Epilogue

Several days later, Penelope found herself in her chamber, ready for bed. James said he would be finishing some business matters in his study, and then he would be joining her. She sat at her vanity, her long hair cascading over her shoulders like a shimmering waterfall, when there was a knock on her chamber door. She turned to see James entering, his eyes alight with admiration.

"Penelope," he began, his voice tender with affection, "how do you always look so ravishing?"

A soft blush tinged Penelope's cheeks as she turned back to the mirror, a shy smile playing on her lips. "Thank you, James," she replied softly, her heart fluttering at the sincerity in his words.

He always knew exactly what to say to make her smile, to make her feel not only that she was enough but also that she was everything he had ever wanted. It was a sensation unlike anything she had ever felt before. And she wanted to be that for him. She wanted to be a good wife, a good partner, everything he could ever wish for in a woman. She wanted to be all that and more. Fortunately, they had the rest of their lives to spend together and keep fulfilling promises while making new ones.

James stepped closer, his gaze lingering on her reflection in the mirror. "You always manage to take my breath away," he observed, a hint of playful teasing in his tone. She loved it when he was like that. In fact, she loved everything about him.

Penelope turned to face him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Is that so, Your Grace?" she teased, her voice tinged with amusement. She knew that he loved it when she addressed him like that. It had turned into a little game of theirs which they loved playing. "I'll have to remember that for future reference."

James chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "Oh, you're impossible," he teased, reaching out to tousle her hair gently.

Penelope laughed, swatting his hand away playfully. "And you love me for it," she retorted, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

James' expression softened, his gaze lingering on her with unabashed adoration. "More than you know," he murmured, his voice filled with sincerity.

As Penelope basked in the warmth of James' affectionate gaze, she couldn't help but notice the slight twitch of his hand behind his back, a telltale sign that he was hiding something from her.

"What are you hiding, James?" she asked, her curiosity piqued as she studied his expression.

James flashed her a mischievous grin, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Oh, nothing, my dear," he replied innocently though the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his playful demeanor.

Penelope arched an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "I highly doubt that," she countered, her curiosity growing with each passing moment.

With a theatrical flourish, James brought his hand from behind his back, revealing a small, velvet-lined box nestled in his palm. Penelope"s breath caught in her throat as she watched him, her heart pounding with anticipation.

"What's this?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she reached out to take the box from him.

As Penelope delicately lifted the lid of the box, her heart skipped a beat as she beheld the treasure nestled inside. It wasn't just any jewelry — it was the watch she had lovingly gifted James, the very one he had promised to mend.

Her breath caught in her throat as she carefully lifted the watch from its velvet cocoon, cradling it in her hands as if it were the most precious thing in the world. With trembling fingers, she turned it over, her eyes widening in wonder as she saw that it was indeed ticking, its hands moving steadily as if to mark the passage of time.

Tears welled in Penelope's eyes as she looked up at James, her heart overflowing with love and gratitude. "James, you... you mended it," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.

James smiled, his eyes soft with affection as he reached out to gently wipe away her tears. "I did," he confirmed, his voice filled with warmth. "I wanted to show it to you."

The watch she had gifted him, with the help of Grandfather, was now restored to life, its gentle ticking a testament to the love they shared. "It's perfect," she murmured, her voice choked with emotion.

"No, you are perfect," he corrected her. "And I have a good idea how to express my gratitude…" he added playfully, pining her against the wall, kissing her neck passionately, unable to control himself. He kissed her again and again until her entire body yearned for him, until there was nothing but deep hunger consuming them both.

He took off her robe with one swoosh of his hand, throwing it to the side. His other hand held her close. He freed her from her thin nightgown, then he took off his own robe. He fell down to his knees before her, spreading her legs for him.

"James, what on earth… oh…" she moaned as he slid his tongue into her, sucking on her most intimate place.

She could see his own manhood roaring between his legs, a sight that made her mad with desire.

"I want to taste you," he murmured in a deep voice.

He flicked his tongue over her, as she listened to the wet sounds and her own moans. She was already close. He licked deeper, where she was most sensitive, delving between her lips, separating the seam. She was so wet. He was completely rigid now, his manhood waiting for its turn. But first, it was hers.

He reached for the softness of her buttocks, griping them with both hands. Her entire body shivered as his tongue dived into her. She moaned again, louder this time. He was relishing every lick, every moan. She was his feast, but he could not get his fill of her. He lapped up her sweet wetness, going faster and faster until she was on the precipice.

Then, he used his fingers. He slid them into her wet heat, bending them, pushing deeper, his tongue sucking on the center of her pleasure. That was enough to bring her over the edge. She clutched at him, moaning, trembling, gripping at him harder and harder.

"Oh… James…" she moaned his name as if it were a prayer. He grinned against her juices.

When he got back up to his feet, she grabbed him in a frenzied rush, her hands on him.

"Take me…" she pleaded.

Wrapping his arms around her, they fell on the bed behind them. He felt her take him into her hand, stroking him. Her fingers played with his tip, and he groaned with pleasure.

He adjusted himself between her thighs. She kissed his neck, down his jaw, still stroking him. He grabbed her wrist, removing it from his manhood, sliding into her slowly as she took him in deep. She could feel her wetness aiding his way, out of her mind with need and urgency. One thrust then another. She was gripping him, bucking her hips toward him. Everything was pure perfection. She lay there, pinned to the bed, his hands on her wrists, their eyes locked on each other. She wrapped his legs around his waist, keeping him close.

He moved faster and faster, in then out. Everything about him seemed to demand release. He lowered his head, kissing her with abandon as he thrust deeper and deeper. Her heat tightened around him the moment he finished deep inside of her. He filled her completely, feeling completely drained, completely whole, completely hers.

He collapsed next to her, breathing heavily and pulled her close. When he looked at her, she was smiling blissfully.

"I love you so much," he whispered to her through deep breaths.

She smiled even more widely. She knew that nothing could ever stand between them ever again. The bonds of the past were broken. They were not the people others thought they were. They were soul mates, destined for each other, and they would have find a way to be together no matter what.

He kissed her forehead, listening to her words.

"I love you, too, James…"

That was all he needed to hear now and forever more.

* * *

That afternoon, the sun cast a rich golden hue over the lush greenery of their garden, lending a warm and inviting atmosphere to the scene. A checkered picnic blanket lay spread out on the soft grass, adorned with an array of delectable treats and refreshments.

Penelope and James sat side by side, their fingers entwined as they watched their guests mingle and laugh. Grandfather reclined in a comfortable chair, a contented smile gracing his weathered features as he regaled everyone with tales of days gone by. Adeline and Ciara, sat nearby, their faces alive with joy as they joined in the conversation, their laughter ringing out like music in the air.

Over the course of the past several months, they had become good friends although Ciara was now living with her uncle, who didn't know of her plight and gladly offered to help once he found out what had happened.

As the afternoon sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the garden, Penelope looked at her loved ones gathered around her. In that moment, she felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and contentment, knowing that she was surrounded by the people she cherished most in the world.

Penelope looked over at James, realizing that this was the perfect moment. She got up from the blanket, taking him by the hand.

"Come on," she told him, her voice barely audible over the sounds of merriment. "Let's steal a moment for ourselves."

James' eyes sparkled with excitement as he nodded, his hand slipping into hers as they snuck away from everyone. With soft giggles, they made their way through the garden, weaving between hedges until they reached the entrance of the maze. Once inside, they found themselves surrounded by towering green walls, the sunlight filtering through the leaves overhead.

"I can't believe we are doing this," he chuckled.

She laughed as well, her laughter bubbling up like a melody.

"I love how you always remind me that life is too short not to indulge in a little adventure," he added, his hand tightening around hers as they ventured further into the maze.

As they navigated the twists and turns of the labyrinth, their laughter echoed off the walls, blending with the rustle of leaves and the gentle hum of bees. In that hidden corner of the garden, they were free to be themselves, to laugh and play like carefree children, lost in the magic of the moment.

But there was another reason she wanted to bring him there. When they reached the very center of the maze, they found a marble bench. She gently gestured at him to sit down then she straddled him mischievously.

His eyes widened in shock and delight. "Penelope? What are you doing?"

"What does it look like?" she asked. "I am stealing my husband away for a few precious minutes."

He raised an eyebrow. "And what do you intend to do with your husband, my dear?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck, hanging around him like a precious necklace. "Something… naughty."

"Oh my," he pretended to be shocked. He then glanced around. "I must say, you have chosen the perfect spot for it."

She chuckled. "I have, haven't I?"

"Mhm," he murmured, obviously enjoying the moment. "I see that no one can sneak up on us."

"Exactly," she looked at him with a naughty expression in her eyes.

"I have a smart little wife," he grinned. "Playful as well."

"Do you like it?" she asked, smiling.

"I love it, you know that," he nodded, wrapping his arms around her waist, pulling her onto himself.

She cupped his face, staring at him. Every time she looked at him, she found something new to love. Every experience was new with him. And everything he did, everything he said, excited her beyond words. She loved him more than she loved herself. She lived for him. She was completely consumed by this love, and she knew that it was only the beginning because she had some very important news to share with him.

As he buttoned himself up, she still refused to get up from his lap. He smiled at her, keeping his hands on her waist as they faced each other.

"Do you know how happy you make me?" she asked through a smile.

"No," he smiled back. "How?"

"Immensely," she said. "Endlessly. Completely."

"I like that," he said as her heart thundered in her chest. "I am also complete with you by my side."

"Do you feel like… we could be happier?" she wondered.

He frowned, not understanding. "Happier?" he echoed. "Is there anything I could do to make you happier? Is there anything you don't have that I could give you? Is there something you wish to change? Just tell me, my love and I will do it all for you."

She smiled, incredulous at love that was emanating from this beautiful man. This man who was her husband.

"No, no," she shook her head as tears of joy streamed down her face.

"Penelope, my love, are you all right?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"Beyond all right," she assured him, wiping away stray tears. Penelope took a deep breath, her hand instinctively moving to her stomach. "I'm with child," she confessed, her words hanging in the air between them.

For a moment, there was silence as James processed her words, his eyes widening in astonishment. And then, a wide grin spread across his face, his heart swelling with joy. "Penelope," he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe, "that's wonderful news!"

James cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently brushing away her tears. "Penelope, you've made me the happiest man in the world," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I love you more than words can express. And I promise, I will do everything in my power to be the best husband and father for you and our child."

"I know you will, my love," she replied, with a sparkle in her eyes.

Hand in hand, James and Penelope made their way back through the maze, their hearts light with joy and excitement. As they emerged from the labyrinth, they saw Grandfather, Adeline, and Ciara still enjoying the picnic, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow over the scene.

James cleared his throat, drawing their attention. "Everyone," he began, his voice trembling with excitement, "Penelope and I have some wonderful news to share."

Adeline and Ciara looked up, curious expressions on their faces while Grandfather raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Well, out with it, boy," he urged, his tone playful.

Penelope squeezed James' hand, taking a deep breath. "I'm pregnant," she announced, her voice filled with joy. "We're going to have a baby."

For a moment, there was stunned silence as the news sank in. Then, Grandfather let out a whoop of joy, leaping to his feet. "A baby! By Jove, that's splendid news!" he exclaimed, his eyes twinkling with happiness. He pulled Penelope into a warm embrace, his laughter ringing out. "Oh, my dear girl, you've made this old man very happy."

Adeline clapped her hands, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. "Penelope, that's wonderful!" she cried, rushing forward to hug her sister. "I'm so happy for you both!"

Ciara smiled warmly, her eyes filled with compassion and happiness. "Congratulations to both of you," she said softly. "This is truly wonderful news!"

James beamed, his heart swelling with pride and love as he watched the joyous reactions of their loved ones. "Thank you, everyone," he said, his voice thick with emotion. "We're so grateful to have you all here to share this moment with us."

Grandfather clapped James on the back, his grin wide. "You're going to be a wonderful father, James," he said confidently. "And Penelope, you'll be a marvelous mother."

Penelope blushed, her eyes shining with tears of happiness. "Thank you, all" she whispered, feeling overwhelmed by the love and support surrounding them.

Adeline took Penelope's hands in hers, her smile radiant. "We're going to spoil that child rotten," she said with a laugh. "Aunt Adeline and Grandfather will make sure of that."

Ciara nodded, her expression serene. "And I'll be here to help in any way I can, whenever you need me," she added, her voice gentle. "You're going to be a wonderful family."

That evening, as they got ready for bed, James pulled Penelope into his arms, holding her close. He looked into her eyes, his expression filled with love and devotion. "Penelope," he began, his voice soft but steady, "I want you to know how much I love you. You are my heart, my soul, and my everything. I promise to love you and our child with every breath I take."

Penelope's eyes filled with tears of joy as she wrapped her arms around James' neck. "I love you too, James," she whispered. "More than words can ever say. You've given me so much happiness, and I can't wait to share this new chapter of our lives with you."

James leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender, passionate kiss. It was a kiss that spoke of promises kept and dreams fulfilled, of a future bright with love and laughter. When they finally pulled away, both were breathless and smiling.

And so, wrapped in each other's arms, they drifted into a peaceful sleep, dreaming of the beautiful journey that lay ahead.

The End?