Epilogue

Catherine couldn't believe that it had been almost an entire year since the events that had brought them all back together. Dominic had healed quickly and easily, just like Doctor Brown had told them. George Thompson had been apprehended by the constables, along with his two helpers, and they were to remain in prison for a very long time. While they were there, the divorce proceedings took place. After all, if they hadn't, they wouldn't be here today.

Those were the thoughts swirling inside Catherine's mind as she stood before the looking glass, admiring her new form. It was even more beautiful than she expected it to be, and with each passing day, she was growing; she was changing; she was becoming more beautiful and more ready. She knew that Dominic felt the same way.

At that moment, a knock on the door interrupted her.

"Yes?" she called out with a smile. She still had a little time left. A part of her remembered her own wedding and feeling those marital jitters. But that was different. She hadn't wanted to marry Dominic. Her brother and Annabel couldn't wait to do so.

The door opened and Dominic let himself in. He didn't say anything. He merely closed the door behind him, as a warm smile spread across his face.

"My dear," he said, his voice filled with tender affection as he crossed the room to stand behind her. "You look absolutely stunning."

"You always say that, you flatterer," she chuckled, as he wrapped his arms around her waist, his palms resting on her bourgeoning belly, which she wouldn't have been able to hide even if she wanted to. The truth was that she wanted to shout it to the entire world that she was pregnant with the man she loved and that they were to start a family of their own.

"I always say that because it is true," he grinned in the reflection. "You should stop being so stunning all the time, and maybe I'll stop saying it."

"Maybe I like it when you say it," she teased.

He buried his nose into her neck, making her giggle. "That tickles!"

"I love it when you laugh like that," he murmured against her skin. "So happily, without any restraint."

"Well, that is all because of you," she smiled in the reflection.

"Me, you say?" he replied playfully.

"Yes," she nodded. "You showed me… the error of my ways, let's call them?"

He laughed at her choice of words, which she knew he would. "You could call it that. The truth was that I was an oaf, and you were kind enough to give me a second chance."

"I wouldn't have given it to you unless I thought you deserved it," she said, turning to him and cupping his face with her hands. "And you, my love, look as handsome as ever."

His eyes sparkled with affection as he drew her into his embrace, holding her close with a gentle tenderness that spoke volumes of his love and devotion. "I cannot imagine my life without you," he whispered, his words a heartfelt declaration of his unwavering commitment to their shared future.

With a sigh of contentment, Catherine rested her head against his chest, her heart overflowing with gratitude for the man who had captured her heart so completely. "And I cannot imagine mine without you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she savored the sweet embrace of their love. "Now, let us witness another loving couple promise themselves to each other," she smiled.

Together, they walked hand in hand out of her chamber and down the staircase. The wedding of her brother and Annabel was to take place in the marvelous garden of Fairhaven Estate, and Catherine had assured to make it a magical occasion. As Dominic led them to their designated place, Catherine couldn't help but be in awe of what she, Annabel, and little Rosie managed to do.

Brightly colored bunting fluttered in the breeze, adding a cheerful touch to the scene as it danced merrily overhead. Tables adorned with crisp white linens were dotted throughout the garden, each one adorned with simple yet elegant floral arrangements in hues of soft pastels and vibrant greens.

Underneath the sprawling branches of ancient trees, guests mingled and laughed, their faces illuminated by the warm glow of the sun. A sense of joy and anticipation hung in the air, mingling with the scent of freshly cut grass and blooming flowers.

At the heart of the garden, a rustic wooden archway stood adorned with wildflowers and trailing vines, creating a natural and inviting backdrop for the ceremony. A carpet of petals lined the aisle, leading the way for the bride as she made her entrance, her beauty radiant in the morning light.

As the ceremony began, birdsong filled the air, adding a melodic soundtrack to the heartfelt exchange of vows. The gentle rustle of leaves and the soft murmur of conversation provided a soothing backdrop to the proceedings, creating a sense of intimacy and connection among the gathered guests.

It was truly a sight to behold. Catherine watched as her brother promised his love and devotion to a woman his heart belonged to, and Catherine knew that they would make each other truly happy, just like she and Dominic did. It was difficult finding a kindred spirit, a soulmate, because life tended to place many obstacles on such an important path. However, those who persevered would always be rewarded in the end.

As the ceremony drew to a close, Catherine relished the sight with a joyful heart as the guests mingled and laughed, their faces alight with the glow of happiness and celebration.

The garden buzzed with the hum of conversation, the air filled with the soft murmur of laughter and the clinking of glasses. Lost in the warmth of the moment, Catherine found herself lost in contemplation, reflecting on the beauty of the occasion and the love that filled the air. It was a sight to behold, a testament to the power of love and the joy of new beginnings.

Catherine found a solitary place underneath a weeping willow tree, slightly away from the hustle, in an effort to calm down the baby, who seemed to want to participate in the dancing part of the festivities. She gently placed her hand on her belly.

"Soon, my love," she murmured softly to her baby. "Soon you will be with us, and you will be the most important part of everything we do."

Her reverie was interrupted by Aunt Penelope, who approached her with a smile. "Do you mind if you join you, my dear?"

"Not at all," Catherine smiled back. "Please, take a seat." She huddled to the side of the bench, making some room.

"What a lovely occasion this has been," Aunt Penelope gushed as she settled onto the bench next to Catherine. "It warms my heart to see young people so in love, especially you and Dominic."

Catherine's heart swelled with gratitude for this sweet woman's kind words. "Thank you, Aunt Penelope," she replied, her voice soft but sincere. "It truly has been a magical day, filled with love and joy."

With a gentle squeeze of her hand, Aunt Penelope nodded in understanding, her eyes twinkling with affection. "I cannot wait for the little bundle of joy to come and greet us all with its grace. You will come often to visit, won't you, my dear?"

Catherine nodded. "You will not be able to get rid of us," she chuckles. "I can promise you that. I still remember how you made me feel so welcome in your home, right after Dominic and I got married."

"I could sense some… turmoil back then," Aunt Penelope spoke wisely. "I do not sense it any longer, thank heavens."

"Yes," Catherine nodded equally gratefully. "Everything is perfect now."

"I hope it remains like that forever, my dear. Cherish those you love, for they can leave all too soon," Aunt Penelope said, standing up.

"I will remember those words, thank you," Catherine replied.

Aunt Penelope nodded one more time, then she went back to the festivities, but Catherine did not have a chance to remain solitary for much longer, because Annabel appeared shortly after.

"Are you tired of us already?" she teased.

"No, no, of course not," Catherine chuckled. "The little one is tiring me out. I think he or she will be a dancer."

"A dancer," Annabel chuckled. Then she pressed her hand to her belly. "I wonder what ours will be."

It took Catherine a moment or two to register what Annabel had just told her. Then a broad smile graced her lips. "Wait… do you mean to say—"

"Shhh," Annabel chuckled, pressing her finger to her own lips. "It's still a secret. I haven't told anyone, not even Reggie."

"No?" Catherine gasped in pleasant surprise. "But he will be overjoyed!"

"I know," Annabel nodded. "I plan on telling him tonight as my wedding gift to him."

Catherine was washed over by a tidal wave of tenderness for both Annabel and her husband, who could not have found better kindred spirits for each other. They were truly destined to be, just like she felt about Dominic.

"I think he will love it," Catherine gushed. "Just like he loves you…"

"Catherine, I… I just wanted to thank you," Annabel suddenly said.

"For what?" Catherine wondered. She thought that Annabel was referring to the rescue mission, but she didn't take any part in it. "I didn't really do anything."

"No, I mean you and Reggie," Annabel clarified. "You helped him become the man he is today. A tender, thoughtful husband. The best father. A good man. None of this would have happened without you by his side, as his sister. You taught him to see beyond the superficial, like most men do. And for that… I will always be grateful. Rosie and I will always be grateful…"

"Oh, Annabel," Catherine gushed, embracing her sister-in-law tenderly.

The two remained embraced for a long time, then Catherine released her with a smile. "How about we go back and join the festivities?"

"Yes, let's." Annabel took her by the hand and led her back to the party.

As soon as she arrived, Dominic found her easily. "Where did you disappear off to?" he wondered, kissing her cheek gently.

"Did you miss me?" she asked playfully.

"Terribly," he admitted with a sly smile.

"Good," she smirked. "Now, you may ask me for a dance. And I might say yes."

"You might?" he asked. Then she remembered the funny, made-up name of the gentleman who was supposed to be her dance partner at the ball where they met.

"Yes, unless Lord Studlofuntington arrives, of course," she said gravely, as if she meant every word of it.

The mention of that name made him burst into a roaring chuckle. "I almost forgot all about that made-up name."

"Shhh," she said in a conspiratorial manner. "If he hears you, he might take offense."

"Let him," he said, grabbing her by the hand and pulling her into an embrace. "You are mine… now and forever, and no one will ever take you away from me…"

She smiled as he led her towards the other dancing couples, and she knew that they would be as happy as they were at that moment for the rest of their lives.

THE END ?

Can"t get enough of Catherine and Dominic? Then make sure to check out the Extended Epilogue to find out…

How will Catherine and Dominic's lives evolve at the Fairhaven Estate and how will they react to Rosie's unexpected arrival?

What special significance will the names Edward and Eleanor hold for the couple?

What challenges will Catherine fear she would face as a mother, and how will Dominic reassure her?