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“Darling, do remind me again why we’re expecting a third when these two cherubs are already a handful?” Leon’s voice carried a teasing lilt as he looked over at Evangeline, who was nestled in an armchair, a hand resting gently on her rounded belly. Their two children, Alexander and Sophia, were engaged in a spirited game of hide and seek amidst the grandeur of their drawing room, laughter echoing off the walls.
Evangeline met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with mirth and love. “Because, my dear Duke, our love knows no bounds, and apparently, neither does our family,” she quipped, her smile wide and heart full.
It had been four eventful years since they had pledged their lives to each other. Their home, once marked by silence and sorrow, now brimmed with joy and the boisterous sounds of a growing family. Evangeline, now the duchess, had seamlessly woven her spirit into the fabric of the Somerset estate, bringing warmth and light.
Elizabeth, too, had found happiness anew. A year past, she wed a viscount, a man of gentle disposition and strength, who had embraced both Elizabeth and her son, Danny, with open arms. Danny, now the young Earl of Rutland, carried the legacy of his father with pride, nurtured by tales of valor and kindness, ensuring the memory of the count lived on. Elizabeth’s viscount, a remarkable father figure, had ensured that Danny never felt the absence of his biological father’s love.
As Christmas approached, the estate, under Evangeline’s tender care, had transformed into a festive wonderland. Each living area boasted its own splendid Christmas tree, a testament to Evangeline’s belief that joy and celebration should permeate every corner of their lives. It was a time of new traditions, of cherished moments, and of the family drawing closer in the warmth of shared love.
Evangeline’s influence had extended beyond the decorations and festivities. She had instilled a tradition of giving handmade gifts, ensuring that the essence of Christmas—a time for giving and reflecting on the blessings of family—was beautifully preserved. This tradition had been embraced with enthusiasm by all at Somerset, from the youngest to the oldest, each taking immense pride in crafting personal tokens of love and appreciation.
The arrival of Elizabeth and her family had only added to the anticipation and excitement of the season. As they all gathered together, the Somerset estate, now a beacon of love and unity, stood ready to celebrate not just Christmas, but the joy of family, the happiness of togetherness, and the blessing of love renewed and multiplied.
In these moments, as they stood on the cusp of welcoming another member to their family, Leon and Evangeline, surrounded by their loved ones, it was easy to be reminded of the journey that had brought them here.
The aroma of freshly baked bread, cinnamon, and pine filled the air of Hilton House, weaving a tapestry of scents that heralded the Christmas season. In the grand dining hall, a magnificent Christmas breakfast was laid out on a table adorned with holly and candles, casting a warm glow over the smiling faces gathered around it.
Evangeline, ever the orchestrator of these festive mornings, watched with contentment as Elizabeth and her husband joined the merry assembly, Danny in tow, his eyes wide with the wonder of the season. The laughter and chatter that filled the room was a testament to the transformation that had taken place within these walls, turning it from a place of mourning to one of jubilant celebration.
“This, my love, is entirely your doing,” Leon whispered to Evangeline, his hand finding hers beneath the table. “You’ve brought life back into this old house.”
Evangeline squeezed his hand, her heart swelling. “We did this together,” she replied softly, her gaze sweeping over their family and friends. The presence of Elizabeth’s new family intertwined seamlessly with their own, a blend of past and present that enriched the fabric of their lives.
The children, freed from the constraints of formal dining, ran about with slices of toast, their laughter mingling with the music that floated from a gramophone in the corner. Alexander and Sophia, joined by Danny, were the epitome of childhood joy, their innocence and delight a balm to all who watched them.
The tradition of the Christmas tree in every living area had become a cherished part of their festivities, each tree telling its own story through the ornaments, many of them handcrafted with love. Evangeline had insisted on this, wanting the spirit of Christmas to fill every corner of their home, reminding them of the importance of light, love, and family.
As they sat around the breakfast table, Leon couldn’t help but marvel at the sight before him. The room buzzed with conversations, from plans for the upcoming Christmas Day to the simple joys of the season. It was a far cry from the somberness that once cloaked the estate, a change that he attributed to the remarkable woman by his side.
Evangeline had indeed started many new traditions, but none as impactful as the exchange of handmade gifts. It was a practice that encouraged creativity and thoughtfulness, each gift a reflection of the giver’s feelings for the recipient. This year, the anticipation was palpable, with everyone eager to share their creations.
As breakfast continued, the room filled with stories of past Christmases, of the joy and sometimes the misadventures that accompanied the season. Evangeline listened, a smile playing on her lips, knowing that each story added another layer to the tapestry of their family’s history.
It was in these moments, surrounded by the warmth of family and the glow of Christmas lights, that the true essence of the season was felt most keenly. Hilton House had once again become a home filled with love and happiness, a testament to the power of new beginnings and the enduring strength of family bonds.
As the Christmas breakfast came to a gentle lull, with the children now engrossed in a new game by the hearth, Leon caught Evangeline’s gaze from across the room. He stood and offered her his hand with a smile that spoke volumes, a silent invitation she couldn’t resist. Together, they excused themselves, slipping away from the festive chaos into the quietude of the estate’s library, a room filled with the rich scent of aged books and the subtle hint of pine from the small Christmas tree nestled in the corner.
Once inside, Leon closed the door, enveloping them in a serene bubble away from the rest of the world. He wrapped his arms around Evangeline, drawing her close. “Do you have any idea how much happiness you’ve brought into my life?” he murmured, his voice low and filled with emotion. The glow from the fireplace danced in his eyes, reflecting the deep love he held for her.
Evangeline, her heart swelling with love, reached up to trace the line of his jaw with her fingers. “I could say the same to you, Leon. Before you, I never knew love could be this fulfilling, this… all-encompassing.”
Leon leaned down, capturing her lips in a tender kiss, a kiss that spoke of years of love, challenges overcome, and the unbreakable bond they shared. When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers, his breath mingling with hers. “You’ve made me the luckiest man alive, Evangeline. I shudder to think where I’d be without you. Probably still wandering the halls of this estate, a ghost of myself.”
Evangeline laughed softly, the sound a melody to Leon’s ears. “And I am just as grateful, my love. To think, I once believed my life was complete before I met you. Now, I can’t imagine a single day without you by my side.”
Leon’s eyes twinkled with a mixture of mirth and love. “Speaking of not being able to live without you, I have something for you.” He reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a small, exquisitely wrapped package. “I wanted to wait until Christmas, but I find myself incapable of waiting any longer.”
Evangeline’s eyes widened in surprise and delight as she took the package, carefully undoing the ribbon and revealing a delicate locket. Inside, she found miniature portraits of their children and a space left intentionally empty. “For the new addition to our family,” Leon explained, his voice thick with emotion.
Tears of joy welled in Evangeline’s eyes as she looked up at him. “Oh, Leon, it’s beautiful. Thank you.” She threw her arms around him, her heart full to bursting.
He hugged her tightly, whispering in her ear, “Every day with you is a blessing, Evangeline. You’ve filled this house with love, laughter, and life. You are my heart, my soul.”
In the quiet of the library, amidst the history and stories of generations past, Leon and Evangeline shared a moment of profound connection, a testament to their enduring love and the family they had built together. This Christmas, like every holiday, was a celebration of their journey, a journey that continued to unfold with every shared glance, every laugh, and every kiss.
Leon gently broke the embrace, holding Evangeline’s gaze with an intensity that made her heart race. “There’s one more thing,” he said, a mischievous glint in his eye. With a playful smile, he leaned in, his lips meeting hers in a kiss that was both a promise and a celebration. This wasn’t just any kiss; it was filled with all the longing and love that had built up since they’d descended for breakfast. Evangeline giggled into the kiss, a sound that made Leon’s heart swell even more, if possible.
As they parted, Evangeline’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes shining. “Leon, what has gotten into you this morning?” she asked, though her wide smile betrayed how much she enjoyed his affection.
Leon took her hand, leading her to the window where the winter sun cast a soft glow over the snow-covered grounds of the estate. “I’ve been wanting to do that since the moment I saw you this morning,” he confessed. “You looked so beautiful, so radiant, that I could hardly wait for a moment alone with you.”
Evangeline leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder as they looked out at the serene landscape. “This is all I’ve ever wanted,” she whispered. “A family, a home filled with love, and you, Leon. You’ve given me a life I never dared to dream of.”
Leon wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer. “And you’ve given me peace, happiness, and a purpose. Before you, I was merely existing. Now, I’m truly living. You’ve transformed not just this estate, but my entire life.”
They stood in silence for a moment, basking in the warmth of their love and the quiet beauty of the world outside. It was a perfect, peaceful moment that encapsulated everything they had built together.
As the morning progressed, the sounds of laughter and chatter from their family began to drift up to the library, a gentle reminder of the joy waiting for them below. Leon and Evangeline shared one last kiss before preparing to rejoin their loved ones, their hearts full and spirits lifted.
Descending the staircase, hand in hand, they were greeted by the sight of their family gathered in the main hall, the children playing merrily, and Elizabeth sharing a tender moment with her husband. The warmth of the scene filled Evangeline with an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
As they entered the room, all eyes turned to them, and in that moment, Evangeline knew that this was where she belonged. This was her family, her home, and her future. The laughter, the love, and the bonds that had been forged within these walls were her greatest treasures.
Leon, sensing her emotions, squeezed her hand reassuringly. Together, they stepped into the embrace of their family, ready to continue the day’s celebrations and to make even more cherished memories.
And as they did, Evangeline realized that the greatest gift she had ever received was standing right beside her, holding her hand. Leon, her husband, her partner, and the father of her children, was her truest joy. Together, they had created a life filled with love, and as they looked forward to the arrival of their third child, they knew that their love story was far from over. It was just another chapter in a beautiful, ongoing story that was their life together.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 2 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Regency Hearts Entwined", and get 2 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dears! I really hope you loved the book and the Extended Epilogue. I can’t wait to read your wonderful comments. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! 💕
This was a great story to read. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. The way Angel was able to understand those needing help shows a knowledge of understanding humanity, even those with a psychological background sometimes have problem understanding human behavior. She was even able to change Leon without he understanding what was happening until he realized he loved her. This is a great book to read, and Amanda you did a great job writing it. Sonia.
Thank you for your kind words!
A great story to read. I could not put this book down until I finished it. The story of Angel and Leon is awesome, seeing how hard it was for women during that time to show their capabilities to heal without being called witches was interesting. Amanda Seabrook you did a great job on this book!
Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Nice to see how the family has blended and is still growing. Enjoy your work very much.
Thank you for your kind words!
This was a really lovely story. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, the independently minded women and a Duke who was afraid to look at himself and adjust. Loyalty, love, generosity of spirit were beautifully portrayed. A really nice read! Thank you
Thank you for your kind words!
A duke who was not afraid!!!
A great love story with a very happy ending for everyone.
I absolutely loved reading this book. Evangeline was such a thoughtful and caring person, it was hard to others mistreat her. Thanks for another great story.
I meant to say if was hard to see others mistreat her.
I did not want to put this book down.
The story was great. There were minimal typos. I would want to read a book two of this story. My 9-year-old wanted to have me read some of this book to her, and the parts that she missed, she would ask me what happened. I appreciate it all of the healing and love.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!