Epilogue

Epilogue

The party was going better than William expected, and he was even enjoying himself. William usually forced himself to endure social events, but he was truly glad he had agreed to the party.

"Your wife is radiant," Gregory commented. "Is there perhaps some exciting news to share?"

William raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Gregory made a subtle hump over his belly. "This kind of exciting news."

William blushed slightly. "I do not know, but Charlotte has been behaving a little differently lately. She sleeps a little longer than usual and is more emotional than I recall. From the little I know about pregnancies, she might be with child. I do not think it has occurred to her yet. Perhaps it's too early to tell."

Gregory patted him on the back. "Congratulations in advance," he said. "I hope you make the most of your time without children. Everything changes once you have them."

"I look forward to the changes," William told him. "Anything with Charlotte is worth doing."

His wife disappeared for a moment, but she reappeared talking to a few of his relatives. They were family from his mother's side and people he barely knew because his father cut ties with them after her death. Charlotte insisted he reach out to them and have a relationship with his mother's people. Because of her, he was learning more about his mother and meeting the people who had grown up with her. It was bittersweet for him.

"Despite her age, your wife has taken to her role as duchess rather easily," said Gregory. "She knows how to make everyone feel at ease and works the room as though she has been doing it for many years. It's rather remarkable."

"She is remarkable," said William. "I have never met someone so amazing. I feel I do not deserve her, but I would never let her go. Hell could freeze over before I allow her to leave me."

Gregory chuckled. "I doubt she would leave you. She loves you too much."

William's heart swelled with his friend's words. The fact that someone else could see that his wife loved him meant much to him. Charlotte wasn't one to hide how she felt, which he loved about her. She was affectionate, and he had grown accustomed to her hugs and kisses. He never wanted her to change.

"Enough about me. What about you?" said William. "You and Louise appear closer than before."

Gregory smiled. "She would make a lovely bride, wouldn't she?"

William's eyes widened. "I never thought I would hear you talk about marriage," he said. "Have you told her how you feel?"

"Not directly," Gregory revealed.

"There is no better time than now," William pointed out. "Go to her and tell her before another man snatches her from you."

Gregory stiffened. "They can try, but they will not live to see another day," he threatened. "She is mine alone."

He actually looked worried. "Then I suggest you go and speak to her," said William.

Gregory stood silently for a moment before turning to William. He gave him a wink and walked off. William chuckled. That was more like his friend—confident to a fault.

***

"May I have everyone's attention, please?" William said later that evening as he drew his wife to his side.

The music died, and his guests turned to him expectantly. It seemed like almost the entire town was there to celebrate with them.

"I wish to thank you all for coming today," he began. "But most importantly, I want to thank my lovely wife for making me a happy man. I never knew someone could have this much joy in their life, but she has shown me how to enjoy everything and appreciate the little moments in our daily lives. I am truly blessed and excited for what our future holds." He turned to Charlotte. "Thank you."

Charlotte beamed and nodded. "Thank you," she said. "It takes two people to make a happy marriage, after all."

"I suppose it does," he agreed. "Then shall this happy couple have the first dance?"

Charlotte placed her hand in his. "I would love that."

William's chest puffed with pride as he led his wife to the dance floor. The music began, but before they took their first step, he could not help capturing her lips with his. Some guests gasped at the supposed audacity, but most applauded them. William didn't care. His wife was in his arms—that was all that mattered.

THE END