Epilogue

Strathmore, Scotland. 1877

The house was buzzing with activity. Ever since Westlin had purchased the residence from the former owners, the place had become his new home, a refuge he shared with Grace and Robert. That afternoon, the house vibrated with excitement, anticipating a much-awaited event. The maids hurried up and down the stairs with basins of hot water and clean towels, preparing for the birth of the new member of the Westlin family.

Holloway, with his restless pace, moved through the wide hall, clearly unable to hide the nerves that consumed him. Anxiety pushed him to pace back and forth, his eyes constantly drifting toward the staircase, waiting for any news. Beside him, Robert bounced impatiently, eager to meet his new sibling.

Marcus stood rigidly in front of the stairs, his eyes fixed on the upper floor. The echo of footsteps in the house seemed muted compared to the pounding of his heart, which beat loudly in anticipation of the most important moment of his life: the birth of his second child. This child symbolized a new chapter, a testament of love between him and Grace that would erase any lingering traces of past suffering.

" Dad, how much longer until my brother is born? " Robert asked, breaking through Marcus's thoughts. The boy, who each day resembled him more and more, looked at him with eager eyes.

Marcus smiled softly as he looked at his son. It was like seeing a reflection of himself, the same dark eyes, the same black hair. That connection, now fully legitimized, filled him with an overwhelming sense of pride.

" I don't know, Robert. It may not be much longer, " he replied, gently tousling the boy's hair.

" I'm so excited, I can't wait any longer! " Robert exclaimed before running off to Simon, looking for some entertainment to ease the waiting.

Westlin watched him, his smile widening. He remembered clearly the day he finally received the long-awaited letter, the one he and Grace had hoped for over months. The document that confirmed Robert's legitimacy, officially naming him Robert Baxter, Baron of Whitby, and the future Marquis of Westlin. It had been a complicated process, full of obstacles, but with the help of Symes and other key witnesses, they had secured the recognition his son deserved.

Symes had testified under oath that when he and Clarisse married in Gretna Green, Westlin and Grace had married as well. And although his friend demanded a deal in exchange for his testimony, Marcus hadn't hesitated to sacrifice part of his fortune if it meant securing his firstborn's future.

After resolving Robert's status, they also worked to have Grace officially recognized as the legitimate daughter of the Counts of Hesse. That process, though not as complicated as Robert's, was also long and meticulous. But in the end, Grace was welcomed back into the aristocracy, not only as Lady Grace but as the Marchioness of Westlin. The happiness that came with all of this was immense, but it paled in comparison to the moment Grace confessed to him that she was pregnant.

That day had been unforgettable. When Marcus heard the news, he fell to his knees before his wife, kissing her belly with tears in his eyes. He had cried out of joy, thanking the heavens for this new chance life had given him. The arrival of this second child was the ultimate proof that Grace had forgiven him, that the past was behind them and a bright future awaited.

Lesly's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

" My lord! " she called from the top of the stairs, breathless with excitement. " It's a girl! "

Marcus didn't wait a second longer. He bounded up the stairs, his heart racing. With every step, he felt the tension and nerves that had kept him on edge for the past few hours begin to melt away. When he reached the room, the maids, busy with their duties, stepped aside, giving him space to enter. Westlin barely noticed them, his focus entirely on Grace and the small bundle she held in her arms.

Seeing his wife, her face tired yet glowing with a gentle smile, he was overwhelmed. And there, wrapped in a white blanket, was his daughter—so small, so perfect. Marcus's eyes filled with tears, the emotion was so intense that he could barely contain himself.

He approached Grace, leaning down to give her a soft kiss on the lips.

" Thank you, my love. Thank you for all your strength... for giving me another child, " he murmured, his voice trembling with emotion.

With a tired smile, Grace lifted the baby so Marcus could see her more closely.

" Look at her, " she whispered.

Marcus looked at his daughter, and in that moment, the world seemed to stop. That tiny creature, with her black hair and heart-shaped lips, was a reflection of himself. There was no doubt that this little girl was his, a continuation of his own being.

" It's unfair, don't you think? " Grace teased, meeting his eyes. " She looks exactly like you. "

Marcus smiled, unable to tear his gaze away from the baby.

" Hello, little Grace, " he whispered tenderly to his daughter. " Your mother says it's unfair that you look so much like me, but I don't think so. I'm proud that you and your brother are like two peas in a pod. And that, young lady, will help me keep unwanted suitors away from you. "

Grace laughed, though her exhaustion kept her from laughing as heartily as she wanted.

" Marcus! " she chided gently, though her voice was full of happiness.

Westlin stood up, and before Grace could respond, he leaned down and kissed her again. It was a kiss filled with gratitude, love, and promises for the future they were building together.

" I love you, my darling, " he declared, his voice still thick with emotion.

Grace looked at him with eyes full of a tenderness he hadn't seen in a long time.

" I love you too, Marcus, " she whispered, speaking those words he had dreamed of hearing for the first time.

In that moment, as Westlin looked at both of them, he knew that everything had been worth it. The pain, the sacrifices, the lost time. It had all led them to this precise moment. And as he held his wife's hand and looked at his daughter, Marcus realized that he had finally found the home he had always longed for.