Epilogue

Epilogue

Christmas,

Five years later,

C elia's breath caught when her gaze found Jasper's. He sat on the sofa with their children gathered around. His cravat was around William's neck, and Mary was sitting on his knee as he read them a Christmas story. The vision left her breathless.

He glanced up and smiled at her after reading the last sentence. "They wanted to hear a story before bed."

"Papa, let us have another cake, too," Mary announced as she hugged Jasper.

Celia grinned. "That does not surprise me." She shot Jasper a playful look of reproach before turning her attention back to the children. "Alas, it is past your bedtimes."

"One more carol before we go. Please, Mama?" William asked, his green eyes pleading.

Mary slid off of Jasper's knee. "Yes, please?"

"Well, it is Christmas," Celia said, pretending to consider the children's request. "What do you think, Papa?" She asked Jasper, her voice teasing.

"I say we let them sing," he announced, then stood and went to the pianoforte.

Celia settled onto the bench beside him. "Which carol shall I play?"

"Joy to the World," Mary said in a sing-song fashion. "I do so love that one."

William nodded his agreement.

Celia danced her fingers over the ivory keys as Jasper wrapped his arm around her waist. Together with their children, they sang.

"Let every heart prepare him room. And heaven and nature sing, and heaven and nature sing…."

She watched her children with awe and wonder as they sang the words. William, much like his father in both looks and mannerisms, Mary a carbon copy of her. She wondered what the babe growing in her womb would be like.

"Joy to the world, now we sing…."

Her voice trailed off at the thought, and she fought the tears of joy pricking at her eyes.

"Let the angel voices ring."

She beamed at her children as they sang the last words. Happiness filled her to the point of bursting. She never would have guessed her long ago misadventure would have led to a lifetime of love. A doting husband, the sweetest children in the world, and more happiness than one person had a right to. She'd been blessed beyond imagining.

"Off to bed now." Jasper stood and placed his hand on William's shoulder. He nodded at the nanny, and she came forward to usher the children away, but not before Celia and Jasper kissed them goodnight.

Once the children had gone, Celia gave Jasper a flirtatious glance. "I have one more gift for you."

He slid closer. "Does it involve our bedchamber?"

"You're incorrigible." She swatted at him playfully.

"Only for you, sweetheart." He pulled her close and kissed her soundly.

Celia guided his hand to her belly and splayed her fingers over his. "We are expecting another babe."

"That is the best present you could ever give me." He stroked her cheek with the pad of his thumb. "You make my life complete. I love you, Celia. Today, tomorrow, always."

She gave a saucy grin. "Prove it."

He took her in his arms, and she knew he would do that very thing.