Epilogue

Five years later…

E lena walked slowly to the parlor, her belly rounded with the child she carried. This would be her third child with Theo. Her first marriage had brought her no children, but it was now clear the fault had not been hers. Shortly after marrying Theo, she had discovered she was with child—their first night together had resulted in that happy surprise. Eight months later, they had welcomed their daughter, a beautiful girl with Elena’s auburn hair and her father’s brilliant blue eyes. Olivia was now four years old, and her little brother, Elijah, had turned two the previous month. She and Theo had named him in honor of her dear friend Elias. If not for his actions she may never have found her way back to Theo. For that she would forever be grateful to him.

The new baby was due in a few months, but already she felt an ache in her back. She found Theo in the parlor with their two little darlings.

“Daddy,” Olivia was saying, “tell me the story again.”

He grinned down at her cherubic face. “Haven’t you heard it enough, my love?”

“No,” she replied, sticking her thumb in her mouth. “Tell it!”

Elijah clapped his hands as if he understood everything. He was a darling little boy, the very image of his father. Elena smiled as she watched her little family. She never would have had this joy if she had let her fears control her. Now, she couldn’t imagine life any other way.

“All right,” Theo said, settling in. “Once upon a time, in an enchanted world, lived an evil king, along with a princess so pure and beautiful she stole the hearts of all who sought her hand.”

Elena grinned. Was it any wonder their daughter adored this tale? Theo was a master storyteller, even if he embellished a little.

“But her heart belonged to just one man,” he continued. “The evil king tried to keep her away from her love, and for a time, he succeeded. The princess faced many trials before she could be with her true love.” His gaze lifted to meet Elena’s. “But her love waited for her, for he could not imagine life without her. And when the time was right, they overcame every obstacle. Through magic and faith, they were finally able to be together.”

“And they lived happily ever after?” Olivia asked, her eyes wide.

“The happiest,” Theo assured her, still looking at Elena. “Now, I think it’s time for you two to go to the nursery. It’s time for your nap.”

“I don’t want to take a nap,” Olivia pouted.

“Me neither,” Elijah echoed.

“Well, I want a nap,” Theo said a mischievous grin spread across his handsome face. “And so does Mommy.”

The children squealed with delight and ran over to hug her. “Do you want a nap, Mommy?” Olivia asked.

Elena rubbed her belly, smiled down at them, and then met Theo’s heated gaze. Oh, the rogue—he didn’t want a nap at all. He wanted to strip her bare and have his wicked way with her. Heat simmered in her as she realized how much he still desired her after all these years. She was ever so fortunate to have his love. “I am very tired,” she told her children. “A good rest would do us all well, don’t you think?”

“Fine,” Olivia said, reluctantly. “I will take a nap, but only so you can rest too, Mommy.”

Elena kissed her daughter. “Thank you, my love. I do appreciate your kindness.” She hugged them both. “Now, off you go to the nursery. Nanny is waiting.”

They grumbled but trotted off as they were told. Once alone, Theo came to her side, pulling her into his arms. “Have I told you how much I love you?” he murmured.

“Only every day, several times a day, for the past five years,” she teased, smiling up at him. “And I adore you too, husband.”

“Let’s go take that nap.” He winked. “I have a mind to show you just how much I adore you.”

Elena laughed, happiness brimming over. To think she had nearly walked away from him—what a fool she would have been. “Lead the way,” she said, slipping her hand into his. “An afternoon nap sounds delightful. What wicked fun we shall have…”