22. Epilogue

Gabriel retrieved the mittens that had fallen in the snow and put them back on his son's tiny hands. "There you go, Danny. Go have fun but be careful."

"Yes, Papa!" Daniel called back as he scooped up some snow, attempting to form it into a ball like some of the older kids.

Watching his three-year-old boy run off to play with his cousins warmed Gabriel's heart despite the chilly air. How many years ago had it been since he watched Artie and Ellie play in the snow and he wanted the same for his own children? It seemed like yesterday, but with how all the children had grown, he knew that not to be true.

Had it only been four years since the surprise blizzard at Longbourn had changed his life so irrevocably? Looking back at the man he had been leading up to that event, he was almost ashamed of his previous stupidity and presumptuous attitude. Driven by his foolish pride and misguided intentions, he ended up deeply hurting the woman he loved by waiting to declare his intentions. He would forever be grateful that she had found the courage to confront him.

She had been so right in her statement that love without action was not enough. The last five years had certainly been proof of that. Love was not the jewelry and fine things that he had thought she deserved—it was the joy of working together day after day to create a life they both cherished. It was quiet nights when he read aloud and she worked on sewing baby clothes. It was struggling in a flooded field to help their tenants knowing that Mary would be waiting for him at home with a warm cup of tea and that soft smile he had grown to know so well.

Not everything was easy. There had been a very poor harvest the year before last that had set them back, and his relationship with his parents and brother would probably always be rocky at best. Rebuilding Longbourn took sacrifice and hours of planning, but no matter how things progressed, they worked together to build it into a home full of love and kindness. Their efforts extended to providing everything necessary for the families in the tenant cottages to be comfortable, well-fed, and happy. They had even built a small schoolhouse on Longbourn land near the manor house so Mary could pursue her love of teaching the local children to read and write well enough to thrive. Yes, he had a lot to be grateful for, and it was all thanks to his wonderful Mary's courage.

Amidst the chaos unfolding before him, Gabriel"s heart swelled with happiness as he took in the joyful energy that filled the air. There were squeals and laughter from all over the lawn. An overnight snowstorm had surprised the family that had converged at Pemberley for a reunion of sorts. The fresh snow had been begging to be played in, so mittens and coats were supplied, and the children were having a ball.

Artie was with his brother Gil, trying to build a snowman. Kiernan, home from school and as tall as could be, was patiently helping some of the smaller children form snowballs. Ellie was with some of the other girls making snow angels. Somehow, all the Bennet sisters had managed to come this year and resulting in quite a few children playing in the yard. Even his own sister, Evaline, was out there playing. His mother had allowed him to take Evaline to visit with everyone because, of course, the countess and earl would be in attendance.

Now that he paid closer attention, he noticed there were more young people playing in the snow than just the Bennet cousins. Some were like his sister, who, although not officially a Bennet, still held a place within the family. It was such a fortunate thing to witness so much joy from so many cheerful and deserving people. Anyone who would turn up their nose to playing in the snow was certainly missing out.

Crouched in the snow with the two of the youngest children, Kiernan helped their clumsy hands pack the snow together. Benedict, with black hair and blue eyes, was the spitting image of his father, yet he was full of Lydia's mischievous personality. Adelaide was Benedict"s twin sister, and despite her small size and age, was just as intrepid as any of the Bennet women and refused to be outdone. Lydia may have gone about finding the love of her life in a manner that no one had expected, but she had proven herself just as happy with the results. Adelaide and Benedict were certainly proof of that. Kiernan thought that if he could experience even half the happiness she seemed to radiate in a marriage of his own, it would be sufficient.

Eventually, the two little ones transitioned from snowball construction to rolling around in the frigid powder. Kiernan scanned the group of children as they happily shrieked and played. He was fairly certain he was the oldest person on the field, and he felt a responsibility to help make sure everyone stayed safe. A huddle of fathers stood on the side, ready to help, but for the moment they were all chatting. While they were not playing in the snow, they seemed just as cheerful as their many children.

Kiernan's survey of the snowy reunion was interrupted when he saw one of the older girls fall on a slick patch of ice. He hurried over to help her up, but upon reaching her, found himself momentarily frozen in place. There in the snow was an angel staring up at him. He quickly realized that his previous assumption was incorrect—she was not a child but rather a young lady in her late teens. The sight of her auburn curls tumbling around her shoulders was matched only by the radiance in her bright green eyes as she laughed at her fall. It took a moment for Kiernan's brain to function enough to remember the task at hand and help her to stand. Holding her elbow to make sure she was steady, he asked, "Are you all right?"

Dusting off the snow, she smiled, and her left cheek revealed an alarmingly cute dimple. "Despite being clumsy, I am fine. You are Kiernan, right?"

"Kiernan Anderson at your service." Offering a bow, he tilted his head, unable to remember who she was. "I am sorry, but I cannot remember who you are."

Her grin never faltered as she replied, "That is all right. I do not believe we have been formally introduced. I am Marianne Gardiner. Elizabeth is my cousin, and my mother thought Elizabeth might need some help with all the children and people. I was happy to come, as I love spending time with children, and I always enjoy my time with my cousins." Looking around at the jubilant chaos, she laughed. When a little body catapulted into her at speed, she nearly went down again. Had it not been for Kiernan, who swiftly braced her, they both would have taken a tumble. Giggling at the collision, little Lord Cedric Fitzwilliam bowed and apologized before taking off again, still being chased by Danny. Glancing up at Kiernan, her eyes dancing, she whispered, "Though sometimes it feels as though I have willingly offered myself as prey to the wolves."

Kiernan found himself swiftly losing all reason and possibly his heart as he got lost in the playful warmth of her verdant gaze. Eventually he said, "Do not worry, I am an expert wolf wrangler. I shall protect you." Then, realizing how ridiculous he must have sounded, he withdrew his hand from her shoulder and nervously rubbed the back of his neck instead.

With eyes still dancing, Marianne said, "Well, good sir, I shall count on your aid should I find myself in peril again."

Lydia watched the antics of everyone playing in the snow, but upon noticing Kiernan, she giggled and said, "Would you look at that? It seems that the next round of courting may have started sooner than we expected."

Shaking her head, Elizabeth gave a rueful grin. "Yes, poor Kiernan looks as if he was poleaxed. I wonder if William has noticed. I have a feeling he will relish watching that relationship develop."

Mary had seen the look on Kiernan's face and had to agree with her sisters—he was lost to love and only time would tell if he had stumbled upon the real thing. Tilting her head, she thought for a moment. If she was not mistaken, Marianne was almost seventeen and Kiernan was eighteen, going on nineteen. They were young still, leaving plenty of time for both of them to see what came of it.

Returning her attention to her circle of sisters, Mary was blissfully content. Her mother had gone inside saying it was too cold for her, but Mary knew that she just wanted to spend time with her husband, away from all the chaos. Mathew, her little brother, was happily running around with his many nieces and nephews. Unlike most of the others, the Bennet sisters were all bundled up and sitting in chairs in the sun. Among them, three were at various stages of pregnancy, so it was fortunate they were all happy enough to sit around a cheery fire and talk.

Her sister Jane was finally pregnant again. Unlike her rather fertile sisters, Jane had struggled to fall with child after her daughter Eleanor. To Mary's eye, she looked as if she had lost weight with the way her clothes were hanging on her. "How are you feeling, Jane? How has the nausea been?"

Jane scrunched her nose and sighed. "I am just so glad to be with child again that I would suffer it all gladly. I almost thought I would be unable to make it to Pemberley this year. I had been so ill, but things are finally improving." Placing her hand on her slightly rounded stomach, she smiled. "I will admit that when I finally felt the babe move, I cried. It terrified Charles something horrible to find me crying like that, but he managed to get over it."

Lydia began rubbing her own swollen abdomen and winced. "I swear if I am not having another pair of twins, it is triplets, and they all seem to be wrestling."

Kitty laughed at her younger sister's comment. "Theodore always said Cedric was practicing archery."

"He would. He still calls you Artemis," Lydia replied with a snort.

Mary watched as Kitty glared at her sister, knowing full well it far from malicious. "And don't you tell him to stop!" That set all the sisters laughing.

Once she caught her breath, Mary asked Elizabeth, "Have the boys adjusted to having a sister yet?" Mary knew her young niece was sleeping up in the nursery. Though not much younger than Lydia's twins, she was too small to play in the snow.

"They were both hesitant at first, but now that she is becoming more mobile and walking, they have begun realizing that they can play with her." Elizabeth sighed as if remembering something. "Artie has taken to trying to get her to improve her vocabulary. He is already reading simple books and has started reading them to her, trying to get her to say all the words."

Jane grinned. "He is certainly your and William"s son."

Mary suppressed a laugh knowing Elizabeth could not argue with that. She was grateful that despite their growing families, they were able to have such a happy day together. The Bennet sisters had certainly come a long way, and they had all found such happiness. Each of them had faced their own challenges to find their path, but in the end, they had all found love, and no one could deny the happiness that had brought each of them.

Her own happiness still felt so fresh and new even after the years that she had with Gabriel at Longbourn. Not only had they grown close as a married couple, but they had practically transformed the place they called home. It no longer held the weight of tragic memories; instead, love and kindness permeated every nook and cranny.

It helped that everyone who lived at the manor or on the estate property no longer did so under her father's oppressive shadow. Without that shadow, there was a brightness about the place that had been lost for quite some time. Even the maids went about their tasks humming. Mary liked to think that her Grandmother Catherine would have been happy to see the improvements.

Mary worked hard to nurture deep connections with all the tenant wives and their children, and it was truly a joy to be able to help as the need arose. Having a husband who was equally committed to creating a wonderful place to live had made a significant impact on Longbourn. That was not to say that everything had been easy. They had had their arguments over time, especially when he worried about her during her pregnancy.

It had been an adjustment to adapt to being a wife and then a mother. The birth of her son had brought new responsibilities, requiring her to shuffle things around and make necessary adjustments to maintain the school she had created. In that she was grateful for all of Evaline's help, as whenever she was able to, her young sister-in-law came to Longbourn and helped with teaching. The girl was truly blossoming into a kind woman who cared about others.

Looking up, Mary caught sight of Evaline as she played with the smaller children. She had little Daniel with her, and they were laughing merrily in the snow. It was a beautiful thing to see how close the two were. As she scanned the crowd for her husband, she had a sudden realization that he was actually watching her. Locking eyes with the man she loved so much, she could not help but beam at the adoration she saw there.

Mary was grateful for Gabriel's strong hands at her waist as he helped her down from the carriage. Descending from a carriage with her arms full of their sleeping toddler would not have been easy otherwise. After days of traveling back from Pemberley, they were finally home at Longbourn. She would miss her sisters and extended family, but Mary was glad to be home.

Daniel's nursemaid rushed over to them, eager to help despite the darkening twilight. "I can take him up to the nursery for you, Mrs. Bennet."

With a shake of her head, Mary replied, "I can carry him up. I would hate for him to wake now."

"Are you hungry, my dear?" Gabriel asked, his hand at the small of her back as they walked into their home together.

"Surprisingly, I am more hungry than tired. More than anything, I am just happy to be home."

They walked through their home together, their footsteps creating a gentle rhythm of harmony. Gabriel opened the door to the nursery and after some delicate maneuvering, they successfully settled Daniel into his small bed. To their amazement, he stayed fast asleep.

As was part of their evening routine, they took a moment to look down on their sleeping son together. Mary caressed his sleeping face for a moment before leaning over and kissing his flushed cherub cheek. This was followed up by Gabriel kissing Daniel's cheek as well, and then Mary settled into Gabriel"s muscular form. Resting her head on his shoulder, she sighed happily as they continued to watch their son together.

He whispered, "You sure made a beautiful little boy, Mary."

Mary smiled softly to herself, not taking her eyes off the precious boy who represented the beautiful life she and Gabriel had created together. "If I remember correctly, you had something to do with it."

Gabriel laughed softly as they turned to leave their son's room. With a nod to his nurse, they continued on their way through the house. Mary smiled as she took note of all the small changes she had made over the years—a new side table here, a painting by Kitty there. Their home, for the most part, was modest, but cozy. She didn"t want to bankrupt the estate, especially when there were more pressing needs, like repairing and expanding Longbourn.

By the time their little Daniel was grown and ready to take over, she and Gabriel were determined he would have a prosperous estate as his inheritance and any younger brothers and sisters would be just as provided for. Finally making it to their own little library, Mary was happy to see a maid delivering a tea tray with a hearty snack of bread, cheese, and cold meats.

Settling into her favorite chair, she watched as Gabriel tore off a hunk of bread and slathered it in the ginger marmalade she had recently taken a liking to. Holding the morsel up to her lips, he watched her intently as she took a bite and hummed under her breath, very happy as the flavor burst on her tongue. Once she could speak after swallowing, she said, "You know you do not have to go so far as to feed me. I can feed myself."

Wiping a smudge of jam off her lip and licking his finger, Gabriel smiled smugly at the expression on her face. "My pregnant wife was just jostled over rough roads for three days. Let me pamper her as I wish to."

Holding his gaze, Mary murmured, "You know that I have not felt the quickening yet. We cannot say for sure that I am carrying our next baby."

"And you know that I know your body well enough to detect your pregnancy, even without feeling the baby move." Leaning in, he kissed her deeply.

As Gabriel finally broke the kiss, Mary"s lips curved into a smile, savoring the sensation of his presence against her mouth. "Oh, all right, feed me if you must." Who was she to complain about her husband"s desire to spoil her?

Mary accepted another bite of food from Gabriel, savoring the flavors as she chewed contemplatively. She couldn"t help but feel a sense of gratitude for having taken the leap and asking Gabriel to act on his love for her. How else could she have arrived at this state of complete and utter happiness?