Epilogue
James, some weeks later
Ella’s face blinked into view on my laptop. Despite being elsewhere in the house, she joined the meeting remotely on a video call, and not on time.
“Sorry for being late. I just came back from my driving lesson.” She peered at the screen, pressing options I couldn’t see on my end.
“How did it go?” I asked, settling into the wingback chair I’d carried up from another floor.
Slowly, Beth and I were choosing furniture and making our rooms at Belvedere our own.
We’d bought new items, too. Modern ones, not carrying the weight of historic meaning with them.
No clutter, and a happy mix of old and new.
Together, we were making our mark on our home.
“Good,” Ella answered. “Though I have a terrible problem with speeding. I think I got that habit from your wife.”
My sister needed to pass her test before her university term started—she’d be living in Manchester and driving home for the holidays, and Beth had given her lessons, but Ella also had an instructor.
My sister wanted to give Beth and me time alone as much as possible, but I thought maybe she felt like a third wheel around us.
We tried not to make it like that, but with Ella going away to uni and our baby coming in the winter, everything would change and change again.
I added Howard Marks to the call.
After the preliminaries, he adjusted his round glasses and got to the point. “With your permission, my lady, I will file the papers today, commencing the transfer of your guardianship to your brother.”
Ella made grumbling noises but gave a polite smile. “How long will that take?”
Howard’s mouth twitched. “Maybe twelve months, if we’re lucky. It will be contested.”
My sister placed her fingers to her temple.
“Is there really no other solution?” I asked.
“Yes, I did find one option. But I don’t believe you will wish to action it, my lady.”
“What is it?” Ella leaned in.
“If you were married, you would automatically be considered in your majority, thus lifting any such order.” Howard proceeded to read a paragraph of legal jargon.
Ella only stared.
Then, on the screen’s clear picture, her gaze turned despondent. “Thank you, Mr Marks. Please continue with filing the papers and keep me updated.”
Howard agreed and left the call. I eyed Ella.
“How’s Beth doing?” she asked, more brightly than I suspected she felt. “Has her morning sickness gotten any better?”
Beth was currently lying down, the effects of early pregnancy making themselves known. She’d seen a doctor who confirmed everything was as it should be. She just had to take it easy for a few weeks until the symptoms eased.
Giving me a chance to learn how to be the best husband I could be.
“I’ve got a surprise for her.” I dropped my tone.
“Another? You’re going to run out of ideas, and when it gets to her birthday you’ll be stuffed.” Ella grinned. “What is it this time?”
“A latest model Audi. Two, actually, one in blue and one in red. She’s been looking at all these classic cars, ready for when the garage is rebuilt, but these are just for us. They are gorgeous.”
“She’ll love it.”
“There’s a car for you, too, waiting for you to pass your test.” I slid that last bit of news into place.
Ella’s jaw dropped. “Really? Is it here? I’ll be right up. I mean, I was coming to see you anyway.”
“It’s okay, you can just visit the car. I’m not offended.” I laughed now, her excitement exactly what I wanted. Ella and I had a long way to go to repair our relationship, but I’d make every effort to ensure we’d get there.
After the call, I tracked my wife down to the front of the house. She’d left our apartment and was waiting on the steps, just in time to see the huge vehicle carrier appear, beeping as it reversed into position.
“What did you do?” She side-eyed me, a grin spreading.
I shrugged and leaned on the doorframe. “We needed something to start with.”
Beth sucked in a breath, hiding her face with her hands. “I’ve never owned my own car.”
How could she think I’d forgotten?
I jogged down the steps and enclosed her in my arms. “This will be the first of many, my speedster.”
The rear door of the truck lowered, and Beth craned her neck. “Oh! Oh, they are so beautiful.”
“And I can’t wait for you to drive me away in one.” I kissed her hair, breathed in her intoxicating scent, and smiled at the happiness I’d found.
I was wiser now, and I was loved the most. That much, I knew at least.
The End