The hours passed quietly.
Jasper continued working long after the candles had burned low, the manor wrapped in a deep, undisturbed silence. Nicole remained in the office with him despite his gentle insistence that she return to their chambers. She had refused with a stubborn tilt of her chin, claiming she wanted to stay by his side.
He hadn't protested letting his wife stay in the office.
She was still new to the work her brows furrowed in concentration as she signed where he directed, occasionally glancing up at him for reassurance. Jasper stayed close, guiding her hand when needed, murmuring soft encouragement when her shoulders tensed.
"You're doing fine," he told her more than once. "There's no rush."
Nicole smiled each time, comforted by his presence more than the task itself.
Eventually, the inevitable happened.
