Epilogue
"And how is our wee one this mornin'?" Chloe asked as she stepped into the nursery. Izzy's eyes lit up as she watched Chloe slip through the crack of the door. There was a smile on Chloe 's face that made Izzy anxious. The spark in Chloe 's eyes only added to Izzy's suspicion.
"I'm well, but you look like the cat that swallowed the canary.
You have news," Izzy observed as Edward stretched and let out a cute little yawn that melted Izzy's heart.
She never thought in a million years to have someone who could steal her heart every second of every day.
Nor did she think that there was room for anyone other than Aaron.
Yet, Edward had wiggled his way into every faucet of Izzy's heart.
"Aye, I do," Chloe answered as she pushed the letter into Izzy's hands. "Jacob returned me letter."
"Is that the lad that has stolen your heart? And here I thought it was—"
"It was Jacob," Chloe answered in haste as if any other name was cursed. "It has always been Jacob, and it shall always be Jacob."
Izzy couldn't help but chuckle as she carefully stood with Edward in her arms. The baby was so small and fragile. Izzy didn't think she would ever be able to wrap her head around the fact that he was part of her just as much as he was a part of Aaron.
"Do ye think me brother will allow him to come visit?" Chloe asked as Izzy settled Edward into his crib and gave the nanny a quick glance.
"You'll have to talk to Aaron about that yourself. But I would suggest you make sure you understand that your brother will think the lad is coming to propose."
"Would that be so bad if he was?" Chloe asked as her eyebrows rose.
There was hope in Chloe 's eyes that reminded Izzy of her youth.
She bobbed her head and let Chloe 's optimism seep into her bones.
Although Izzy didn't know much about Jacob, she was certain that whomever Chloe picked, he would be the perfect match for her.
"I don't think your brother is ready for that milestone in your life. Getting married is a big deal; you're bound to that person for the rest of your life. It's not a decision you should make lightly."
"Says the woman who was forced to marry me brother on pain of death?"
"Consider yourself blessed to be able to marry who you want," Izzy said. "If you talk to your brother with that angle, he's sure to see things your way. Just don't take him for a fool."
"I would never," Chloe said as movement in the corner of Izzy's eye caught her attention. She turned to the window and tilted her head as she watched a carriage come charging down the lane. Izzy stole a glimpse at Chloe as confusion and wonder flashed through them.
"Are we expectin' company?" Chloe asked as she tried to keep the hope from her voice. Izzy couldn't help but smile as she gave a little shrug.
"Maybe you should go downstairs and see who has come to pay us a visit," Izzy encouraged. Without another word, Chloe took off for the door and disappeared down the hallway before Izzy could even bid Edward goodnight.
"Take care of him till I return," Izzy ordered the wet nurse.
The girl smiled and bowed low. Izzy's stomach flipped as she thought of Chloe being reunited with Jacob.
After all the pining the two of them gone through to finally reach this point, well, Izzy had to be sure to catch the moment for herself.
Stopping at the bottom of the steps, Izzy craned her neck as the doors opened. Her heart skipped as she strained her ears to listen for Jacob's announcement.
"Lady Blakesmith," the footman announced.
All the hope and anxiety that filled Izzy had drained from her.
As much as Izzy wanted to know the name, she couldn't put a face to it.
She moved swiftly to the foyer hoping to reach the front before the servant could inform Aaron.
The last thing she wanted was for Aaron to be troubled by a misunderstanding.
"Lady Blaksemith," Izzy started as she came around the corner with a hand extended, ready to shake. Izzy stopped the second Lady Blakesmith came into view. Her heart sank before launching into her throat. "Melina?"
"Izzy? Oh, I was so prayin' I'd see ye before I saw Laird McNeil," Melina said in a flurry. The concern on Melina's face seemed out of place. All in all, she looked flustered and spent. "Is there somewhere we can talk in private?"
"Melina? What are you doing here?" Izzy asked as she rushed to Melina's side and threw her arms around the girl. How long had it been since she saw Melina? Suddenly a rush of sorrow came over Izzy as memory after memory came crashed against her. "Do you know…"
Melina paused at the door to the sitting room and let out a heavy breath. "I'd rather speak in private if it's all the same to ye."
"All right," Izzy answered as she glanced over at Chloe who flashed a confused and cautious glare at Izzy.
Izzy lifted her hand as her eyes shifted to the top of the stairs.
As much as she wanted to hear what Melina had to say, Izzy knew her husband should have been in the room as well.
"We'll talk. But I think Aaron should be in here. "
"Please, I just need ye to understand," Melina pleaded as she grabbed Izzy's hand. "Me faither was a vile man. There were a great many things he had me do that I dinnae want to. Marryin' Aaron was to be one of those things."
"Melina, you need to relax," Izzy said as she guided Melina to the couch and had her sit before she passed out from excitement. "Have something to drink and take a moment to collect yourself. You have to understand, it's been a year since we've seen you, let alone heard a word from you."
"I ken, and there's nay excuse other than I was scared," Melina explained as Izzy walked over to the table and poured Melina a stiff drink.
"Ye see, I was in the ton when I had received yer husband's letter explainin' me faither's demise.
In the back of me mind, I kent that would be me fate one of these days. "
"You write your own fate," Izzy argued as she handed Melina the dram of whiskey.
"Me faither wasnae liked by very many people.
He often blamed others for his shortcomin's.
It was so tiresome watchin' him fall apart.
But there was nothin' I could do to stop him or change his mind.
His bitterness grew as did his rage. It got so bad that even his dogs were fleein' his side.
I took it as a sign and left before I could get swallowed up in his madness.
I'm sorry. Me faither wasnae a very stable man.
It's sad what has become of him, but I promise I'm nothin' like him. "
"Yes, well, I think it's important that you're aware that your father tried to kill me," Izzy said, trying to keep all emotions out of her tone. But the truth remained the same. "He dangled me over the edge of a cliff and tossed me over it."
"Izzy, I'm sorry. I ken ye probably think that I'm just like him, but I swear to ye, I tried to get away from him.
And the second I could, I did. It was yer letters that gave me the courage.
And I wanted to tell ye all this, but me faither would read every parcel that left the house.
Ye have nay idea how controllin' he was. "
"I'd never blame you for something your father did. But things worked out in the end," Izzy assured as her ears perked at the sound of heavy boots echoing down the hall. "I'll talk to Aaron on your behalf. That's what you want, isn't it?"
"Aye," Melina said. "I'd like to come back here and start a family. Liam has family here too, but I daenae want the Laird to think I'll start any trouble."
"And what do we have here?" Aaron's voice boomed through the sitting room, putting Izzy on notice. She loved the way her body reacted to the sound of Aaron's husky voice. She turned to face him as she stepped aside to show off Melina. Aaron's eyes widened as he stepped back.
"Laird McNeil," Melina said as she jumped to her feet and gave Aaron the respect he deserved.
"What name was it I heard ye announced as?" Aaron asked as his gaze shifted to Izzy for a moment before landing back on Melina.
"Lady Blakesmith," Melina answered. Her voice bent with apprehension. "I've recently married."
"Liam Jones, am I right?" Aaron asked as he moved next to Izzy and curled his arm around her waist. Melina's head bobbed in agreement.
"He's a good man. I'm pleased that ye found yer happiness.
I am however a bit confused as to why it took ye so long to come back.
Ye're aware yer faither tried to kill nae only me but me wife as well? "
"I hope that ye'll think that perhaps me faither has already paid in full for his actions against ye," Melina answered as she dropped her eyes to the floor.
Izzy's heart dropped with pity as she reached for Aaron's hand.
"It was after all yer hand that announced me faither's demise.
I'm hopin' that yer wrath died with him. "
"Aye," Aaron said as he let out a heavy sigh. "I have nay ill will toward ye, lass. In fact, I'm pleased to see that ye're still alive, despite what fate had in store for yer faither."
"Melina here is requestin' to return to the clan," Izzy explained as hope swelled within her. She hated the tension mounting in the room.
"Well, nae the clan, but I have received word that me brother is to marry, and I was hopin' I could attend it," Melina answered. "I dinnae want to come here and nae pay my respects to ye after everythin' our families have been through."
"It would be nice to have a friend again," Izzy said as Edward's cry drifted from the nursery. Melina's eyes widened a moment before they shifted directly to Izzy.
"Is that a child?"
"Aye," Aaron answered. "Me son, Edward."
"Ye've got a son? That is truly wonderful news," Melina cooed. "I'm so happy for ye both, truly I am. And maybe one of these days our children can play under the same oak together."
"And when are ye due?" Izzy asked as she beamed with delight at the news of her friend's pregnancy.
"Winter," Melina answered as she rubbed her belly.
"Then ye shall have a place to rest yer head until ye give birth," Aaron announced much to Izzy's shock. Melina's face lit up as joy washed over her, replacing the weariness etched into her features.
"That is too much," Melina said overwhelmed by the generosity.
Izzy's heart overflowed with joy and happiness.
She was thrilled to see how quickly he could bury the hatchet.
It was as if Melina was the daughter of some other man, and all her flaws had been swept away. "But I thank ye. So much, thank ye."
"Best get the servants to make up a room for ye," Aaron said.
"But ye really daenae need to do that. Me husband's family isnae that far from here. Maybe an hour ride. I am grateful though for the offer. Ye daenae ken how much it means to hear that."
"Just do us a favor and send us word when ye have the babe," Aaron said as he glanced at Izzy.
She flashed him a huge smile as thoughts of Edward playing with Melina's child out in the garden danced through her head.
The image was beyond pleasant; it was a future she would fight for and protect at all cost.
"Now who is that?" Aaron huffed as his attention shifted to the window. Izzy's eyes widened as she clapped her hands. With Melina's unexpected arrival, Izzy had completely forgotten about Jacob's secret arrival. Her gaze shifted to Aaron as she wondered how Aaron would take even more news.
"My love, I think you might want to sit down for a moment," Izzy explained and guided him to the nearest chair. He wrestled against her soft touch as the footman made the announcement.
"Sir Jacob Mills."
"What is he doin' here?" Aaron huffed as he glared at Izzy for the answer. She gave him a little shrug as a sheepish grin stretched across her lips.
"Now don't get mad," Izzy started as Chloe darted past the doorway. Aaron's face went cold as he slowly rose from the chair. "But I think Chloe is in love with the lad."
"Over me dead body," Aaron shouted as he charged for the door. Izzy pushed against him, keeping him within the boundaries of the room.
"Let her figure it out on her own," Izzy said. "Give her what we didn't get. We didn't have a choice, she does. Let her make it."
"But it's Thomas," Aaron bemoaned as he relented his pursuit.
"And he's the man Chloe wants. You wouldn't want her to be miserable and marry a man she didn't love, now would you?" Izzy asked as she batted her eyelashes. Aaron's expression hardened.
"The first time he breaks her heart, I'll break him," Aaron announced with such conviction that Izzy didn't question it further. She merely pressed her hand to Aaron's chest and smiled at his fierceness.
"Lord help us if we ever have a girl."
The End?