall. "Yes, it’s tonight. Colin’s been looking forward to it, but… well, Thomas has been particularly needy today. I’m not sure how I’ll manage to get ready, much less enjoy the event. I feel guilty leaving him when he’s been so fussy."
“Wait mum, didn’t Violet invite you too?” Penelope asked.
Portia’s expression softened, her eyes flicking to Thomas, who was now trying to tug on her fingers in an adorable attempt to engage her, despite being invited and wanting to attend the event tonight. She would love to take the opportunity to spend time with her grandson.
“I decided to sit this one out. I’d be happy to stay and look after Thomas tonight. You deserve to enjoy yourselves, and I don’t mind at all. Really."
Penelope blinked, clearly taken aback by her mother’s offer. "Wait… you’d do that? Stay with him, I mean?"
Portia smiled, nodding. "Of course. You know how much I adore him, and I’d love to spend some time with him. You and Colin need a break, and if it means you can enjoy the gala without worrying about Thomas, I’m happy to help."
Penelope hesitated, her gaze flickering between her mother and the baby in her arms. A night out with Colin, free of worrying about Thomas? It seemed almost too good to be true.
"You’re sure?" Penelope asked, her voice tentative. "I mean… the gala’s a big event. I wouldn’t want you to feel obligated."
"I’m not obligated, darling," Portia replied with a soft laugh. "I want to do this. Besides, I’m sure Thomas and I will have a wonderful evening together. It will be just the two of us, enjoying some quiet time. I’m happy to miss the gala in exchange for some extra time with my precious grandson."
Penelope’s heart warmed, and she found herself smiling. "I really appreciate this, Mum. You have no idea how much it means to me." She leaned down and kissed Thomas’s head before looking at Portia. "Are you sure you’re okay with missing the gala? I know how much you enjoy those events."
Portia waved her hand nonchalantly. "Oh, I’ve attended enough galas to last a lifetime. A quiet evening with Thomas sounds much more appealing right now. You go ahead and enjoy yourself. You both deserve it."
Penelope couldn’t help but laugh, her earlier stress starting to melt away. "Well, in that case, thank you. We’ll take you up on that offer." She glanced at the clock again. "I suppose we should get ready then."
Portia smiled warmly as she leaned down to kiss Thomas’s cheek one more time. "Go on, darling. I’ll take care of everything here. You and Colin enjoy your night."
As Penelope stepped toward the staircase to begin getting ready, she turned back to her mother. "Thank you again, Mother. I didn’t expect you to offer."
"Anything for my daughter and grandson," Portia replied with a wink, making Penelope’s heart swell with affection.
After a final kiss for Thomas, Penelope disappeared upstairs to prepare for the gala, her steps lighter than they’d been in days. She knew Thomas would be in good hands with Portia. For the first time in what felt like forever, she was able to look forward to a night out with Colin without the burden of worrying about her baby at home.
As she heard Portia’s soft laughter echoing from below, Penelope couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude. Sometimes, the most unexpected offers turned out to be the most meaningful.
Colin adjusted his cufflinks and took one final look in the mirror, he let out a small breath. The gala was always a grand event, but tonight, knowing that Thomas was in good hands, he felt lighter. He wasn’t sure how Penelope had convinced her mother to stay behind, but he was grateful.
Descending the stairs, he spotted Portia in the living room, holding up a plushie in front of Thomas. His son, usually full of energy, looked peaceful as he clutched a tiny fist around the head of his toy pulling it closer to him.
Colin smiled at the sight before clearing his throat lightly. “Hello Portia,” he greeted with a teasing in his voice. “I was told you gave up the event of the season to stay with this little troublemaker.”
Portia looked up, her expression soft but proud. “Well, someone had to make the sacrifice. And how many times am I going to tell you to just call me mum too?” she replied airily, though there was clear warmth in her tone. “But between you and me, I much prefer the company of this darling boy over half the people who will be at that gala.”
Colin chuckled, stepping closer and gently brushing his fingers over Thomas’s tiny hand. The baby gave a content sigh, still half-asleep against Portia’s shoulder. “Thank you,” Colin said, sincerity replacing his usual playfulness. “Really. It means a lot to Pen and me. We weren’t sure if we’d be able to go.”
Portia waved a hand dismissively, though she looked pleased by his gratitude. “Oh, nonsense. You two deserve a night out. And don’t think I don’t know how hard you’ve both been working. Between your projects, Penelope’s writing, and raising this little one….” she glanced down at Thomas affectionately, “....you both needed this.”
Colin smiled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Still, we appreciate it. And I’ll admit, I feel better knowing he’s with you.”
Portia’s gaze softened. “You should,” she said simply. “He’s my grandson. There’s no one I’d rather spoil.”
Right on cue, Penelope made her way down the stairs, where Portia was now holding Thomas, gently swaying him in her arms while talking to Colin. Colin got distracted by his wife walking into the room, jaw dropped as he took in his view. “You got something in your mouth, Colin.” Portia joked. “Should I expect another grandchild in 9 months?” She added. “Oh God no mum, this little baba is not even a year old yet,” Penelope answered smiling at her son.
The baby was happily babbling, his chubby hands grasping at Portia’s necklace, completely unaware that his parents were about to leave for the night. “Come here, my love,” Penelope cooed, kissing the top of his ginger curls. “Mummy and Daddy will be back soon.”
Thomas immediately nestled into her chest, his tiny arms wrapping tightly around her. He was warm, his little face pressing against the fabric of her gown, completely content in his mother’s hold.
Colin chuckled, stepping closer. “Alright, little man,” he said, reaching out. “Time to let go of Mama.”
As soon as Colin tried to take him, Thomas let out a whimper, clinging even tighter to Penelope. His bottom lip wobbled, and his big, watery eyes flicked between his parents, sensing that something was different.
“Oh,” Penelope murmured, rubbing his back. “Darling, we’ll be right back, I promise.”
Thomas’s face scrunched up, his little fingers gripping her dress as if letting go would be the worst thing in the world. A soft, pitiful cry started in his throat, and Penelope’s heart squeezed at the sound.
Colin sighed, exchanging a knowing glance with Penelope. “Well,” he said, amused. “That’s going to make leaving a little harder.”
Portia, ever the composed one, simply reached for Thomas’s tiny hand and patted it gently. “Oh, you poor darling,” she said sweetly. “But don’t worry, Grandmama is going to take very good care of you.”
Thomas’s only response was burying his face deeper into Penelope’s neck.
Penelope rocked him slightly, pressing another kiss to his forehead. “Colin,” she said, her voice full of regret. “Maybe—”
“No,” Colin interrupted, already knowing what she was about to say. “We’re going. We’ve barely had a night to ourselves.”
Penelope hesitated.
Portia sighed dramatically. “Honestly, you two act like you’re leaving for weeks instead of a few hours.” She reached out, gently taking Thomas from Penelope’s arms. “Come now, my darling,” she cooed. “Let’s not make a scene. We’ll have a wonderful evening together, won’t we?”
Thomas sniffled but let out a tiny hiccup as Portia settled him in her arms again. He still looked devastated, his chubby cheeks flushed from his near cry, but at least he wasn’t wailing.
Penelope smoothed his curls once more before reluctantly stepping back. “Alright,” she murmured. “We’ll be back soon.”
Colin, sensing her hesitation, quickly took her hand. “Before you change your mind,” he teased, guiding her toward the door.
She glanced back one last time, her heart aching slightly at the sight of Thomas watching her with wide, betrayed eyes.
Portia, ever in control, gave them a knowing smirk. “Go,” she urged. “I have everything under control.”
With one last deep breath, Penelope nodded and let Colin lead her outside.
As the door shut behind them, she exhaled. “That was harder than I thought.”
Colin squeezed her hand. “He’ll be okay.”
Colin swirled the champagne in his glass, his eyes scanning the ballroom filled with elegantly dressed guests. The Bridgerton Gala was in full swing of laughter, music, and conversation filled the grand hall. Yet, despite the beauty of the evening, his mind kept drifting elsewhere.
Specifically, to a little ginger-haired boy currently in the care of his grandmother.
Penelope sat beside him and leaned in slightly. “You’re thinking about him, aren’t you?” she murmured, amusement laced in her voice.
Colin sighed dramatically, setting his glass down on a nearby table. “Is it that obvious?”
She smiled, reaching for his hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Only because I am too.”
He turned to her fully, eyebrows raised. “Should we FaceTime them?”
Penelope bit her lip, glancing around the room. “Would that be ridiculous? We’ve only been gone for an hour.”
Colin scoffed. “Of course not. We’re responsible parents, checking in on our child.”
She hummed. “And not at all parents who just miss their baby?”
Colin grinned, Penelope already pulling her phone from her purse. “That too.”
Penelope quickly tapped on Portia’s contact and hit the video call button. It rang twice before Portia’s face appeared on screen, slightly dishevelled but looking far too smug.
“Well, well,” she greeted, adjusting the camera. “Couldn’t even last a full evening without checking in, could you?”
Penelope rolled her eyes but smiled. “Just wanted to see how things were going.”
Portia tilted the phone, revealing Thomas sitting on her lap, clutching onto one of his plush toys. His chubby cheeks were slightly flushed, and his wide eyes blinked at the screen curiously.
Colin immediately softened. “Hey, buddy!”
Thomas babbled something incomprehensible, his little hand smacking against the toy.
“Oh, we’re having a marvelous time,” Portia said breezily. “Ate a good dinner, had a little dance party—”
“A dance party?” Colin repeated, amused.
Portia smirked. “Well, I danced. Thomas wiggled along.”
Penelope melted. “I hope you took a video.”
“Of course,” Portia said, sounding almost offended by the question. “But I’ll save that for later.”
Colin narrowed his eyes. “You didn’t feed him too much sugar, did you?”
Portia gasped in mock offense. “Colin, please. Do I look like the kind of grandmother who would spoil her grandson to an unreasonable degree?”
Penelope and Colin shared a knowing look.
Portia sighed dramatically. “Fine, maybe just a little extra treat. But he’s perfectly fine, see?”
She angled the camera again, and Thomas let out a happy squeal, waving his little hands at them.
Penelope sighed wistfully. “I miss him.”
Portia shook her head. “You two go enjoy your evening. He’s perfectly happy here. And, dare I say, I think he’s enjoying himself more than you two are.”
Colin placed a hand over his heart. “Betrayed by my own son.”
Portia chuckled. “Alright, say goodnight to mummy and daddy, Thomas.”
Thomas clapped his hands together and let out another string of baby babble, but it was clear he was happy.
Penelope blew a kiss at the screen. “Goodnight, my love. We’ll see you soon.”
Colin grinned. “Love you, buddy.”
Portia waved. “Now go dance, drink, and pretend to enjoy yourselves.”
With that, the call ended, leaving Colin and Penelope staring at the phone with identical fond expressions. Colin handed the device back to his wife. “Well, I suppose we should at least try to have fun.”
Penelope looped her arm through his. “I think we can manage that.”
And with one last look at each other, they stepped back into the ballroom, ready to make the most of their night.