Epilogue
THREE WEEKS LATER…
Gracie sat at the window. She could hear the laughter of Rose and Eden from the nursery below, and a warmth filled her chest that had been absent for so many restless nights.
Three weeks had passed since the storm of Edmund’s return, and now there was peace, quiet, steady, and full of the sort of comfort she had feared lost forever.
Jaxon had not only returned to her heart but seemed determined to remain there, steady as the ancient stones of the castle.
She rose and smoothed her dress, feeling the soft weight of the day ahead. The nursery called to her, and she hurried down the corridor, opening the door to find her daughters perched on a window seat, each clutching a tiny doll.
“Faither’s gone to the stables, lassies,” she said gently, brushing a stray curl from Eden’s face, “but he’ll be back soon to see ye, I promise.”
The girls looked at her with wide eyes.
“Aye he was here this mornin',” Rose said.
Gracie’s heart ached at the memory of the weeks he had been absent, consumed by Edmund, but now she knew he had returned fully to his family duties.
“Good then we shall all have supper in the solar this evenin’,” Gracie said.
Gracie left the nursery quietly, holding the memory of her children’s laughter in her mind.
She went to the great hall, hoping to find Jaxon already there, and found him leaning over the map table, though not with the same tension she had grown used to.
He looked up as she entered, a smile softening his usually fierce expression.
“Gracie,” he said, his voice warm and steady, “come sit with me for a moment. The clan’s work can wait; I’d rather see thee than any map or report.”
She crossed the hall and slid onto the bench beside him, feeling his hand brush hers.
“Ye’ve been busy, as always,” she said.
Gracie leaned against him, her heart swelling with affection.
The castle felt alive again, the guards chatting by the stables, the servants moving with purpose, and the twins’ laughter still echoing faintly from above.
She could see the village of Glenmoor in her mind, thriving with their support.
And for the first time in a long while, Gracie allowed herself to believe fully in the quiet happiness that came from love, loyalty, and the man beside her.
Jaxon rested his arm around her shoulders, drawing her close. “Ye’ve kept the girls in good spirits, lass,” he murmured.
“Aye,” she said, “and I’ll keep us all together. Nay more fear, nay more worry.”
He pressed a soft kiss to her temple, and in that moment, Gracie felt the last shadows of doubt and pain fall away. She was home. They were home. And she would never let go again.
Later that evening, Gracie sat in the warm glow of the solar, needles clicking as she worked on a pair of scarves, the soft wool sliding smoothly through her fingers.
Jaxon was beside her, bent over a stack of papers, quill scratching against parchment, but the tension that usually hung around him was gone.
The fire crackled cheerfully in the hearth, casting a golden light across the room, and the scent of burning wood mingled with the faint lavender from her knitting bag.
For the first time in many weeks, she felt a contented hush settle over her heart, simply because they were together, side by side.
She paused, glancing up at him, and her chest swelled with affection.
He was patient, thoughtful, and fiercely protective of his clan; he was clever, decisive, and unflinching when it came to righting wrongs; and above all, he was devoted in ways she had never dared to hope for.
She marveled at how he could make her feel both safe and wildly alive, all in one look.
Her heart squeezed at the thought of being the one he returned to each night, the one who shared both his burdens and his quiet moments.
Jaxon let out a low scoff and ran a hand over the letter he had been reading, his brow furrowing in irritation.
“What is it that vexes ye so, Jaxon?” Gracie asked, setting down her knitting and leaning closer.
He tapped the paper against the table with a sharp edge. “’Tis me mother,” he said, his voice clipped. “Beggin’ me to bring that scoundrel Edmund back here, as if nothin’ he’s done matters.”
Gracie’s eyes widened, and she leaned back with a soft gasp. Jaxon tossed the letter into the hearth without a second thought, letting the flames consume the parchment.
“From now on, any messenger bringin’ her letters will be ordered to cast them straight into the fire,” he added, a grim smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Gracie shook her head and murmured, “It’s a shame she favored him so much. I hope I'll nae make the same mistake with our bairns.”
Jaxon looked up, and his eyes softened as he regarded her. “Nay, Gracie,” he said, his voice warm and firm. “Ye would never do such a thing. Ye are too kind, too unselfish, and I see how ye love Rose and Eden equally.”
Gracie felt a rush of warmth as he reached over and pulled her close, draping an arm around her shoulders. He pressed a soft kiss to her temple, the scent of the hearth and her wool mingling in the quiet intimacy of the moment.
“I love ye, lass,” he murmured, nuzzling against her hair.
“And I love ye,” Gracie replied, resting her head against his chest, her fingers tightening on her knitting as her heart beat with contentment.
Gracie’s cheeks flamed as she watched Jaxon look at her, his eyes wide with curiosity and warmth.
“I’m glad ye think I’m a good maither to the twins,” she said softly, trying to steady her voice, “because I have news.”
Jaxon raised a brow, leaning back slightly as though bracing himself. “What news, lass?” he asked, his tone playful but edged with anticipation.
Gracie took a deep breath, her heart pounding. “I am with bairn,” she whispered, the words feeling both light and heavy on her tongue.
The moment hung in the air for a heartbeat, and then Jaxon’s face broke into a grin so wide it seemed to fill the solar. Without a word, he scooped her up into his arms, twirling her gently as she laughed and gasped, her shawl slipping slightly from her shoulders.
“This calls for a celebration!” he cried, spinning her again before setting her down with care.
He strode to the door and banged lightly with his fist. “April!” he called, his voice carrying the glee of a man unrestrained.
A moment later, the maid appeared, eyes bright with curiosity. “Yes, me laird?” she asked, bowing slightly.
“Have a feast brought up to the solar for me family,” Jaxon said, his grin never faltering. “We have much to celebrate!”
April’s gaze flicked toward Gracie, and the maid’s lips parted in surprise. “What is it, me lady?” she asked eagerly.
Gracie’s smile grew as she placed a hand over her belly. “I am with bairn,” she said again, quieter this time but full of joy.
April’s reaction was immediate and heartfelt. She threw her arms around Gracie, spinning her in a hug and laughing.
“Oh, me lady, that is wondrous news! A new bairn for the McMillans!”
Gracie felt a rush of happiness as April stepped back, eyes shining. “I’ll go to the kitchens at once and have the cooks prepare a feast,” the maid said, already heading down the corridor.
Gracie turned back to Jaxon, her heart swelling as she watched him lean against the table, still grinning like a bairn himself.
She had never seen him gush with such unrestrained delight, not even over victory in battle or success in clan matters.
Her hand pressed to her heart as she realized how completely he embraced this new chapter, how full his love was for her and their growing family.
For a moment, she allowed herself to linger in the joy, letting it wash over her.
She had feared he might be hesitant, overwhelmed, or unsure about welcoming another bairn so soon.
But in his eyes, she saw nothing but pride, tenderness, and unreserved excitement.
Gracie laughed softly to herself, a tear slipping down her cheek, feeling more cherished and certain in his love than ever before.
Gracie heard the creak of the door and looked up to see Rose and Eden peeking in, their eyes wide with curiosity.
Jaxon’s voice carried through the solar as he hummed a lively tune, pouring whiskey with a gleeful grin.
“What has happened?” Rose asked, her small hands gripping the doorway. “We have never seen Faither so joyous!”
Jaxon laughed heartily and turned to the twins.
“Ye shouldnae be surprised, lassies,” he said, ruffling Rose’s hair. “I was just as happy when I heard we were to have ye, and this day is nay different.”
The twins blinked at him, still confused, and looked toward Gracie for guidance.
Gracie rose from her chair, smoothing her hands over her skirt as she knelt to their height.
“I am with bairn, me loves,” she said softly, her heart swelling. “Ye are to have a new brother or sister.”
The twins’ eyes widened, then lit up with glee, and they both leapt into her arms, squealing in delight.
They hugged their parents tightly, and Gracie felt a rush of warmth and contentment wash through her. Eden jabbered excitedly about playing with the new bairn and teaching them all the tricks he knew.
Rose bounced in place, shouting, “A sister! A brother! Oh, Faither, this is wonderful!”
Jaxon scooped Rose into his arms and spun her around before doing the same with Eden, the three of them laughing and tumbling over each other in the middle of the solar.
A few moments later, the servant train arrived, carefully laying a feast upon the heavy oak table.
There were meat pies, golden roasted fowl, barrels of fresh bread, smoked herring, and bowls of root vegetables glistening with butter.
Jars of honeyed apples and dried fruits were set beside sweetmeats, and a cask of red wine stood ready for pouring.
The room was filled with the scent of roasting meats, fresh herbs, and baked goods that made the twins’ eyes sparkle even brighter.
Jaxon lifted a tankard and smiled at his family. “Here’s to new beginnings, and to the bairn who will soon join our clan!”
Gracie clinked her cup against his, and the twins cheered with childish excitement.
They ate heartily, Rose nibbling a piece of roasted fowl while Eden spooned honeyed apples into his mouth.
The conversation flowed easily, laughter and exclamations filling the solar as stories of the twins’ antics and Jaxon’s latest duties were recounted.
Gracie watched her husband lean back, rubbing his stomach, and noticed the way his eyes softened whenever they met hers.
“Ye ken, Faither,” Rose said, eyes sparkling, “I think I already love the bairn as much as I love ye both.”
Eden chimed in, “Aye, and we can teach the bairn everythin’ about the castle and the stables!”
Jaxon chuckled, tousling their hair, “Aye, ye two shall be the finest guides a bairn could ask for.”
Gracie’s gaze wandered around the table, taking in the warmth of the firelight, the chatter, the clinking of cutlery, and the bright laughter of her little family.
Her heart lifted with gratitude and awe.
All of this happiness, she reflected, had begun because she was left at the altar, because fate had carried her to Jaxon and not Edmund.
And though the road had been fraught with trials, she knew in that moment she would not have it any other way.
She leaned into Jaxon’s side, feeling his arm encircle her, and whispered, “I love this life with ye, Jaxon.”
He kissed the top of her head and murmured, “And I love ye, Gracie. More than ever.”
The twins squealed with delight at another toast, and the family settled into the quiet joy of a night filled with laughter, love, and the promise of new life soon to come.
The fire crackled beside them, casting flickering shadows that danced over their faces, and Gracie thought that she had never been more content.
Gracie rested her head on Jaxon’s shoulder, feeling the steady strength of him beside her, and let out a sigh of pure happiness.
“Ye see, lass,” Jaxon murmured, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple, “this is what we’ve fought for, the clan, the bairns, our home.”
Gracie smiled, her heart swelling, “Aye, and I’d fight every struggle again if it brought me here, with ye.”
The fire flickered, the shadows dancing across the walls, and the family sat in peaceful warmth, dreaming of the new life to come.
The End?