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“Do you think she’ll take after you?” Valerie teased as she glanced over the rim of her teacup, her violet eyes sparkling with amusement.
Sebastian, seated across from her in the drawing room, raised a brow in mock offense. “I should hope so. Why wouldn’t she?”
“Because she’s already showing signs of mischief,” Valerie said, her lips curving into a sly smile. “That’s all me.”
Their youngest daughter, Emily, was crawling determinedly across the rug, her little fists clenching and unclenching with focus as she made her way toward a wooden block that Lizzie had carelessly left behind. The older children, Lizzie and Henry, were outside, their gleeful laughter drifting in from the gardens as they played under the watchful eye of their governess.
Sebastian leaned back in his chair, studying Emily with an air of mock seriousness. “It’s true. I see the beginnings of trouble in those little eyes of hers. You may be raising my future rival.”
Valerie laughed, the sound warm and rich. “She’s perfect, mischief and all.”
Sebastian crossed the room to pick up Emily, lifting her high above his head, which earned a delighted squeal from the infant. “You’re perfect,” he said softly, his voice tender as he brought her close to his chest. “Just like your mother.”
Valerie set her cup aside, a playful smile tugging at her lips. “Flattery, my lord? At this hour? You must want something.”
Sebastian chuckled, lowering Emily to rest against his shoulder. “Perhaps I simply enjoy reminding my wife of her unparalleled virtues.”
Valerie rose, smoothing the skirts of her light green morning dress as she approached him. “And I enjoy reminding you that your charm only works because I let it.”
“You wound me,” he replied, though his grin betrayed his amusement.
Emily, ever eager to contribute, reached for Valerie, her tiny hands opening and closing in a clear request. Valerie obliged, taking her daughter into her arms and pressing a soft kiss to her forehead.
“She’s growing so quickly,” Valerie murmured, her voice tinged with a touch of wistfulness. “It feels as though Lizzie was this small just yesterday.”
Sebastian’s expression softened, his hand resting lightly on Valerie’s back. “Each day feels fleeting, doesn’t it? But I wouldn’t trade this for anything.”
Valerie glanced up at him, her eyes shining with quiet emotion. “Nor would I.”
A burst of laughter outside caught their attention, and Valerie smiled as she heard Henry’s triumphant shout. “Do you think they’ll ever stop trying to outdo each other?”
“Not likely,” Sebastian replied, his tone light. “They’re siblings. It’s practically their duty.”
Valerie adjusted Emily in her arms, turning to gaze out the window where the children played among the rose bushes. “I hope they stay this close, even as they grow older. There’s something so special about the bond they share.”
“They will,” Sebastian said with quiet certainty. “Because they’ve been raised in a home built on love and respect. That’s because of you.”
“And you,” Valerie countered, her smile soft. “We’ve built this together, Sebastian.”
He reached for her free hand, lacing his fingers with hers. “Together. Always.”
The quiet moment lingered, a shared sense of gratitude settling between them. In the distance, Lizzie’s voice rang out again, full of joy, and Sebastian couldn’t help but smile. Their life was as perfect as he had ever dared to dream, and he knew, in that moment, that it would only continue to grow richer with time.
Later that afternoon, the Montague family gathered in the orchard, a cherished place that had become the heart of their estate. The air was warm and fragrant, the branches heavy with ripe apples that glinted in the sunlight. Lizzie and Henry dashed ahead, their laughter echoing through the trees as they raced toward the far end of the orchard.
Valerie walked at a slower pace, holding Emily in her arms. The youngest Montague was babbling happily, her small hands reaching for anything within range, including Valerie’s loose braid.
“Careful, little one,” Valerie said with a laugh, gently untangling Emily’s fingers from her hair. “Your enthusiasm knows no bounds.”
Sebastian strolled beside her, carrying a basket for the apples they intended to pick. He watched his wife with a fond smile, his chartreuse eyes filled with admiration. “She gets that from you, you know.”
Valerie raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk on her lips. “Oh? And what does she get from you?”
“An impeccable sense of timing,” he replied with mock seriousness. “She’s mastered the art of charming you into doing whatever she wants.”
“Ah, so it runs in the family,” Valerie teased, nudging him lightly with her elbow.
Before Sebastian could retort, Lizzie’s voice called out from ahead. “Mama! Papa! Come see what we found!”
Valerie and Sebastian quickened their pace, reaching their older children beneath a large apple tree. Henry stood proudly next to a carefully arranged pile of apples, his chest puffed out in triumph.
“Look!” Lizzie said, pointing to the highest branches. “The best ones are all the way up there.”
Sebastian squinted up at the tree, his hands resting on his hips. “That’s quite the challenge.”
“I can climb it!” Henry declared, his enthusiasm matched by the mischievous glint in his eyes.
“Absolutely not,” Valerie said firmly, though her tone was softened by her smile. “You’ll pick from the lower branches, just like your sister.”
Henry pouted but obeyed, reaching for an apple within his grasp. Lizzie, ever the diplomat, offered her brother one of the apples from her pile to cheer him up.
As the children busied themselves with their task, Sebastian turned to Valerie. “Do you remember the first time we came here together after the wedding?”
“How could I forget?” she replied, a dreamy smile spreading across her face. “It was autumn, and you insisted on climbing that tree to prove you weren’t afraid of heights.”
“And promptly tore my coat in the process,” Sebastian added with a chuckle.
Valerie laughed, the memory vivid in her mind. “You were so determined to impress me.”
“I still am,” he said, his voice soft as he reached out to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. “Every day.”
Valerie’s heart swelled at his words, her gaze locked on his. “And you succeed, my love. Every day.”
Their quiet moment was interrupted by Henry’s triumphant shout. “I got the biggest apple!”
Lizzie rolled her eyes. “It’s not about the size, Henry.”
Sebastian smirked, glancing at Valerie. “They sound familiar, don’t they?”
Valerie shook her head, her smile widening. “A little too familiar.”
The family spent the rest of the afternoon in the orchard, gathering apples and sharing stories beneath the shade of the trees. The golden light of the setting sun bathed them in warmth, a reminder of the love and joy that filled their lives. As the children chased each other through the rows, Valerie and Sebastian watched with contentment, their hands intertwined. This, they knew, was the life they had always dreamed of.
As evening settled over Montague estate, the family gathered on the terrace for supper. The long table was set with simple but elegant dishes, the centerpiece a heaping bowl of apples the children had proudly picked that afternoon. Lanterns hung above, casting a soft glow over the scene as the stars began to appear in the darkening sky.
Delilah and David arrived just as the first course was served, their arrival heralded by the clatter of horses’ hooves in the driveway. Valerie rose to greet them, her smile widening as Delilah stepped into view, her auburn hair catching the light of the lanterns.
“You’ve brought Jacob, I hope,” Valerie said as they embraced.
“Of course,” Delilah replied, her voice warm with affection. “He wouldn’t let us leave without him.”
David appeared behind her, carrying their young son in his arms. Jacob wriggled excitedly, his small fists reaching toward Valerie.
“Aunt Valerie!” Jacob squealed, his voice high with delight.
Valerie laughed as she took the boy into her arms. “Well, aren’t you getting big? Soon you’ll be running faster than Henry and Lizzie.”
“I already can,” Jacob announced confidently, earning a chuckle from David.
The group moved to the table, where Sebastian stood to welcome their guests. “You’re just in time,” he said, gesturing to the spread before them. “We’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival.”
“You mean you’ve been eagerly awaiting an audience for your stories,” David teased, clapping Sebastian on the shoulder as he took his seat.
As the meal began, the conversation flowed easily, a harmonious blend of lighthearted banter and meaningful exchanges. Valerie watched as Delilah leaned in to listen to Lizzie’s animated retelling of her afternoon in the orchard, while David helped Henry cut his meat with exaggerated precision, making the boy giggle.
“You’ve done well, my love,” Sebastian said softly, his voice meant only for Valerie.
She turned to him, her expression curious. “What do you mean?”
“This,” he said, gesturing subtly to the table. “The life we’ve built, the family we’ve nurtured—it’s everything I ever wanted, and so much more.”
Valerie’s heart swelled, her gaze drifting over the lively scene before her. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Sebastian reached for her hand beneath the table, his fingers warm and steady. “Together, remember?”
“Always,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.
As the meal wound down, the children grew drowsy, their earlier energy fading into soft yawns and sleepy eyes. Lizzie leaned against Delilah, while Henry rested his head on Valerie’s arm, his small hand clutching hers.
“I think it’s time for bed,” Valerie said gently, smoothing Henry’s hair as he murmured in protest.
David stood, scooping Jacob into his arms. “We’ll help get them settled.”
Delilah followed, her smile warm as she gathered Lizzie into her embrace. “It’s the least we can do after such a wonderful evening.”
As their friends escorted the children inside, Valerie and Sebastian lingered on the terrace. The estate was quiet now, the only sounds the soft chirping of crickets and the occasional rustle of leaves in the breeze.
Sebastian pulled Valerie close, his arms wrapping around her waist. “Thank you for this,” he murmured against her hair.
“For what?” she asked, tilting her head to look up at him.
“For making my life more beautiful than I ever thought possible,” he said, his voice filled with quiet reverence.
Valerie smiled, her heart full. “You’ve done the same for me, Sebastian. More than I could ever say.”
A month later, Montague Estate hosted its annual harvest festival, an event that had become a cherished tradition in the village. The estate grounds were alive with activity—children darting between colorful stalls, musicians playing lively tunes, and the scent of freshly baked pies mingling with the crisp autumn air.
Valerie stood near the apple cider stall, holding a cup of the warm, spiced drink. She watched as Sebastian supervised a group of children in a friendly competition to see who could bob for the most apples. His laughter rang out, rich and genuine, as Lizzie emerged victorious, triumphantly holding up an apple between her teeth.
“Your husband has quite the knack for entertaining,” Delilah said, appearing beside Valerie with a cup of cider in hand.
Valerie smiled, her gaze softening as she watched Sebastian hoist Henry onto his shoulders. “He does, doesn’t he? He’s always been good with children.”
Delilah nudged her playfully. “Speaking of children, do you think you might have room for one more in your bustling household?”
Valerie’s cheeks flushed, but her smile didn’t falter. “Perhaps. We’ve talked about it, and I suppose time will tell.”
“Another Montague to climb trees and pick apples?” Delilah teased. “I can’t wait.”
As they spoke, David joined them, carrying Jacob on his hip. The little boy reached for his mother, and Delilah took him with a laugh. David kissed her cheek before turning to Valerie.
“Your festival is as lively as ever, sister,” he said, gesturing to the bustling crowd. “I dare say it’s become the highlight of the season.”
“It’s not just my doing,” Valerie replied, her tone modest. “Sebastian has worked tirelessly to make this a success.”
David grinned. “Yes, I’ve noticed his flair for community gatherings. It seems married life has made him quite the pillar of society.”
Valerie laughed, shaking her head. “I think it’s the other way around. The estate and the community have become a part of him, just as they’ve become a part of me.”
As the afternoon wore on, the festivities reached their peak. A small stage had been set up near the orchard, where musicians played a lively reel. Sebastian found Valerie among the crowd and extended his hand to her.
“May I have this dance, Lady Montague?” he asked, his chartreuse eyes sparkling with mischief.
Valerie curtsied, playing along. “It would be my pleasure, Lord Montague.”
He led her to the center of the clearing, where other couples were already twirling to the music. They moved in perfect harmony, their steps light and effortless. Around them, villagers clapped and cheered, their joy infectious.
“You’re quite the dancer,” Valerie said, smiling up at him.
“Only when I have the perfect partner,” Sebastian replied, his voice low and full of meaning.
The music slowed, and Sebastian drew her closer, his hands firm and steady at her waist. “Do you know what I’m thinking?” he murmured.
“What?” she asked, her cheeks warming under his gaze.
“That this is everything I’ve ever wanted,” he said, his voice filled with quiet reverence. “You, our family, this life—it’s more than I ever dared to dream.”
Valerie’s heart swelled as she rested her head against his chest. “I feel the same, Sebastian. Every moment with you is a gift.”
As the music ended, the crowd erupted into applause. Sebastian kissed Valerie’s hand, his smile warm and genuine. Together, they stepped off the dance floor, their hands intertwined.
That evening, as the festival wound down and the last of the guests departed, Valerie and Sebastian stood on the terrace, looking out over the estate. The moon cast a silver glow over the gardens, and the faint sound of laughter lingered in the air.
Sebastian pulled her close, his arm wrapped securely around her waist. “Do you ever think about what brought us here?”
Valerie leaned into him, her voice soft. “Sometimes. But mostly, I think about how lucky we are to have found each other.”
Sebastian pressed a kiss to her temple, his voice a tender whisper. “You and I, Valerie—we were always meant to be.”
She smiled, her heart full as she looked up at him. “Always.”
As they stood together under the starry sky, surrounded by the love they had built and the life they had created, they knew their story was far from over. It was only the beginning of a lifetime filled with joy, love, and the kind of happiness that could weather any storm.
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! 💕