Epilogue

July 1776

A sher burst into the book shop, waving a paper in his hand. "It's official! We've declared independence from the Crown!"

Liddy looked up from where she sorted the broadsheets for delivery around town and put a hand over the slight swell of her stomach. Footsteps sounded behind her, and she glanced over her shoulder to see Alec hurrying in from the printing room, wiping the ink from his fingers. Drawing her into his side, he turned his gaze on his assistant.

"What do you have there?"

"'Tis a copy of the ‘Declaration of Independence,' and three of our own from North Carolina have signed it."

Asher handed the copy to Alec, who held it so Liddy could read as well. At the bottom she found the signatures of William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and John Penn.

"I have met Mr. Hooper on several occasions. Before my mother passed, he and my father had some business together."

Alec chuckled. "Well, that will be at an end now."

Liddy nodded. "In more ways than one. Iain MacGill has already sold his business interests and returned to Scotland. I have heard rumors that the new owner has sympathies much more aligned with ours than either MacGill's or my father's."

"Perhaps MacGill will have better luck there finding a willing bride since I have stolen his one true love." Alec's grin made Liddy laugh.

"I was a pawn for my father and him to combine their shipping businesses. But, perhaps my father is reforming. I have heard he now secretly hopes we shall produce a boy."

Alec's brow arched. "So he can finally have the heir he so desperately wants? Not if I have any say."

"Nor I," Liddy added. "I am quite content where I am, Mr. Kirkwood." She turned to Asher. "Here are the broadsheets for posting. If you will take those with you, I assume that Alec and I must now put together something on this latest news."

Asher grabbed the papers and bounded back out the door. As Liddy began to turn toward the back, Alec pulled her into his arms.

"Are you happy, Liddy? It occurs to me sometimes that you would be more comfortable at Oak Grove or in your father's home."

She leaned against him, savoring the feeling of his hard body against her. "I am exactly where I wish to be, Captain Kirkwood. I'll wager that before this is all over, you'll be General Kirkwood."

He kissed her lingeringly before he whispered, "And you will be the toast of wherever we end up, for I will not leave you behind me."

"And I would not be left behind. I love you, Alec."

"As I love you."

The End