Epilogue

T ravis Alexander Blackburn Greystoke was the center of attention. He'd come into the world kicking and screaming, telling the world the newest Greystoke had arrived. Of course, the brothers had to meet their nephew, and celebrate the new heir of Greystoke.

While the men drank brandy, the women cooed over the newborn babe. Aunt cried. She would deny it, but the dear woman held that little infant and gazed on him like he was the only baby in the world. The proud Papa would most likely agree with her.

"To the new heir of Greystoke." Nathaniel raised his glass.

"Here. Here." Edmund echoed.

"I can think of no better reason to celebrate," Aaron added. It would seem the Greystoke line would continue.

"A few more toasts and you will need to open another bottle, Nathaniel."

The proud father grinned from ear to ear. "I bought a case just for the occasion."

"Good show." Edmund emptied his glass and held it out for more.

"I suppose the ton will be wondering what the Greystoke Brothers will do next." The ton spent too much time gossiping about Aaron and his brothers. With the three of them off the market, as Aunt would put it, the gossipmongers would need to find a new scapegoat to sink their teeth into. He could care less. All of his focus was on his wife.

He glanced over to Rebekah, and his breath caught in his throat. It was hard to believe the beautiful woman belonged to him. From this day forward, he vowed to treasure the gift he'd been given.

"With all three of us married and off the market, the ton will need to find a new clan to wager on."

"An indiscretion is bound to make itself known." All eyes turned to Aunt Penelope. The woman was above reproach, but she had her secrets. And the woman was a master at hiding them.

He laughed.

"And the lord or lady will be fodder for the gossip mill," Nathaniel added.

"I care not for the wagers. I have a wedding to attend." Edmund gazed at Joyanna adoringly.

Good God. The brothers had become saps.

"That will definitely be in White's book."

"We are not here to place wagers. We are toasting my son."

"Here. Here."

Aaron rebuked his brother. "You might want to wait for the toast, Edmund."

"Whatever it is, I'm for opening another bottle." Edmund turned his focus to Nathaniel. "This is excellent brandy, brother. Did you perhaps, find it in the caves?"

"Thank God, that bounder is gone," Nathaniel said with a shake of his head.

"Here. Here." Edmund took a swallow from his topped off glass. "You didn't answer my question."

"No, Edmund. I did not find a case of brandy in the caves."

"Where'd you get it?" Aaron asked.

"Let's say I found a new merchant."

Edmund chuckled. "I knew this was bloody good stuff."

"Nathaniel, as much as I enjoy our refreshment, don't get so imbibed that you won't be able to help your wife tend to the baby this evening." What were brothers for, if they couldn't gibe each other?

"That's what nannies are for," Edmund replied.

"Good God, don't let your wife hear you say that?"

"Why? It's not my wife who just had a baby."

"I believe, brother, you are on your way to being tanked."

"You always could drink me under the table."

Aaron grinned, proud of that statement. "I must congratulate you, Nathaniel, on a job well done."

"Thank you, brother." Nathaniel clinked his glass with Aaron, then turned it bottoms up.

As much as Aaron liked to imbibe his wife might not be too happy with him, either, if he got sloshed. But then, he'd never had a problem with whisky. Until…

Aaron glanced over to the women, and singled out his wife. However it had come about, he thanked the saints again that he was married to the love of his life.

The baby cooed, and the women sighed.

Aaron could not believe a living being could be so small. "Surely we were never that tiny."

Edmund gave him a look. "You do know where babies come from?"

Aaron's brows screwed up on his forehead. "What the devil kind of questions is that?"

"A woman can only bare a baby so big."

Now he felt like an ass. "No need to get specific, brother."

"Then don't act like a dunce."

Aaron tried to explain. "I just meant, look how big we are now."

"It's called growing up."

Smart mouth.

Aaron shot right back. "Too bad you never did."

Nathaniel spoke up, interrupting. "One day, Travis will be as tall as me."

"Or me," Aaron couldn't help but antagonize his brother.

Nathaniel glared. "A quarter inch, brother?"

Aaron laughed. "Can't stand it, can you?"

"I believe I'll go speak with someone who actually possesses some intelligence." Nathaniel sauntered off to go look at his offspring.

He was a cute little bugger, all red and wrinkled. The way he was wrapped up, his face was the only thing showing. But Serena assured them he had all of his fingers and toes. And a mass of curly hair.

The clencher was how something so small could have such a big impact. Everyone in the room was focused on the tiny bundle. Every person in that room was ready to do battle for him. Travis had their love and their loyalty. With so much love for one little creature, the baby was bound to grow up happy.

He would have a very different upbringing than Aaron and his brothers.

The room had grown quiet. He supposed the baby had gone to sleep. Little stirrings of babies and children danced about in Aaron's mind.

"Good God, it was not that long ago I didn't want a wife. Now I'm thinking about children."

Edmund slapped Aaron on the back. "Welcome to married life, brother."

"You have two more weeks before the noose goes around your neck."

"And never has a man so willingly went to the gallows." Edmund laughed.

"You two behave. You don't want to scare little Travis."

Aaron looked over his shoulder as his wife stepped next to his side. "He's asleep," Aaron told her.

"And Serena would like to keep him that way."

"That's my cue to go to my fiancée. Two more weeks, brother. I can hardly wait."

Aaron pulled Rebekah into his arms. "Is it me, or is that baby making everyone in this room maudlin?"

"Babies can do that. They are so sweet. So innocent."

"Before I met you, I didn't even think of having a wife or a family. You've humbled me, Rebekah. I am nothing without you."

"I love you, darling."

"And I love you, wife." He gave a slight shake of his head. "I don't know if I will ever get used to saying my wife . It seems so surreal."

He enfolded her in a warm embrace, enjoying the feel of Rebekah in his arms. "My brother looks happy."

"He is a proud father."

"He has a wife who loves him, and now a son. Gives a man ideas."

"Oh? What kind of ideas?"

Aaron looked down at his wife. God, he loved this woman.

"I am who I am, Rebekah. I married you, and every day I'm glad of it. I want you with me for always. I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Neither would I. I love you, Aaron."

"Every time you look at me, I feel loved. I think it would be nice to have a little one with your eyes. I can hardly imagine a little girl looking at me the way you do."

Rebekah smiled the most beautiful, most rewarding smile a woman could give a man. His heart was ready to burst.

Before he could stop himself, he was lowering his mouth to hers.

THE END