Secluded with the Rogue

Epilogue

Epilogue

One year later...

S kye awoke just as the first rays of dawn crept across the bedchamber. A thrill of excitement coursed through her as she recalled what day it was—Christmas morning! She could hardly contain her joy and anticipation for the gift she had lovingly crafted to present to her beloved Bradford.

The bedchamber at Harrington Gardens was awash in the soft glow of firelight, the flames dancing merrily amidst the boughs of pine and holly that adorned the room. Through the frost-laced windows, the first light of dawn crept across the snow-blanketed grounds, but within, the fire crackled warmly in the hearth. The scent of cinnamon and cloves mingled with the piney fragrance of the Christmas greenery, evoking the very spirit of the holiday. Somewhere in the distance, the faint sound of carolers could be heard, their joyful refrains beckoning all to celebrate.

As quietly as she could, Skye slipped out from under the covers so as not to disturb Bradford’s slumber. She tiptoed across the room to retrieve the small box containing the ornament she had designed especially for him. Her heart swelled with happiness as she pictured his reaction to her gift.

Inside the box was an exquisitely detailed glass ornament in the shape of a rose. Skye had chosen the rose as a symbol of their love for one another. She had spent hours painstakingly cutting and shaping each tiny petal from shards of colored glass. In the center, she had etched two intertwined hearts, one bearing each of their initials. It was a true labor of love, imbued with all of Skye’s creativity, thoughtfulness and affection for Bradford.

Clutching the box to her chest, Skye returned to the bedside. She bent down and placed a tender kiss on Bradford’s cheek. “Wake up, my love,” she whispered. “It’s Christmas morning, and I have a gift for you.”

His eyes fluttered open to see his beloved Skye gazing down at him, her face glowing with joy. It took a moment for his sleepy mind to comprehend that it was Christmas morning.

“A gift?” he murmured. “You shouldn’t have, my dear.”

She smiled and pressed the small box into his hands. “I wanted to. Open it!”

Sitting up in bed, he studied the box curiously. His fingers lingered on the elaborate bow she had tied before carefully removing the lid. Nestled inside was the most exquisite ornament he had ever seen.

“Skye...” he breathed, lifting the rose ornament up to admire it in the firelight's glow. “This is magnificent. However did you create something so beautiful?”

“With a great deal of love,” she said softly. She pointed out the tiny etched hearts bearing their initials. “This ornament represents our love, Bradford. See how our hearts are intertwined for all time?”

His eyes misted over with emotion. The significance of her gift washed over him like a wave. She had poured her heart and soul into this ornament, this tangible symbol of their everlasting love.

“I shall treasure it always,” he declared, his voice thick with feeling. He drew her into his arms, embracing her tightly. “Just as I shall always treasure you, my darling. This is the most thoughtful, meaningful gift I have ever received.”

Her heart swelled with happiness at knowing how much her gift meant to him. Curled blissfully in his arms, she knew that this was merely one of the lifetime of joyful Christmases they would share.

Skye gazed up at Bradford, her blue eyes shining with love and excitement. “I have one more surprise for you,” she whispered.

He raised an eyebrow. “Another gift? You spoil me, my love.”

“This is a gift we shall both share,” she said, taking his hand and placing it gently on her still-flat belly. “We’re going to have a baby, Bradford.”

His eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. “A babe?” he choked out. “Truly?”

Skye nodded, tears of joy welling up.

With a whoop of delight, he lifted her up and spun her around. Their laughter echoed off the bedchamber walls. He set her down gently and caressed her face, his own alight with awe and elation.

“A child of our own,” he murmured. “Proof of our love.” He drew her in for a passionate kiss, pouring all his joy into that one perfect moment.

She returned his ardor, her body melting against his. She fumbled with the fastenings of his nightshirt, trailing kisses across his sculpted chest. Bradford groaned, desire flaring hotly within him. He lifted her effortlessly and laid her on the bed, his mouth finding hers again in a searing kiss.

They made quick work of their night clothes, hands roaming hungrily across bare skin. Bradford worshipped every inch of Skye’s body, his caresses gentle yet passionate. She arched into him with a breathy moan, craving more of his touch, his taste, his heat.

At last they joined, their gasps and cries of pleasure filling the bedchamber. He was achingly tender even as his passion overwhelmed them both. Wave after wave of bliss crested through her as they moved as one.

Afterward, they lay entwined, hearts pounding and limbs tangled in the sheets. Utterly spent but deeply satisfied, they shared languid kisses as the winter sun bathed them in its golden glow.

Bradford’s arms encircled her, holding her close against him. A contented sigh escaped her lips. After their passionate lovemaking, she felt thoroughly sated, her body pleasantly sore in all the right places.

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his fingers trailing lightly up and down her back. “I daresay that was the perfect way to celebrate our news, my love,” he murmured.

Skye smiled, tilting her face up to meet his gaze. “Indeed. I cannot think of a better Christmas gift than the one we’ve been blessed with.” She placed a hand on her belly in wonderment.

“Just think, by next Christmas we’ll have a wee one to share all the holiday traditions with,” he said, his voice filled with awe and excitement.

“Have you thought of any names yet?” Skye asked. “For a boy or a girl?”

“Hmm...” Bradford pondered for a moment. “Perhaps Charles for a boy, after my father. And Charlotte for a girl, a nod to your mother’s name.”

Skye wrinkled her nose playfully. “Charles and Charlotte? They sound rather stodgy.”

Bradford laughed. “You’re right, my dear. We shall have to give it more thought.” He tickled her ribs lightly, eliciting a squeal of laughter from her.

Their playful banter soon shifted back into tender caresses and Skye knew that no matter the adventures ahead, with Bradford by her side, life would always be filled with love and laughter.

She sighed contentedly as she nuzzled into Bradford’s embrace. Their playful debate over potential baby names had filled her heart to bursting. Though she had only known of the babe’s impending arrival for a short time, already Skye felt overcome with love for the new life they had created together.

She placed a hand over her stomach and imagined the months ahead, picturing herself swollen with child as the winter snows gave way to spring blooms. Bradford would be there every step of the journey, she knew, offering his steady support and unconditional devotion.

“What are you thinking about, my darling?” Bradford murmured, brushing a strand of hair from her forehead.

“Just daydreaming about our future,” she replied, meeting his gaze. “Imagining our child’s first steps, first words...first Christmas.”

He smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I cannot wait to experience all of those moments with you.” He leaned in and captured her lips in a tender kiss. “And with our children.” He pressed a gentle kiss to her exposed abdomen before pulling her into his arms.

She let herself get lost in his embrace, cherishing their closeness.

Bradford held her, tenderly caressing her back and hip. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know my future is with you,” he murmured. “And it shall only ever be you.”

She tilted her face up to meet his gaze, a silent promise passing between them. Their love had blossomed in the most unlikely of circumstances, but she knew it was a gift—one she would forever treasure.