Tempted By a Rake (Wicked Widows’ League #21)

Epilogue

Two years later

Lavinia took Demetrius’ hand and looked out over the water. As he had done since he first came here, Max played near the water. Cal had also given them three litters of kittens, though they were able to give some of them away. Only one thing was missing from their life. “As happy as I am, and as wonderful our life, you are still missing a child.”

This was the second time that she had failed to provide a husband with a child. Though it was not necessary that Demetrius have an heir, most men still wanted a son.

“I have already told you that it is not important to me.” Demetrius let go of her hand and draped his arm around her shoulders, bringing her close. “I never thought to marry. I certainly never expected to father a child,” he reminded her. “However, if you were to find yourself increasing, of course I would be happy and welcome that child, but it is not necessary to my happiness.” He kissed her temple. “Is a child truly so important?” he asked quietly.

“It is not so much a need for a child. I simply assumed that I would be a mother. I was never asked if it was something that I wanted, but from the time that a girl could understand, being a mother is what was expected. A woman who cannot provide her husband with a child is a failure.”

“You know that is not true.”

“I do, but when you are told for so long, and are made to believe that is your worth, it is hard to let go of the idea that you failed in your duty. It is not so much what I want, but what I failed to do.”

Lavinia was not certain she was even explaining her concerns correctly.

“You are not…” Demetrius began to argue.

Lavinia placed her fingers against his lips. “I know.” She smiled. “My value is not diminished because I have not given you a child and my happiness is not contingent on whether I can. Further, I have come to believe that it is a terrible burden to put on women and make them believe that their single worth is whether they can provide their husband with a son.” She smiled. “It is simply the fates chosen for us but it does not make me less. Nor am I any less happy.” She turned fully toward him. “I love you. I love our life.”

Demetrius leaned in and kissed her. “You are my heart, Lavinia, whether we ever have a child or not.”

“Whether I ever give you a child or not does not mean that we still cannot fill our home with children,” she suggested quietly. She had thought long and hard on what she was about to propose, and found she wanted it more than anything else.

“It is difficult to fill a house with children if we are not blessed with any,” he reminded her.

Lavinia grew serious. “Where would you and your siblings be had your aunt and uncle not taken you into their home?”

Demetrius frowned. “Likely in Newgate, transported, possibly dead. My sisters could have become prostitutes so I do not like to think of that happening.”

“But look at what each of you became because a couple decided to claim you as theirs.”

“What are you saying Lavinia?” Demetrius asked with a half-smile.

“What are the chances of a family just as yours living in squalor in Cheapside or Seven Dials waiting to be rescued by a husband and wife who want a family?”

He studied her for the longest time and Lavinia feared that he would reject her suggestion.

Slowly he began to smile and his eyes warmed before he leaned in and placed a kiss upon her cheek. “I did not think it was possible to love you anymore than I did until now.” He then placed his lips against her and Lavinia knew that they would certainly have a full, wonderful and happy life and if they were lucky, their house along the beach would overflow with children with whom they could share their love.