Epilogue

One year later …

Winston exited the stables, brushing off a few strands of hay from his blue jacket. The scent of freshly baked bread filled the air, making his stomach growl in anticipation. A light mist hung around him, dampening his jacket from his morning ride. He took a deep breath, savoring the cool, crisp air mixed with the comforting aroma of home.

He entered the cottage through the back door, stepping into the warm, inviting kitchen. Mrs. Watson stood by the hearth, stirring a pot with practiced ease. She turned and greeted him with a kind smile. “Good morning, my lord.”

“Good morning,” he responded, returning her smile.

“Your breakfast should be on the table shortly,” Mrs. Watson informed him.

“Thank you,” Winston said. “I truly appreciate you coming to help us out during this time.”

Mrs. Watson waved off his gratitude with a gentle laugh. “You don’t need to keep thanking me,” she responded .

“But I feel as if I do,” he said, placing a hand to his stomach. “Especially for your cooking.”

Mrs. Watson laughed. “Your wife tries.”

“That she does,” Winston agreed. “Speaking of my wife, is she still sleeping?”

Shaking her head, Mrs. Watson responded, “No, she is in the front room.”

“Excuse me,” Winston said before he headed towards the front of the cottage. As he approached, he saw Mattie sitting on a settee, her red hair pulled back into a low bun, focused on altering one of her gowns. The mere sight of her made his heart swell with love.

Winston leaned against the doorway, taking a moment to admire her. This past year had been the happiest of his life, filled with laughter and love, far removed from the burdens of his past.

Mattie looked up and smiled, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him. “Good morning, Husband.”

He pushed off from the doorframe and approached her. “How are you faring this morning?”

“Not good,” Mattie admitted with a sigh. “I am taking out the waist on yet another gown.”

“That is to be expected in your condition,” Winston said gently.

Mattie placed the gown down and rubbed her growing belly. “That is what the doctor said as well.”

Winston sat down beside her. “I have a letter for you.”

His wife’s face lit up with excitement. “Is it from my father?”

“It is,” Winston confirmed, pulling the letter from his jacket pocket.

“Will you read it to me?” Mattie asked.

Winston leaned in for a kiss before replying, “Of course, my dear.” He unfolded the paper and read :

My Dearest Mattie,

My time is short, but I want to inform you that Emma has found a match. She is marrying the Duke of Kinver…

Winston paused as he heard Mattie gasp. “Do you want me to continue?” he asked.

Mattie snatched the letter out of his hand and read the rest of it. When she finished, she looked up, her expression one of disbelief. “I can’t believe it. The Duke of Kinver is four times her age. What is Emma thinking?”

“Well, Emma only seemed to care about titles and status,” Winston pointed out.

“Yes, but I was hoping she would grow out of that and marry for love,” Mattie said, her voice tinged with disappointment.

Winston took her hand in his. “Not everyone is as lucky as we are,” he remarked. “Speaking of which, I have some good news.”

“Good, I could use some,” Mattie responded.

Shifting in his seat, Winston said, “Mr. Barker has agreed to sell his property to me.”

A broad smile spread across Mattie’s lips. “That is wonderful news.”

“It is, because his property has a decent-sized manor on it,” Winston revealed. “We can finally move out of this cottage.”

Mattie tightened her hold on his hand. “But I love this cottage.”

“I know you do, which is why you are the best of women,” Winston said. “You have been so patient with me as I have expanded our holdings. Now we are the largest landowners in the county, and it has been much more profitable than I ever imagined.”

“I had no doubt that you would be successful at whatever you put your mind to,” Mattie said.

Winston placed his other hand on Mattie’s increasing belly. “We will need the extra room when the baby comes.”

Mattie nodded. “I suppose you are right, but I will miss the bleating of the sheep in the morning waking me up.”

“And perhaps we could persuade Mrs. Watson to become our housekeeper,” Winston suggested.

“She has been so kind to help us out since I am far too big to move about the kitchen,” Mattie said.

Winston grinned. “I have enjoyed the more elaborate meals.”

Mattie frowned playfully. “I warned you that I was a terrible cook before we were married.”

“You did, and I would marry you a thousand times over, despite my bread always being burned,” Winston teased.

She laughed, just as he had intended. “I am getting better.”

“That you are, my love,” Winston said, his voice filled with affection and pride.

Mrs. Watson entered the room and announced, “Breakfast is ready.”

Winston rose and extended a hand to assist Mattie up from her seated position. “I hope you are hungry.”

Mattie smirked, placing her hand in his as she stood. “I am increasing. I am always hungry,” she quipped.

He chuckled. “Thank you,” he said sincerely.

Mattie tilted her head. “For what?”

Winston gently turned Mattie to face him, his hands resting on her shoulders. “For always making me laugh,” he said. “I don’t know what I did right to deserve you.”

Mattie went on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly on the lips. “You happen to be a very good kisser,” she teased .

“So you married me for my kissing abilities?” Winston asked, raising an eyebrow in a playful challenge.

She shrugged with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “That, and other things,” she retorted. “After all, everything between us started with just a kiss.”

“Yes, it did,” Winston agreed. He leaned in, pressing his lips to hers in a tender, lingering kiss.

The End