Epilogue

Fifteen years later…

E mily stood before her expansive mahogany wardrobe, her delicate hands folding gowns of various hues and textures. The soft rustle of silk and muslin filled the air as she placed each garment into the large wicker basket at her feet. As the years had passed, life had unfolded in a flurry of seasons, but each morning in their home still brought her a deep sense of peace. Today, however, there was a quiet nostalgia in the air—a reminder of how far she and Nicolas had come, of the life they had built together.

She paused, her fingers lingering on a lavender day dress, the fabric smooth and cool under her touch. Alice will adore this, she thought as she folded the frock. Emily was certain their faithful maid would delight in the gown’s simple elegance.

The floorboards outside her chamber creaked, and before she could turn, Emily felt the familiar presence of the man who had long since claimed her heart. The door swung open, and Nicolas stepped inside, the light from the hallway framing his tall figure. He filled the room with warmth even before his voice reached her ears.

“My love,” he called, his tone carrying that familiar hint of mischief she adored. “Sorting through old gowns, are we?”

She turned to face him, her heart skipping as it always did at the sight of his roguish grin and tousled dark hair. “Nicolas,” she said, her voice filled with delight. “I was not expecting you until this evening.”

He leaned casually against the doorframe, his green eyes twinkling with affection. “Ah, my dear Emily, surely you know by now that I delight in the unexpected.” He took a step closer, his gaze sweeping over her figure, his appreciation evident in the way his eyes lingered.

Emily felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she smoothed the front of her gown. “You have caught me in a rather undignified state.” She gestured to the pile of gowns and the wicker basket at her feet.

Nicolas crossed the room in a few easy strides, his hands reaching out to tuck a loose curl behind her ear. “Nonsense,” he said, his voice warm with affection. “You look as enchanting as ever.” His fingers lingered against her cheek, and she leaned into his touch, the simple gesture filling her with a familiar excitement.

“You flatter me, sir,” she said, though the flutter in her heart betrayed her calm exterior. “But I doubt you hurried home to watch me sort through old dresses.”

Nicolas’s grin widened. “Perhaps I did,” he said, his voice dropping as he stepped closer. “Though I must admit, I am far more interested in what lies beneath those gowns.” His hand brushed her waist, pulling her toward him.

Emily gasped, swatting him playfully on the arm. “Incorrigible as always.” She laughed, but her smile softened as she gazed up at him, the years of love between them clear in every glance, every touch.

“And you love me for it,” he said, pressing a kiss to her cheek, his voice low and tender.

“I do,” she said, her heart swelling with affection. “More than you know.”

They stood together in comfortable silence, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s presence. Emily’s gaze drifted to the ivory silk gown folded beside her, the red rosettes along the bodice catching the sunlight. She ran her fingers over the delicate embroidery, her thoughts wandering back to the day she had worn it—the day that had changed her life forever.

“This gown…brings back such fond memories.” Her voice trembled with the weight of emotion as the memories of their Christmas wedding flooded her mind. “It was the beginning of everything.”

His eyes softened as he covered her hand with his. “You cannot give this away,” he said, his voice quiet but firm. “It is more than just a dress, Emily. It is a symbol of the life we built, of the promises we made.” His eyes met hers, a spark of emotion flickering in their depths. “Someday, our Mary will wear this gown, and we will tell her the story of how her parents stood before a Christmas fire and vowed to love each other for eternity.”

Emily’s breath caught at the tenderness in his words, her heart swelling with love. “Mary.” She pictured their daughter’s bright eyes and infectious laughter. “She would adore that.”

Nicolas smiled, his gaze filled with affection. “Our daughter has a flair for drama, just like her mother. She will treasure this gown, as we have.”

Her hand trembled as she set the gown aside. She turned toward Nicolas, her chest tightening with a swell of emotion. “You have given me so much, Nicolas,” she said, her voice catching in her throat. “More than I ever thought possible. Our children, this home, the love we share... it is all I have ever dreamed of.”

His fingers traced her cheek, his gaze tender and filled with adoration. “And you have given me more than I ever deserved, my love. You saved me from myself. You brought light into my life when all I knew was darkness.” He leaned down, brushing his lips over hers. “I am forever grateful.”

As their kiss deepened, Emily’s heart raced, her body coming alive under his touch. The years had not dulled their passion, and every moment with Nicolas still felt as thrilling as their first. She melted into his embrace, her fingers threading through his hair as his hands traced the familiar curves of her body.

When they pulled apart, breathless and smiling, Nicolas’s gaze darkened with desire. “Shall we make new memories, my love?” He brushed his lips against her neck.

Her laughter bubbled up, her hands tugging him closer. “Always the rogue,” she teased, her voice filled with affection and anticipation. “Indeed, let us make more memories.”

With a playful grin, he scooped her into his arms, carrying her toward the bed. “For you, my dearest Emily.” He kissed her forehead. “I will always be the rogue who loves you beyond reason.”

As they tumbled onto the bed, their laughter mingling with the soft rustle of sheets, Emily’s heart soared. The years had been kind to them, and the love they shared had only grown deeper, more profound. This, she knew, was her forever—a life filled with love, laughter, and the promise of endless tomorrows with the man who had stolen her heart.

And as they lay entwined in each other’s arms, Emily knew that no matter what the future held, they would face it together—side by side, as they always had. For theirs was a love that had weathered the storms of life and come out stronger, brighter, and more enduring than either of them had ever dreamed possible.