Epilogue

Three weeks later—Shadowcrest's Chapel

S terling paced behind the chapel, eager to get on with the ceremony. He looked to Silas, who stood looking out at the perfect September morning. His friend appeared so calm.

"How can you be standing there so patient?" he demanded. "I am champing at the bit. Ready to make Allegra mine."

His friend, a man with whom he had spent many a wild night over the years, smiled at him. "Patience, Sterling. I know it is not your strong suit."

The only place he had shown patience was in bed. With Allegra. After he had purchased the special license in Doctors' Commons and made a quick trip to Carrollwood to inform his staff that he would be bringing home his countess in a few weeks, he had returned to Shadowcrest. Allegra had come to him each night. They had not wanted to wait to consummate their marriage. If a babe appeared a couple of weeks before nine months, well, babes did that kind of thing. Came in their own time.

And every babe that Allegra birthed would be one who was utterly and completely loved.

Sterling showed the most incredible patience in bed, teasing and tormenting his sweet love until she was panting with desire. Lovemaking with Allegra had been a totally unique experience, unlike his couplings with any other woman. She was fire and light and love, all rolled into one.

"I am merely ready to be wed," he told Silas.

The two men had grown close over the past few weeks. Silas, too, had gone straight from London to Chase Oaks to take care of business matters and make certain preparations had begun to welcome his wife to her new home. Fortunately, Carrollwood was in East Sussex, slightly over fifty miles from Chase Oaks, located in Essex. While not close neighbors, the distance could be covered by two good teams of horses in three hours or so, with Shadowcrest situated between the two estates. Sterling believed the two men would be seeing one another often because their wives would require regular visits between their families and their loved ones in Kent.

He looked to Silas, whom he had gambled and wenched with many a night, content that their friendship had taken a new turn. Both men had found love, and their priorities had changed drastically. Sterling looked at Silas as the brother he had never had, just as he looked upon Lyric as a sister.

Of course, the Strongs had pulled both men into the loving arms of their family, something he would be eternally grateful for. He was able to see how a true family acted toward one another and was determined he would raise his in the same vein.

James appeared. It was still a little difficult for Sterling to call the duke anything but His Grace, but he was trying hard to do so.

"The family has all been seated. My cousins' carriage is almost here. Sophie and Dinah said you are to come inside."

He looked to Silas. "It looks as if we are doing this."

Silas grinned. "It appears that way. Shall we?"

While they stepped through the rear door of the chapel, James parted from them, heading around the chapel to the front. No doubt he wanted to greet his cousins before taking a seat with the rest of the family.

As they entered the building and moved to the front, he looked out at the large, extended family he would now be claiming as his own. Though he and Silas had yet to meet Pippa and Seth, who would not return to England for some time, they had become friendly with August and Georgie, who had arrived from Scotland less than ten minutes after all the betrothals had been announced. The marquess and marchioness were a delight, and when Sterling looked at August, he barely saw the scars the man bore from his time at war or gave August's eyepatch a second thought.

Aunt Matty had arrived a week later, bringing Mirella, Effie, and Miss Feathers, the governess, with her. The older woman mothered both Silas and him, while Mirella and Effie were friendly. Mirella, who planned to make her come-out next Season, would undoubtedly take the ton by storm with her beauty and poise. Effie, who was a tomboy and the most outspoken girl he had ever met, was a sheer delight. Sterling hoped his new sisters would find as satisfying a love as he and Allegra had.

The two men stood at the front of the chapel, the local clergyman from the village next to them.

Leaning close, he told Silas, "Lyric did an outstanding job decorating the chapel."

His friend grinned. "She did have help from her sisters, but it was all her vision. I cannot wait for her to get her hands on the gardens at Chase Oaks."

James appeared, striding down the aisle and taking a seat beside Sophie, who was enormous at this point. The babe was due to come sometime next week. Sterling prayed that Sophie would at least make it through the wedding without interruption.

James nodded to Mirella, who sat at the pianoforte, and she began to play. The doors opened, and Caleb Strong stepped through the arch, one of his sisters on each arm. Proudly, the Shadowcrest steward led the trio up the aisle.

His heart melted at the sight of Allegra. Her stable hair was piled high atop her head, and her wedding gown hugged her curves. Caleb kissed her cheek and handed her off to Sterling, who slipped his bride's hand through the crook of his arm. He basked in the warmth of her, still amazed that this lovely creature was all his. Or would be, as soon as they spoke their vows.

They did so, his voice strong, his heart committed to the woman by his side. When Sterling slid the wedding band onto Allegra's finger, a sense of calm enveloped him.

He looked on as Silas and Lyric repeated their own vows. Lyric's russet hair was brushed back from her face, swept into a simple chignon. She carried an arrangement of orange blossoms, a scent she often wore, while Allegra held a bouquet of celosia and asters. Both arrangements had been put together by Mrs. Andrews for her nieces.

Silas's face told the world how much he loved his bride. Sterling supposed his own reflected the great love he held for Allegra.

Then his friend slid Lyric's wedding band onto her hand, and both couples faced the clergyman. A final prayer was offered, and then the man announced they were husbands and wives.

He took his countess into his arms for a slow, lingering kiss. Their first as man and wife, with thousands more to come over the years.

Breaking the kiss, he gazed down at his bride. "I love you, darling Allegra."

"I love you more, you handsome devil," she teased.

They moved up the aisle to applause, which came from not only the Strong family but others who had come from the village to witness the double ceremony. Also present were the newly-wedded Lord and Lady Motley, along with Lady Viola. Seated beside them were the new Lord and Lady Lamkin, as well. Lord Tillings had sent his regrets, saying his and Miss Bancroft's wedding would be taking place the following day at her parish church in Somerset. The viscount had invited them to visit whenever they liked, however, and they all looked forward to attending next Season together.

Sterling assisted Allegra into the coach and climbed in beside her, stealing another kiss from her. Silas and Lyric joined them, and the coachman drove them the short distance to Shadowcrest. He would return for the duke and duchess. These days, the duchess only took a few steps at a time, saying she grew short of breath even crossing a room.

Soon, everyone was gathered at the wedding breakfast. Toasts were made and food was eaten. Mrs. Andrews had hired some local musicians, and even dancing occurred during the celebration.

Captain Andrews pulled Sterling and Silas aside, telling them, "You have wed true jewels, gentlemen. Treat them kindly and love them well. Dinah looks upon those girls as hers because she raised them. That means I am their father now—and you will have to answer to me," he joked.

"We are happy to be related to you, Captain," he said. "But it is time we said our goodbyes."

"I agree," Silas said.

Both men were taking their brides to their country estates. Trunks had already been packed and loaded, and Sterling went to find Allegra.

"It is time," he said. "We will be back in a week or so," he promised.

Both twins had insisted upon returning to Shadowcrest once Sophie had given birth. He readily agreed, knowing he would have his wife to himself for a week or more. Besides, he did not mind returning to Kent to celebrate the birth of the duke and duchess' first child.

They made a quick trip about the room, thanking their guests for coming. Then all the Strongs went outside where the carriages were waiting. Allegra and Lyric hugged all their relatives and then each other, whispering in one another's ears and giggling.

He handed Allegra into his coach and waved goodbye to everyone. "We will see you soon."

Once inside, the door closed behind him, he scooped up his bride and placed her in his lap as the carriage traveled down the lane.

"What did you and Lyric find so humorous?" he asked.

She blushed. "Just twin talk," she said.

"Might it have to do with comparing wedding nights?" he said knowingly.

"Oh, you are impossible," his countess declared before wrapping her arms about his neck and kissing him thoroughly.

After a long time, she broke the kiss. "How long did you say it is until we reach Carrollwood?" she asked, mischief written across her heart-shaped face.

"If you are asking if we have time to make love in a moving carriage, we most certainly do."

"It is bouncing along the road, almost as riding a horse is," she noted. "I think I would like to be on top, Lord Carroll. I rather like that position because I feel in control when I ride you."

He kissed her. "And I like you there, Lady Carroll."

As their carriage bumped merrily along to East Sussex, they made love not once—but twice.

And both times were the best couplings of his life.

Sterling held Allegra close, her face buried in his neck as she snuggled against him.

"I love you, Sterling," she murmured.

"I love you, Allegra. Forever and ever."