Epilogue

Ana cradled the weightof new life in each arm, the tiny breaths of her twin sons whispering against her skin. Seven months had scarcely passed since Lilli's first cries pierced the silence of their world, and now these two—her boys—lay nestled against her.

"William," she said, her voice barely above the gentle hum of the parlor, "two at once. I will never understand how my mother managed with three!"

Her gaze found his, saw the shimmer of unshed tears. "Ana," he started, but words failed him, surrendering to something far more profound than speech.

She smiled. Her heart was a vessel filled to the brim—not with trepidation as it once had been—but with an overwhelming love that threatened to spill over.

"William," Ana began again, "I want a houseful. A couple dozen little feet and laughter." She paused, watching the twins squirm, their tiny fists flailing with innocent vigor. "But perhaps not all at once."

He chuckled, the sound mingling with the soft coos of their sons. Stepping forward, William leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead, one to each baby's downy head.

"Whatever you wish," he whispered. "We'll fill this house with life and love, and take each day as it comes."

Ana nodded. She now understood why women who'd had children were happy to have more. These little creatures, a mix of her and William, were already filling her heart with joy. Just like their sister, Lilli. And while she couldn't count on more children arriving on her doorstep, nothing could keep her from having more.

"Then let's begin with these two," she said, her eyes never leaving the twins' peaceful slumber. "Let's fill our lives with the laughter of our children and the warmth of our love."

*****

ANA SAT IN THE SAMEparlor where she had once sewn quilts for Lilli, the walls echoing with the laughter of her children—a chorus of joy that filled the spaces once hollowed by fear.

Lilli was out walking with the man she hoped to spend her life with. Her sisters and their families would be there for supper. Together, they would spend time with the people most precious to them.

"More than I ever dared hope for," she murmured, tracing the lines on William's face, etched by time and smiles.

"Oh yes," William agreed, his hand covering hers, warm and steady as ever. "And yet, here we are."

"Here we are," Ana said with a smile.