Epilogue

 

 

 

Summer 1908

Tensbridge House, Kent

 

 

“Oliver! Are the trunks in the carriage?” Claudia called out.

They were already late, for they had to catch a train to Bamford Park in Essex for the yearly retreat of friends and family at the Duke and Duchess of Allenby’s country home.

Eleanora Galway and Christian Bamford held this get-together every summer. It was quite the crowd, and Claudia looked forward to it, not only for the relaxing holiday but seeing everyone and catching up, for they all led busy lives.

“They are, love!” Oliver called back.

Coming down the stairs were the twins, Aidan and Aileen, both six years of age.

“Be careful, you two!” Claudia called as they ran outside to join their father. Claudia stood by the window and pulled aside the draperies to watch. Oliver hugged his children tight, then assisted them into the carriage. Her heart swelled at the sight of him. She loved Oliver more than ever, if that were possible.

As she had predicted, their life together was certainly an adventure and had its share of tragedy, as most people experience. Claudia knew more than most that life was not a fairy tale. After three years of working at The Galway Agency and Oliver acting as The Sentinel sporadically, Claudia decided to try for a child. Unfortunately, the baby boy was stillborn. It had smashed both their hearts to pieces, but together—and with the help of family and friends—they managed to put those shards back in place, and a year later, they tried once again. Claudia became pregnant, and their joy knew no bounds when they discovered she would have twins.

Aidan, the heir, named after Oliver’s beloved grandfather, and Aileen, named for her darling mother, happily took up all of Claudia and Oliver’s time, and they retired from their detective and vigilante doings and focused their energy on their children, and charitable endeavors within their group of friends and family.

Oliver bounded into the room. The breeze had tousled his hair. The sight of him still took her breath away. He was still handsome and very fit. “Ready to depart, love?”

“I am.”

Oliver brought her into his embrace. “I thought we might nip away for a short trip, just the two of us, toward the end of the Bamford Park holiday. I already broached the subject with Christian, who said the children could stay with them. He has the extra nanny for the summer.”

“That would be wonderful.”

“Not as long as our honeymoon, but just as welcome.”

They were gone for nearly six months for their honeymoon, and after Spain, they traveled to other locales, finishing off with Scotland in the spring. The trip was much needed after all they had experienced, but that precious time alone made them all the closer—and more in love.

“Scotland?” Claudia asked hopefully.

“You read my mind.”

Oliver bracketed his hands on either side of her face and gazed lovingly into her eyes. Then he kissed her, long and deep, causing her insides to flutter.

Slowly, he ended it by kissing the tip of her nose. “Shall we join the children?”

“And continue the adventure?”

Oliver laughed as he took her hand. “The journey continues. Let’s barrel ahead.”

And they did, for many years to come.