Epilogue

One year later

Miles cradled his newborn baby boy in his arms and his heart overflowed with a sense of gratitude. He couldn't quite believe the immense love that he already held for this little one. He was a father now, and he would do anything in his power to protect his son.

Edwina, still recovering from the labor, turned to face him on the bed. Her hair was tousled, and her appearance was a bit disheveled, but to him, she looked more beautiful than ever. How he loved this woman. She had given him a gift that he could never repay.

Glancing down at their baby, she said, "You have your son- your heir."

"It is true, but I would have been just as pleased if it were a daughter," Miles stated. And it was the truth. All he wanted was a healthy child.

"Well, there is always next time," Edwina quipped lightly.

Miles leaned in to press a gentle kiss to her lips. "You did well, my love. I do not think I could have gone through what you just did."

A small smile played on Edwina's lips. "I will admit that it was not exactly pleasant, but the reward was worth it. We have a son."

"Yes, we do," Miles said proudly.

The sound of someone clearing their throat drew Miles' attention. Dr. Mecham stood at the foot of the bed, holding his bag in his hand.

"Will that be all, my lord?" Dr. Mecham asked.

Adjusting the baby in his arms, Miles replied, "I would like for you to stay on for a few more days to ensure that my wife and child are both healthy."

Dr. Mecham tipped his head in understanding. "Of course," he said before he departed from the room.

Edwina eyed him curiously. "Must he really stay? He has patients in London that require his attention."

"It is wholly necessary," Miles replied. "I can't risk anything happening to you or our son."

"But he has already been with us for weeks," Edwina remarked.

Miles nodded. "And it was worth every penny. I wanted to ensure that you had the best care possible, and Dr. Mecham is one of the most respected doctors in England."

Edwina shook her head in amusement. "Our village doctor would have been just fine."

"Perhaps, but I couldn't take any chances with your well-being," Miles said. "You are my whole world."

"And now our world is expanding," Edwina remarked, shifting her gaze towards their son. "We need to come up with a name for him."

"I had thought once I saw our child, a name would come easily, but now that I hold him in my arms, I am at a loss," Miles admitted. "He looks like a baby."

Edwina laughed. "I tried to warn you. "

Miles held the baby up. "Are you a Michael? An Adam? A William?" he asked. "I do not think I have a knack for naming babies."

"What about John?" Edwina suggested.

He sobered. "Are you sure?"

Edwina bobbed her head. "I think it would be a fine tribute to your brother."

Miles' heart swelled with emotion. "What about naming him Richard- after your father?" he proposed.

Leaning forward, Edwina gently moved the blanket away from their son's face. "We can name our next son Richard."

Tears welled up in Miles' eyes as he gazed at his wife and child, overwhelmed with love. "Thank you," he said softly.

Edwina rested her head against his shoulder, her eyes not straying from the baby. "There is no need to thank me."

"But there is," Miles insisted, kissing her forehead. "You have already given me everything."

"I am doing what any dutiful wife does," Edwina said, dismissing his praise.

Miles shifted on the bed so he could look his wife in her eyes. "This past year with you has been the happiest I have ever been. Every day I find that I love you more than the day before."

Edwina held his gaze, her eyes shining with emotion. "And each day, I fall deeper in love with you, Miles."

The door swung open and Lady Dallington appeared with a bright smile on her face. She approached the bed and asked, "How are you faring, Dear?"

Straightening up, Edwina replied, "I am well."

"You should rest," Lady Dallington advised. "I could take the baby until he is ready to feed."

"Oh, must you?" Edwina asked.

Lady Dallington's eyes held understanding. "Is it not amazing how something so small can completely change our world? "

"It is," Edwina agreed. "We have decided to name him John."

As if in response to his name being spoken, the baby stirred in his sleep, making Miles chuckle.

"Hello, John," Lady Dallington cooed, leaning in to get a closer look at the baby.

Miles spoke up. "I will hold John while Edwina rests."

"Very well," Lady Dallington conceded. "I will leave you be for a while, but I will come check on you soon enough."

Once they were alone again, Miles said, "Your aunt is right. You should rest."

"I don't think I can," she replied. "I can't seem to stop looking at John. It just seems too wonderful that we have a child."

"I understand, but do try to rest. From what I have been told, this is the calm before the storm," Miles stated.

In a hesitant voice, Edwina asked, "Do you think I will make a good mother?"

Miles took her hand in his. "My dear, you are the best of wives. I have no doubt that you will be the best of mothers."

"Do be serious."

"I am," Miles responded. "You, Edwina, will be a brilliant mother. Your kind heart and nurturing spirit make you more than qualified for this role."

Edwina's worries seemed to fade away as she looked at him. "I suppose I am just nervous."

"Raising children will be an adventure," Miles reassured her. "One that I cannot wait to embark on with you by my side."

The baby let out a soft cry, drawing their attention.

"Do you suppose something is wrong?" Edwina asked anxiously, her brows drawn together in concern.

Miles shook his head, smiling fondly at his wife. He could see the exhaustion etched on her face and he knew she needed sleep. "Rest, my dear," he encouraged. "I will ensure John is well taken care of."

A yawn came to Edwina's lips. "I am a little tired," she admitted. "Perhaps I shall rest for a bit."

As Miles settled onto the bed, holding their baby close to his chest and watching Edwina drift off to sleep, he knew he had everything he needed. Right here. In this room.

He didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but for now, he was content. Everything he had experienced in his life had led him to this moment. And it had been worth it. For what a glorious moment this was indeed.

The End