Epilogue
L ouisa strolled through her mother’s flower garden, her fingertips gently grazing the soft petals of the roses. The vibrant blooms were just as she remembered them from her childhood, but somehow now they seemed even more beautiful, more alive. Everything had changed in the last two months, yet it all felt so perfectly right.
Across the lawn, the joyful laughter of the twins drifted toward her, carried on the warm afternoon breeze. She turned to see Adam and Amanda— her children now—chasing each other in playful abandon. A smile spread across her face.
It was hard to believe how much her life had transformed since marrying Trevor. Just two months ago, she had been unsure of her future, uncertain if happiness like this could ever be hers. But now, being called Mother by the twins, hearing their laughter, and sharing her days and nights with a loving, handsome husband had brought her a joy she never knew was possible. Her life had taken on new meaning, richer and fuller than she had ever dreamed, and every moment felt like a gift she would treasure forever.
Louisa’s heart swelled with happiness as she watched her parents laughing and playing with the twins, embracing their new roles as doting grandparents. Seeing them all together, united in joy, filled her with a deep sense of peace she hadn’t thought possible. Coming back into their lives had brought her a kind of fulfillment she had never dared to hope for, especially after spending the last six years surviving as a thief and beggar. She had been lost for so long, but now, little by little, the painful memories of Macgregor’s cruelty had begun to fade, replaced by the warmth and love Trevor and the twins brought to her days.
Her nightmares no longer held the same power over her. Instead, they were dissolving into shadows as new, sweeter dreams took their place. Dreams of family, of a future filled with love and hope.
She smiled softly as she thought of the day she and Trevor married—just two weeks after her release from gaol. It had been the most beautiful wedding she could have ever imagined, more than she believed she deserved after the life she’d led. Yet here she was, standing in the garden of her childhood, surrounded by love, her heart filled with gratitude.
Sighing contentedly, she looked up at the vast, clear blue sky and whispered a prayer of thanks. Thank you, Lord, for bringing me Trevor.
Louisa continued her walk through the flower garden, surrounded by the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft fragrance of roses, a peaceful solitude settling over her. She quietly thanked the Lord again for all He had given her—her family, her freedom, and the life she never thought she’d have. After so many years of hardship, the woman who had tormented her, Eliza, was no longer a threat. Last week, Louisa had learned that Eliza had been hanged for her crimes, a final chapter closed in the saga of her past.
But even with that weight lifted, Louisa’s thoughts lingered on the children who had suffered under Macgregor’s cruelty. She had spent time helping them find their way home, tracking down the families who feared they’d lost their sons and daughters forever. Most were reunited, though some were true orphans. Louisa’s heart ached for those few, but she was determined to help them find the happiness and peace that now filled her own life. If she could have her second chance, so could they.
The sudden pounding of hooves shattered the stillness of the garden, and she turned swiftly toward the sound. Her husband rode up quickly, his horse skidding to a halt before he dismounted in one fluid motion. She stood still, watching him as he approached, her heart fluttering as his grin widened with every step.
When he finally reached her, he swept her into his arms, lifting her off the ground as though she weighed nothing at all. Louisa laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck, her heart swelling with joy as she felt his warmth and strength envelop her. In his embrace, the world felt safe and complete.
She gazed into his dreamy blue eyes. “What is this all about?”
“I missed you.”
“Trevor, I fear you are teasing me. Your brothers and Lord Hawthorne were supposed to keep you busy at White’s, since you hardly get out anymore.”
He shook his head. “I was completely bored, my dear, and could not wait to return to the arms of my beautiful wife.”
“Your brothers are going to think you are neglecting them.”
“No they will not think that way. In fact, Trey cannot stay away from Judith for very long, either. I think Tristan and Dominic are contemplating finding themselves wives as well.”
She ran her fingers through her husband’s glorious, thick black hair. “I do love you, and I’m happy you are here.”
“Are you ready to go home?” He waggled his eyebrows suggestively.
“Heavens no. We would have to leave the twins with my parents, and they would for certain know what we were up to.”
Tilting back his head, he laughed heartily. “Oh, my dear wife. Your parents will not fault us at all for wanting to be alone any chance we can get.” He set her down until her feet touched the ground before kissing her.
After the kiss ended, she sighed and leaned her head on his chest. “Indeed, my wonderful husband, you are correct. We will certainly need to find more time to be together, especially now.”
He withdrew only enough for her to look at him again. “And why is that?”
“Because in seven or so months, we will be making an addition to the family.”
“We will? I thought you had found homes for all of Macgregor’s children.”
“Oh, I have. Although I am seriously thinking about starting a home for orphaned children. A good place that will teach the children what they need to learn… what they will miss from not having parents.”
He nodded. “That is an excellent idea, my love. I will support you, as long as you don’t plan on being there every day and all day. The twins and I still need you desperately.”
“Oh, I will not spend my time there. I only want to get a center started. Besides, I have other plans for my family now.”
A grin stretched his mouth. “What kind of plans?”
“I told you. I am going to add to our household size.”
Trevor’s breath hitched as his eyes widened. “A… baby? We are going to have a baby?”
“Of course, my dear husband. What did you think I was talking about?”
Trevor let out a joyful whoop, lifting her effortlessly into the air once more, spinning them both in a circle of shared laughter and pure delight. As he set her gently back on the ground, his lips found hers in a deep, passionate kiss. Louisa responded without hesitation, pouring all the love and gratitude she felt for him into that single, intimate moment. The kiss was a reflection of everything they had endured and all the happiness they had found together.
Her heart raced, as it always did when he was near, his touch igniting a fire within her. Trevor had a way of making her feel truly alive—he had from the very beginning. In his arms, she wasn’t just a woman who had survived a painful past; she was a woman cherished, desired, and loved beyond measure. Every time he held her, every kiss, reminded her that she was no longer broken, but whole, because of the love they shared.
Trevor broke the kiss and rested his forehead against hers. “Oh, Louisa. I never thought I could be this happy. When I married Gwen and there was no love between us, I thought I was destined for a loveless life. But you entered and brought laughter into my world. You showed me what it’s like to be loved. Indeed, you have made my life complete, and I thank you.”
She snuggled her cheek against his. “I assure you, I will try to make you happy every moment of our lives.”
“You already do.” He winked.
The End