Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Eight Months Later

A t the front of the church, the couple looked out at the audience and back again. Light streamed in through the tall windows and bathed the young couple in a warm glow, making them appear truly angelic.

Judith sat in the front row and beamed at her stepmother, who grabbed her hand and squeezed it.

"How I wish your father was alive to see this," Matilda said quietly through suppressed tears.

Judith nodded. "But I think he is with us."

She wasn't sure why she always looked up at the sky when she thought of her father. She felt that he and her mother were always around her. Maybe it was because of the light shining down on Elizabeta—whom Judith had taken to calling Lizzy—and Oliver like a glow from heaven.

Only six months had passed since the Italian beauty had come to England to be with him. Judith had immediately liked her sister-in-law. Elizabeta was beautiful and serene, but more importantly, she was kind and sweet and genuinely cared about her brother. Both her brothers, in fact, because when John had come home from Eton, Elizabeta had immediately taken to him as well. Matilda had welcomed her into the family right away, as had Judith.

It was wonderful to have a sister, at last. Judith cherished her friendship with Elizabeta, having always wanted a sister, and now she had one.

She glanced over her shoulder to see Joanna sitting beside Sally, who was sitting next to Leonard, who was sitting next to the sisters' parents, Lord and Lady Carlisle. Looking directly behind her, she caught the eye of her best friend, Rosy, who was sitting beside her husband.

Rosy's stomach was rounded, and she would soon have her first child, which was a blessing, as that meant their children would be born very close to each other and might become very good friends. Judith could hardly believe she was with child herself.

She had only been married for four months, but she had been blessed. She placed a hand on her stomach and then put the other one on top of Aaron's arm.

"Can you believe it was us just a few months ago?" she whispered.

He nodded. "Time flies, does it not?" he whispered, and Judith took a deep breath. "And soon we will be back for our little one's Christening."

"We will, but I am so torn. I want to be Rosy's child's godmother, but won't that cause offense?"

"She or he can always have more godparents. Better too many than too few," he said. "I would like to ask Graham."

Judith bit her bottom lip because the truth was, while Graham had been extremely gracious, he was still the man she had almost married. She looked to her right, where he was seated a few rows back, and he nodded at her. He had a smile on his lips and did not seem to hold a grudge. She knew he had never loved her in that way, but still, she had felt bad.

"Do you not think it would be cruel," she asked Aaron, "to make him the godfather of the child of the woman he almost married? Especially since he is still not married, and we know that is his dream."

"It might be if I did not think he would be married by then, but I think he will be. He is determined. Besides, he mentioned earlier that the young lady sitting next to him is someone he has had his eye on for many years."

"Many years?" Judith echoed, genuinely surprised.

"Yes, many years ago, but she was engaged to somebody else. He was delighted to see her here at the wedding. I dare say, maybe…" he trailed off.

"We have to make sure that they have plenty of time together. We can't miss the opportunity," Judith urged. "I hope you understand that I genuinely want him to be happy. I feel guilty for what happened, but that is not what I wish for my friend—he is a decent man."

She couldn't deny that she still carried some guilt.

At the altar, the vicar declared her brother and Elizabeta husband and wife. Cheers erupted in the church, and she saw the look of surprise on her brother's face when he looked back and saw the congregation. It was almost as if he had forgotten how many people had come to his wedding.

It was true. Oliver had been extremely worried about not being able to replicate his father's success, both as a peer and in managing the estate. He had instituted monthly meetings at the estate with their tenants, where they were given the opportunity to voice their grievances directly with him and the steward. This was something the late Marquess of Worcester had talked about but never implemented.

Doing so had immediately endeared Oliver to those who lived on his estate, especially because he was always quick to listen and take action to address their issues.

His wife, likewise, was adored by their tenants. Although Judith was almost certain they did not know her well, she said quietly as her brother and sister-in-law stepped out of the church, "I am so pleased that Oliver stuck to his resolve to marry Elizabeta, even though there was some resistance."

"I wasn't surprised that people were against it, given that she's a commoner and he's a marquess, but I think you give your brother too little credit. He has always had resolve. He has always known what he wanted. He just didn't know how to get it. Elizabeta is good for him, and I think he knows that, which is why he did not allow anybody to come between them. Although I think perhaps he learned that lesson from my mistakes."

Judith and Aaron followed everyone out of the church, walking hand in hand. As they stepped into the sunlight, Judith's heart swelled with joy. The guests gathered outside, showering the newlyweds with congratulations and good wishes.

She couldn't help but smile, thinking of her own wedding just a few months ago.

Back at her childhood home, Judith found the ballroom bustling with activity for the wedding breakfast. She looked around, taking in the grandeur of the event. The tables were laden with arrays of delicacies, from pastries and fruits to assortments of meats and cheeses. The room was filled with the chatter and laughter of guests, many of whom were higher-ranking members of society.

Judith compared it to her own wedding breakfast, which had been much smaller and was held at Aaron's home, where she now lived. She had wanted a small, intimate gathering with just their closest friends, and it had been perfect. But Oliver, being a marquess, had felt the need for a larger event, as was expected of his station.

As Judith scanned the room, her eyes landed on the Lord Chancellor, who was deep in conversation with her brother. She smiled, pleased to see Oliver handling his new role with such grace.

Just then, Graham approached her, and she felt a twinge of awkwardness. She hadn't talked to him for a while. He would spend time with Aaron or Oliver or both, but she was not usually a party to those gatherings. In addition, he had been out of town for several months, busy with selling some of the businesses he'd inherited from his father.

"Judith," he said warmly, "it's good to see you."

"Graham," she returned, trying to hide her unease. "I'm happy to see you, too. You seem well."

"I am," he said, looking genuinely pleased. "And I'm happy to see you happy."

His eyes flicked to her stomach, and she instinctively placed a hand there.

"Thank you." She smiled softly. "I'm sorry again for what happened between us."

He held up a hand to stop her. "There's no need for apologies, Judith. I believe everything happens for a reason." He nodded toward a young lady across the room who smiled at them. "I think all will be well."

Judith followed his gaze and felt a wave of relief. "I'm glad to hear that. And thank you for coming. It means a lot to us."

"I just wanted to congratulate you on your brother's marriage and your impending addition to the family," he offered sincerely.

"Thank you, Graham," she said, smiling. "I hope our difficult past won't stop you from being friends with Aaron."

He laughed, a genuine, hearty sound. "It would take a team of three-hundred oxen to tear Aaron and me apart. In fact, I hope we will all be close friends."

Judith felt a weight lift from her shoulders. "That would be wonderful."

With a nod, Graham took his leave, and she watched him go, feeling a sense of closure.

She then joined Rosy, who was seated at a nearby table, a slice of cake already in front of her.

"Would you like to share?" Rosy asked, her eyes twinkling.

Judith smiled and took a fork. "Of course. Though I must admit, I could go for something savory too."

Rosy laughed. "And maybe something else sweet afterward. I always thought other ladies were exaggerating when they told tales about being with child, but now I know they were right."

Judith nodded, savoring a bite of cake. "It's true. The cravings are real and constant!"

The two friends fell silent, enjoying the cake and each other's company.

"It's wonderful, isn't it?" Rosy asked softly. "Knowing our children will grow up together."

Judith's heart swelled at her words. "Yes, it is. I couldn't ask for more. I feel so blessed."

Rosy reached over and squeezed her friend's hand. "We're both so happy, Judith. It's everything we dreamed of."

Judith nodded, her eyes misting slightly. "It is. And to think, just a year ago, everything seemed so different."

Before they could delve further into their conversation, Oliver approached them with a gentle smile. "Judith, may I have a moment of your time?"

Judith looked at Rosy, who nodded encouragingly. "Of course, Oliver," she replied, standing up.

As Judith followed Oliver to a quieter corner of the room, she glanced back at Rosy, who gave her an understanding smile. She wondered what her brother wanted to discuss.

They found a quiet corner, away from the chatter and the clinking of cutlery.

"Judith, I just wanted to thank you for everything. I couldn't have made it through these past months without you," Oliver said softly.

Judith smiled, touched by his words. "We're family, Oliver. We stick together."

Oliver's expression grew wistful. "I just wish our parents could be here to see this. To see us."

Judith nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I wish that too, every day. But I believe they're watching over us, proud of what we've become."

They stood in silence for a moment, both lost in memories of their parents. Then, Matilda joined them, her face filled with warmth and affection.

"What are you two talking about?" she asked, slipping an arm around Judith's waist.

"Just wishing Mama and Papa were here," Judith sighed.

Matilda nodded, her eyes softening. "They would be so proud of all of us. And we must keep their spirits alive by being there for each other."

Just then, John ran up to them, his face flushed with excitement. "What are you all talking about? Can I join?"

"We were just talking about how Mama and Papa would want us to always be together as a family," Oliver explained.

John pressed his lips together. "I miss them," he admitted.

Judith crouched down to his eye level, taking his hands in hers. "We all do. But we'll always have each other, and we'll always be there for one another."

Matilda placed a hand on Judith's shoulder and looked around at her siblings. "Let's make a vow. No matter what happens, we will always stick together. We will always be a family."

Oliver nodded, his eyes bright with emotion. "Agreed. We face everything together."

John looked up at his older siblings, his face serious. "I promise too."

Judith straightened up, feeling a surge of love and gratitude for her siblings. "To family," she said, her voice firm.

"To family," they all echoed.

As they stood there, Judith felt a deep sense of peace. Despite the challenges and the losses they had faced, they had each other. And that was more than enough.

After their heartfelt moment, the siblings parted ways, each returning to their respective guests.

Judith made her way back to Aaron, who was waiting for her with a curious look on his face.

"What was that all about?" he asked as she approached.

She smiled warmly. "We've vowed to do better as a family. To always be there for each other."

Aaron's expression softened, and he took her hands in his. "I'm glad to hear it. I'm happy to be a part of your family again."

Judith looked up at him, her heart swelling with love. "And I'm happy you're part of our family, too."

Aaron gently caressed her cheek, his eyes filled with love. "I can't believe I almost lost you."

She shook her head, holding his gaze. "Nothing will ever tear us apart again, Aaron. I promise."

They stood there for a moment, lost in each other's eyes. The noise and bustle of the wedding breakfast faded into the background as they focused solely on one another.

"I love you, Judith," Aaron whispered.

"And I love you, Aaron," she whispered back, feeling the depth of her love for him in every word.

They leaned in and kissed, sealing their vows with a tender, heartfelt embrace. As they pulled back, Judith felt a sense of completeness, knowing that with Aaron by her side, she could face anything.

Hand in hand, they rejoined the festivities, ready to face their future together.

Surrounded by family and friends, they knew they were truly blessed. Their love, strong and unwavering, would carry them through any challenges life might throw at them.

As the celebration continued around them, Judith and Aaron held each other close, cherishing the love they shared and the family that bound them together. It was a perfect moment, filled with hope and promise for the future.

Judith took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of the day and the love that surrounded her. She knew that life would bring its share of challenges, but with Aaron and her family by her side, she felt ready to face whatever came their way.

In the midst of the celebration, Judith found a quiet moment to reflect on the journey that had brought them here. The past year had been filled with ups and downs, with moments of joy and sorrow. But standing here today, she realized how much she had grown and how much she had learned about love, resilience, and the importance of family.

As the day turned into evening, and the guests began to depart, Judith and Aaron stood together, watching the sunset. The sky was painted in orange and pink hues, a beautiful end to a perfect day.

"Shall we go home?" Aaron asked, his voice gentle.

Judith nodded, feeling a sense of peace and contentment. "Yes, let's go home."

Hand in hand, they walked toward their carriage, ready to begin the next chapter of their life together.

As they rode home, Judith rested her head on Aaron's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. She closed her eyes, imagining the future they would build together—a future filled with love, laughter, and the unbreakable bond of family.

At that moment, Judith knew that no matter what the future held, she would always cherish the love that had brought them together and the family that would sustain them through it all.

The End?