EPILOGUE
Keeping her expression stoic, Emma was listening as Luke shared all the details surrounding David’s death. She’d finally discovered what role everyone played those fateful days on the shores of Scotland. Although, it had been worse than she imagined.
Luke’s last words were, “David died as a hero.”
A contemplative silence descended over the group before Rachel spoke up as she stood next to Luke near the window. “You remind me of David in so many ways. He would have been proud of the woman you’ve become.”
Turning her gaze out the window, Emma’s eyes roamed the Scottish countryside, and the impressive stud farm.
They’d traveled to Scotland after their month-long wedding tour to visit Luke and Rachel.
Now a married woman, she had expressed a desire to learn the full story of her brother’s death.
Luke and Rachel had agreed that it was time for her to know the whole truth.
“Emma, are you all right?” Simeon asked, his arm wrapping around her shoulder.
“I am,” she replied. “I’m relieved to finally know the truth.”
Rachel came to sit next to her on the settee. “It’s not that we didn’t trust you, Emma, but you must understand the great burden of knowing the full truth of David’s death, and our family’s greatest secrets.”
“I understand, and I would never betray my family.” My family, she thought. It felt good to say that aloud.
“We know that, or we wouldn’t have entrusted you with the facts now,” Luke said with a weak smile. “In our own way, we were trying to protect you.”
She tilted her chin with determination. “No more secrets between us.”
“We can partially agree to that,” Rachel stated, glancing back at her husband. “But, some of the secrets are not ours to share.”
Nodding, Emma replied, “That’s something I can understand.”
She was not a simpleton. The women of the Beckett family had more secrets than the men, but she would eventually learn them. All in good time.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to show Simeon the cave where David died,” Emma announced, rising. For the two years that she’d lived in Scotland, she was never once brave enough to visit the cave. The image of David’s body lying in the darkened cave was too overwhelming for her to even attempt it.
“Would you like us to go with you?” Rachel asked with concern in her voice.
Emma shook her head. “It’s time I go and see it for myself.”
“There’s no shame in not visiting the cave, Emma,” Luke remarked, his brows furrowed.
With Simeon standing next to her, Emma felt buoyed by his presence. “I find I can do anything with Simeon by my side.”
Simeon offered his arm, and together they made the trek down the long, treacherous path towards the beach. As they stepped onto the sand, Emma shuddered as her eyes sought out the cave.
“We don’t have to go inside,” Simeon said.
Emma turned to face her husband. “I need to. I want to.”
“Would you like me to carry you?”
She laughed. “I’m not a babe.”
“You didn’t seem to mind much last night,” he replied flirtatiously.
“You, sir, are a rogue,” she bantered back.
Slowly, Emma made her way towards the cave with Simeon close behind. She stopped at the entrance of the dark, damp cave and peered in. Taking a deep breath for courage, she stepped inside, half-expecting a French soldier to jump out at her.
Her eyes scanned the wall, looking for blood or any sign of struggle, but she found none. It was just a cave. She breathed a sigh of relief.
“How are you faring?” Simeon asked, reaching for her hand.
She glanced over at him. “I feared what I would see. But there is nothing to fear here.”
“Nothing at all,” he replied.
Taking a step further inside, she heard the sound of trickling water along the rocky walls. “This cave has no power over me anymore,” she declared, her voice echoing off the walls.
Simeon stepped closer and placed his hands on her hips. “You’re an amazing woman, Mrs. Martin.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “In what way am I amazing?”
“Coming down here and showing me where your brother died. That took great courage.”
“It was time,” she remarked, attempting to downplay the significance of it.
“Perhaps, but I still think you are brave.”
She smiled. “I fear that you are a bit biased, husband.”
“That’s true,” he agreed, leaning in and pressing his lips against hers. After a moment, he pulled back. “What if we named our first son David, after your brother?”
“I would like that very much.”
She stepped out of his arms and walked over to the uneven walls, running her hand down the cold stones. “Because of David, I am living a charmed life that I scarcely can believe is real.”
“It’s a life you deserve.”
“I wish I could thank him,” she said, sadly.
Simeon walked slowly over to her. “I’m sure David would tell you to live your life to the fullest. To smile more, laugh more, and to show kindness to others.”
She laughed. “Actually, my brother would tell me to stay out of trouble.”
“He sounds wise.” Simeon chuckled.
At that moment, a small amount of water started flowing into the cave. Simeon scooped her up into his arms and quickly exited. They strolled up the windy path until they found a boulder to sit on and watch the tide come in. Simeon draped his arm over her shoulder and pulled her close.
“Do I make you happy, Emma?” Simeon surprised her by asking.
“Yes,” she answered honestly. “I’m happier than I ever thought possible.” She paused and looked over at him. “Do I make you happy?”
Tears came to Simeon’s eyes as he looked down at her. “I never thought I could be this happy, as well. For so long, I was miserable, and now I am filled with such contentment. It feels quite unbelievable.”
“Well then, I propose we stick together,” she joked, “especially since we get along so well.”
Simeon laughed. “Life with you will never be dull, my dear Emma.”
Simeon’s laugh was Emma’s favorite sound. She would spend the rest of her days ensuring Simeon knew how blessed she was to have married him. He supported her, cherished her, and loved her in such a way that she had no doubt of his affection.
She’d been right about one thing. Two people could fall so desperately in love with each other that they could create their own happily ever after. She knew, because she was living hers.