Page 91 of Redemption

Epilogue

Rhea looked out the bedroom window at Callendar Abby. Below, she saw Julian and Patience strolling through the gardens with more than a dozen children walking and running around the couple. Alma and Fanny were walking together their heads together as if they were plotting something. Vincent was amusing Jamie and Theo with some wild story for his exaggerated hand gestures.

Greer, her little legs making her gait awkward raced toward the couple. Julian swept her up in his arms and Patience turned toward the pair. Her belly had expanded in recent weeks, and Aunt Matilda was certain the baby would arrive any day now. The couple was ecstatic about the upcoming arrival. Percy had said Julian and Patience had believed she couldn’t have children, which made her understand her sister-in-law’s happy glow and excitement.

It meant the family would have to wait for her news. She refused to take any attention away from Patience’s moment of happiness. Rhea smiled at the thought and pressed her hand to her own stomach. As she stood watching the happy scene, a warm hand slid around her waist, pulling her back into a solid wall of muscle. Rhea sighed with happiness at the strong touch.

Life with Percy had swept away every bad memory of her old existence into the darkest corners of her mind where they had remained for the most part. There was the occasional nightmare, but Percy was always there to hold and soothe her afterward. She leaned her head back to rest it on his shoulder. His mouth brushed against her temple and she sighed softly.

“Now that sounds like a happy sigh,” he murmured as his arms tightened around her waist.

“It was,” she said with a smile as she reached up to touch his face. Her gaze focused on Peter, Harry, and Ginny darting back and forth in an impromptu game of tag. “Look at them, Percy. I never ever thought to see them so happy. I never thought I could be so happy.”

“We are fortunate,” he said quietly as Louisa came into view. Rhea heard the contemplative note in his voice and quickly turned to face him.

“No,” she said firmly.

“What?” he asked with a slightly guilty look.

“I know that look, Percy Rockwood. You’re not to interfere in Louisa’s affairs, and you’re most definitely not to encourage Constance or Patience to do so.”

“It’s what the Rockwoods do, sweetheart,” he said in a cajoling voice. “We like our family to be happy.”

“Then I suggest you start with your own family first.”

“Our children aren’t old enough for romantic affairs.” His words expanded her heart as she was forced to blink back a sudden flood of tears.

“Say that again?”

“What? Our children aren’t old enough?”

“Yes, our children,” she whispered as she wrapped her arms around him and pressed her body into him as far as she could.

Their lives at Green Hill House over the past eight months been almost too idyllic. Percy had honored his words to her and had adopted the children with his whole heart. The boys worshiped him, while Ginny and Fanny had him wrapped around their fingers. He was every bit the father he’d told her he would be. He had become Sebastian’s estate manager when the old manager had retired, and it was obvious he enjoyed his work. He often took the boys with him. Their life together was richer and fuller than anything she could have ever hoped for. She sucked in a sharp breath as the past darted out to jab at her. Percy tightened his arms around her.

“What is it, Rhea? You’ve been moody for the past weeks,” he said with something resembling alarm.

“Yes, I suppose I have,” she said with a smile as she raised her head to look up at him. “I don’t suppose you’d be willing to take in another child.”

“Another child,” he said as he arched his eyebrows in amused exasperation. “Six isn’t enough for you?”

“Well, this particular child is quite needy. They’ll require a great deal of care. Possibly late nights and early mornings.”

“Why do I think you’ve found a baby in need of—” Percy abruptly stopped speaking as his jaw sagged, and he stared at her in disbelief. His befuddled expression made her laugh, and she pulled his head down to kiss him.

“Yes, a new Rockwood will join the fold in a few months.”

“A baby,” he murmured with a look of amazed happiness on his face. Percy pressed his forehead against hers.

“Then I take it you’re pleased,” Rhea asked with just a hint of worry.

“Pleased? I’m overjoyed, my love.”

“Now, you’re not to say a word to anyone, not even the children.”

“Why the devil not?”

“Because Patience and Julian have waited so long to have a child, and I don’t want to take away from their happiness. We can tell the family the news after the baby arrives.”

“Knowing my sister, I doubt it would trouble her if we were to make the announcement,” he paused as she narrowed her gaze at him.

“Percy.”

“Very well, I’ll let you have your way as you always do.”

“You know good and well that’s not true,” she huffed. “If anyone is indulged it’s—”

“The children,” he said with a chuckle. As she met his gaze her heart skipped a beat.

“Oh Percy, do you really think I put the children before you,” she gasped in dismay.

“What? No,” he said with a shake of his head. “I was teasing you, my love. I have never been happier in my life. You and the children have given me more than a man could hope to have.”

As he kissed her, Rhea experienced a rush of happiness unlike anything she’d ever known. She’d been redeemed time and again by a man who loved her with all his heart. She’d been adopted into a family who had accepted her for who she was, not what she had been, and in a few months she would have one more heart to cherish and love. Redemption had come at a price, but not the one she’d expected. It had been the price of happiness, and she accepted it gladly with all her heart.