Epilogue
“What about Bertrand?” Rowen asked, pointing to a name in the book.
She was curled up beside Tobias on the chaise in the eastern library. A fire crackled merrily in the fireplace, and Tobias had his arms wrapped around her.
Rowen breathed in deeply, reveling in his scent. Cedar and pine, mingled with the scent of woodsmoke and mahogany.
I do not think I will ever get enough of it.
Tobias wrinkled his nose and shook his head. “I knew a Bertrand at school. Horrid fellow used to rip the legs off spiders.”
Rowen shuddered. “I might not like spiders, but I see no reason to torture the poor things.”
“Annabelle is a nice name. What about that?” Tobias shifted, and she leaned further against him.
“Maybe.” She rested a hand on her belly. “I have always been partial to Louise myself.”
“Louise.” Tobias tested out the name. “I like it. And Louis, if it is a boy.”
“Or Harrold. Harry for short.”
“I think I prefer Louis.”
“Well, we will just have to see.” Rowen stretched and let out a yawn. “Goodness, I am tired.”
“You have not been sleeping very well lately,” Tobias pointed out. “You could always take advantage of the peace and quiet and have a quick nap.”
“I suppose I could. Do you promise you will still be here when I wake up?” She wriggled against him, drawing the thick blanket over her as sleep threatened to pull her under.
“I would not dream of being anywhere else.” His words reverberated through his chest.
“Good.” Rowen let her eyes flutter shut.
Suddenly, they heard footsteps, and they both turned to face the door. It burst open, and Alistair, Georgie, Erica, Felicity, and David hurtled into the room. They were followed by a panting Martha and a red-faced Adele.
“So much for peace and quiet,” Tobias muttered under his breath as all the children made a beeline for him.
“Erica, what did I tell you about running in the house?” Martha made a dive for her toddler, but the little girl avoided her easily in her quest to reach her uncle.
Rowen shifted as Tobias stood up and blocked the small onslaught of children before they could clamber all over her. His muscles rippled as everyone began climbing on him, shouting that it was their turn next.
She caught Adele’s eye as she settled into a nearby armchair, smoothing her frizzy-looking hair.
“I tried to convince them that going into the garden would be more fun, but they were determined to see Uncle Toby. I hope you do not mind.” Adele winced.
“I mean, we did invite you all to stay for a reason. I can hardly complain if that means we all get to spend time together.” Rowen smiled at her.
“I know you and Tobias wanted some time alone.” Martha’s fingers twitched. “We really tried to convince them to go elsewhere.”
“I am sure you did.” Rowen stiffened and forced herself to relax.
Warner appeared a moment later, carrying his youngest child, Elizabeth, in his arms. He had a cloth draped over his shoulder, and when he saw the children climbing over his cousin, his face split into a grin.
“You get him.” He gestured to Tobias, who laughed.
Rowen realized that Martha was still standing, hovering by the door. Their eyes met, and she gestured to an armchair. “Have a seat. Please.”
“Yes, sit down, Martha. Otherwise, you will be left without one.” Adele beamed at the woman.
Rowen was always impressed by the way Adele readily accepted the woman who had nearly ruined her life. The two of them had become unlikely friends, and their children were obsessed with each other.
If Adele can manage it, then I certainly can.
Rowen smiled wider and poured Martha, Adele, and Warner each a cup of tea. She was drinking warm milk with honey.
“Are you still having trouble with your stomach?” Warner asked.
“Just a little. It is getting better. I expect it will improve over the next few months.”
“Peppermint tea was a lifesaver for me.” Adele gave Rowen an overly innocent look. “I am surprised Cook has not already recommended it.”
“She has, actually. But for some reason, it turns my stomach.” Rowen shrugged, knowing that her cheeks were reddening.
“My turn! Throw me next!” Georgie cried, holding her arms out towards Tobias.
“As you wish.”
Rowen watched as he scooped Georgie up and threw her into the air, catching her easily and making her clap her hands in delight.
“Ow!”
David had been jumping up and down in his excitement, but unfortunately, he had been darting between Tobias’s legs when he had done it, and from the way Tobias’s face was turning a delicate shade of green, Rowen suspected he had collided with something rather fragile.
Warner handed Elizabeth to Adele and darted towards his cousin, steadying him as he tried very hard not to collapse onto the gaggle of very excited children.
“I think Uncle Toby needs a break.” Warner helped Tobias to the sofa.
“Uncle Toby ow?” David pointed to Tobias, who was breathing heavily. “Sowwy.”
“It’s all right, Davey. I know it was an accident.” Tobias’s eyes were closed.
“It easily happens when you have so many children around.” Warner clapped Tobias on the back. “It’s the danger of having so much chaos concentrated in one place.”
“Tobias likes a little danger.” Rowen kissed Tobias’s cheek.
“No man likes that kind of danger,” Warner said meaningfully.
“Besides, Tobias will need to get used to such chaos.” Rowen placed a hand on her belly. “Our family is growing.”
“I knew it!” Adele exclaimed. “I told you so, Warner. Oooh, Verity will be furious—she owes both Cora and me a guinea.”
“What do you mean, our family is growing?” Alistair frowned and looked between the adults.
Tobias opened his eyes and gestured to Rowen. “Well, your mother is going to have a baby soon. Which means you will get another brother or sister.”
“Really?” Georgie’s eyes went wide, and she moved closer, her eyes flicking to Rowen’s stomach and then to Tobias and back to Rowen.
“Yes.” Rowen nodded. “In a few months, you will have a new sibling.”
“Could we have two?” Alistair asked. “That way, it can be balanced.”
“Four is a much better number than three,” Georgie agreed. “It is better for playing games and things.”
“That is not really how this thing works, darling.”
“But you had me and Alistair. Why can’t you do it again?” Georgie frowned.
“It is a possibility, I suppose.”
The thought of a second set of twins had not occurred to Rowen. She looked at Tobias, and judging from his wide eyes, she could tell the thought had not occurred to him either.
His cousin had twins, and I have already had twins. And these sorts of things do seem to run in families.
“I think we might need a bigger nursery.”
Tobias nodded.
Rowen realized that Georgie was tugging on her sleeve. She leaned closer, sensing that her daughter wanted to talk to her without anyone overhearing.
“What if the baby is like me?” Georgie whispered. “What if she has trouser days or things like that?”
“Then we will love her or him, just as we love you. And the baby will be lucky to have you already forging the path.” Rowen smiled at her.
Georgie nodded. “And I will not allow anything bad to happen to the baby. Not ever.”
“That’s not your job,” Rowen said gently.
“I know. But we’re family. We should keep each other safe.” Georgie looked between Rowen and Tobias.
“I could not agree more,” Tobias murmured, ruffling her hair affectionately. “And I will always keep you safe.” He leaned towards the children and put on a comically evil face that made Rowen giggle as he wagged his fingers. “Except when the tickle monster comes to town!”
Rowen laughed as Tobias darted forward, and the room erupted in laughter and shrieks, and the sound of families finally coming together.
The End?