Epilogue

EPILOGUE

ONE YEAR LATER

FALMOUTH, CORNWALL

L ogan and Charlie walked into the large entry hall of Briarcliff Manor and gave their cloaks to the butler.

"Justice enjoys racing Sable. I'm glad your horse is acclimating to her new surroundings," Logan said.

"Sable adores both Justice and Moonbeam. I love watching their spirited play in the field," Charlie replied.

The butler returned. "My lord and lady, I've been asked to tell you that lunch is served. And your parents have arrived, Lady Fitzwater."

"Thank you, Peters," Logan said. "Please let them know we'll join them shortly."

"Very good, my lord," the retainer said.

"At least those dreadful highwaymen are no longer a danger to travelers," Charlie murmured.

"And neither is Sheriff Slothman. Lord Drakos and your father saw to that. The man will never see the outside of the tower again for his part in the robberies. Giving that map to the thieves proved his complicity in your abduction."

Charlie shuddered and Logan drew her into his arms and kissed her, wanting to chase the darkness away from her eyes. She still had nightmares about her abduction, but they were fewer and far between.

Keeping his arm around her, they made their way up the wide staircase that wound its way up the four floors of his ancestral home. Logan's mother and his sister, Beth, had recently settled into the dower house. But before she moved, both she and Charlie had worked together to redecorate both homes. Logan had loved the changes—both the manor house and the dower house had retained their warmth but had gained a refreshing, airy quality.

"I truly appreciate your mother's help," Charlie said. "I especially love the tapestry she gifted us." They stopped to admire the large tapestry hanging on the wall of the staircase.

Its muted colors depicted a beautiful castle surrounded by lush orchards and green meadows peppered with colorful flowers.

"It was a very thoughtful gift," Logan agreed.

"It reminds me of the imaginary castle I dreamed of when I was a little girl, although I don't recall ever telling her. Are you sure your mother isn't a mind-reader?" she teased.

"I've always thought that she had some talent along those lines, although nothing close to what you and your family claim." He chuckled. "I believe it was one of the many stories your grandmama must have regaled my mother with at our wedding."

"I love that Grandmama and your mother have become friends," Charlie said, leaning into his side.

"Did you dream of Prince Charming slaying the monsters and rescuing you even then?" Logan asked, pulling her close.

She grinned. "I'm afraid so. Show me a little girl that doesn't want to be saved by a handsome prince…"

"…or Mr. Darcy," he teased.

"Yes! Exactly. And then you came along and saved me."

"Ah, but you saved me first."

"I did, and then I saved you again from your stubbornness."

He threw back his head and laughed.

She turned in his arms, then faced him and kissed him. "I have a secret, but first, you will need to rescue me from the first-floor tower."

Playing ‘Sleeping Beauty' again, I see, Chapelle meowed from her spot on the first-floor landing. Sunlight streaming in from one of the windows had pooled on the floor, creating a perfect place for Chapelle to curl up. She stretched out her right paw and admired it, then did the same with her left.

"Of course!" Charlie leaned down and kissed her kitty, then straightened again. As she moved to the stairwell, she teased.

And will I get to hear this secret?

"You will most definitely hear it. After I share it with my rescuer."

Very well, I shall get back to my important nap. Wake me when it's time.

"You promised to keep no more secrets." Logan winked as they continued up to their bedchamber.

"I think you'll make an exception this time," she countered. "I promise you won't be sorry."

"As long as you are in my life, I am happy. What more can I ask for?" he said.

"Perhaps you should rescue me in our bedroom." She giggled, running ahead. "I am not ready to share the secret with our family just yet," she said over her shoulder.

"I have never been more ready…" he said, loving her playfulness. He followed her into their bedroom and swung her up into his arms. "Now, tell me this secret or—"

"I'm pregnant," Charlie blurted.

"For real?" Logan breathed, his eyes wide.

"Yes…" She reached out and caressed his face. "Will you be disappointed if it is a girl?" She bit her lip, and he saw the worry flicker in her eyes.

"My love. My beautiful, brave, Charlie," he whispered, blinking back tears. "I would be delighted to have a daughter. A girl with long golden hair and emerald green eyes just like her mama." He twirled her around and around before thinking better of it and carefully set her down. He reached out and gently smoothed his palm along her still-flat belly. "I'm going to be a father. And you will be a mother."

That's generally how it works, Chapelle mewed, sauntering into their room.

"Chapelle, I thought you were going to take a nap?" Charlie scolded.

Who can sleep with all this racket? Chapelle trotted up to them and rubbed her fur against Charlie's legs, then Logan's. Congratulations! I'm happy for both of you. Truly.

"Thank you, Chapelle." Logan smiled and ruffled the cat's sleek head.

And I can't wait to teach them all my secrets , Chapelle meowed, then sauntered off.

Charlie's eyes met Logan's and they burst out laughing.

God, how he loved this woman. He pulled her close and kissed her thoroughly and deeply.

"So, you won't mind if it's a little witch?" Charlie said breathlessly, between kisses.

He put his finger beneath her chin and lifted her face to his. "I will adore our children as much as I adore their mother. And I hope there will be many for us to love."

"I'm glad you said that, because there is always the chance it could be twins!" Her eyes twinkled with mischief.

Logan lifted her and, striding to their bed, laid her gently on the satiny counterpane.

Charlie wrapped her arms around him and tugged him down for another kiss. "I wish we could just hide in here and keep our secret for a little while longer."

"Yes, but Chapelle would no doubt tell on us." He chuckled. "I suggest we hurry and go down and greet the family, tell them the good news, and then steal away after dinner…just the two of us."

A smile flickered on her lips. "Consider it an invitation."

He kissed her deeply. "Count on my attendance."

~Probably Not The End~