Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Two weeks later …

R afe strolled down the grand hallway of his country estate, cradling a large wicker basket. Inside, three tiny puppies wriggled over one another, their soft whimpers and playful growls mingling with the occasional peep of a few small chicks nestled beneath them. A curious piglet poked its snout through the wicker, snuffling at the air. The sight was as charming as it was chaotic, and Rafe chuckled at the thought of the mayhem about to descend upon his household.

The unmistakable sound of a carriage drawing up outside reached his ears. His mother was on her way back to town after an extended visit. His mother came down the last step of the staircase, her hat perfectly poised on her head, her expression one of genteel composure—until her eyes fell upon the basket in Rafe's arms.

Her lips parted in shock. "What on earth is happening, Rafe?" she asked, her voice tinged with incredulity. "Why are you carrying a basket filled with puppies, chicks, and … a piglet ?"

Rafe smiled down at the wriggling animals before meeting his mother's gaze. "Julia had a pet hen, a piglet, and dogs at her family's home in Penporth. She loved them dearly and spoke often of how much happiness they brought her. I wanted to create the same happy memories for her here."

Lady Ashton's eyes widened in disbelief. "You do realize, Rafe, that I am allergic to animals?" she said faintly.

Rafe leaned in and kissed her cheek. "I know, Mother. But I also know you'll survive it. If you cannot, we will visit you in town or Bath when we can," he said with a wink, then added, "Safe journey back to London."

She stood momentarily speechless, watching him as he continued down the hallway, whistling a merry tune.

"Rafe … do you love her?"

He stopped, the weight of her question settling between them. Turning slowly, he looked at his mother with a seriousness that cut through the lighthearted moment. "I love her with every emotion in my soul," he said, his voice steady and sincere.

Lady Ashton nodded, a small smile touching her lips. "I believe you do," she whispered, then walked to the front door.

Rafe watched her until his butler closed the door behind her departure. He resumed his journey down the hallway, the puppies eagerly trying to clamber out of the basket. He chuckled, shaking his head at their exuberance, and went to the drawing room where he knew he would find his girls and Julia.

As he entered, the scene before him made his heart swell. Julia and the girls were seated around a large canvas, their heads bent together in concentration as they worked on a painting. They didn't notice his arrival, so absorbed were they in their task. Rafe stepped closer, curious to see what had captivated them so thoroughly. As he peered over their shoulders, his breath caught in his throat. The painting depicted Grace and Emma running through a sunlit field, their faces alight with joy. And there, in the distance, was Anna, laughing and waving at them, her presence ethereal and tender, like a cherished memory brought to life on canvas.

Emotions welled inside him, a mixture of sorrow and gratitude, love and peace. He must have made a sound, for, at that moment, Julia and the girls looked up, their eyes shining excitedly when they saw what he held.

"Puppies!" they screamed in unison, their voices ringing with pure, unbridled joy.

The basket tipped, and the puppies tumbled out, darting across the room with wagging tails and playful barks. The girls scrambled to catch them, their laughter filling the room with warmth.

Julia rose from her seat, her eyes meeting Rafe's with a softness that made his heart ache in the best way. He crossed the room in a few strides, reaching out to her, and she took his hand without hesitation.

As the girls chased after the puppies, Rafe pulled Julia close, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. "Thank you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for bringing this joy into my life, for loving me and our girls, and for giving us this happiness."

Julia smiled up at him, her eyes brimming with love. "I love you."

They stood together, watching their daughters delight over the chicks and piglet.

"I am so glad you climbed that tree in Hyde Park and kicked your shoe at me."

"I did not deliberately kick at you."

"Sure," he said drolly. "Undoubtedly, you saw my handsomeness and wanted to flirt."

Julia laughed and walked over to play with the girls. Rafe vowed his family would always be filled with laughter, life, and love.

Thank you for reading Julia and Rafe's journey to happy ever after.