The Duke’s Sinful Bride (Vows of Sin #5)

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

SIX MONTHS LATER

“ A re you that excited for your father’s return?” Yvette asked, her gaze soft as she looked at the overly excited Maisie, who nodded eagerly, her bright eyes glued to the window.

Fiona sat nearby, watching Maisie’s infectious enthusiasm with a fond smile. The little girl was practically bouncing in her seat, as though her excitement could scarcely be contained.

Yvette smiled too, her heart aching slightly. She couldn’t blame Maisie for her anticipation—Yvette shared the same feeling.

Killian had been away for nearly a month, overseeing the reconstruction of Oakbourne townhouse in London, the longest time he’d spent away from them since their return to Braemore after the fire. Six months had passed since that terrifying night, and the ache of his absence hadn’t dulled one bit.

“I’m sure he’ll be here soon,” Yvette said more to herself than to Maisie, her words a comfort she hoped to believe.

And then, as if her words were magic, Maisie’s voice rang out, high-pitched and filled with excitement.

“Over there, Mama! Papa has returned!” Maisie squealed, her small feet already rushing toward the door before Yvette had even noticed the lone figure on horseback approaching the gates of Braemore Castle.

Yvette’s heart skipped a beat, and she smiled to herself as she followed Maisie, feeling a warmth spread through her chest.

She reached the grand entrance doors just as Killian dismounted from his horse. Without missing a beat, he scooped Maisie into his arms, lifting her high with a laugh, and she wrapped her small arms around his neck, giggling with pure joy.

Yvette stood still for a moment, watching them. Her heart swelled in her chest, and then her feet moved of their own accord. She couldn’t wait any longer to hold him, to feel him close after what felt like an eternity apart.

When Killian saw her, his face lit up, and in the blink of an eye, he released Maisie, dropping her gently to the ground before striding to Yvette with long, determined steps.

Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her waist and sank his nose into the crook of her neck, inhaling deeply as though her scent was the very air of which he had been deprived.

“Christ! I’ve missed ye,” Killian muttered against her skin, his voice rough with emotion.

Yvette’s breath hitched as she held him tighter, her own arms winding around his neck.

“I’ve missed you even more,” Yvette replied softly, her words muffled against his chest as she buried her face into the warmth of him.

They stayed like that for a long moment, the world around them forgotten, as if nothing mattered but the simple comfort of being in each other’s arms again. But eventually, Killian pulled back, his hands still resting on her waist, holding her firmly. His blue eyes, soft with affection, searched hers.

Yvette smiled, her eyes glistening with happiness, as she gazed at the man she loved.

“Where are all your belongings, and your carriage? I don’t want to believe you rode all the way from London on horseback.”

Killian chuckled, his fingers brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.

“My carriage is on its way with Fiona,” he said with a grin, the twinkle in his eyes betraying the teasing note in his voice. “But I couldn’t wait that long to get home, so I just took a horse to finish the journey.”

Yvette laughed, her heart lifting at the sight of him—her husband, so strong, so sure of himself. She shook her head in mock disapproval, but she couldn’t help but admire his determination.

“I hope you didn’t overexert yourself,” she teased, still marveling at the way he had managed to return so quickly, despite the long journey.

Killian winked at her, the same playful gleam in his eyes that she remembered so well.

“A little travel never hurt anyone, love. But seeing ye again, that’s what makes it all worth it.”

Yvette smiled, brushing her hands lightly against his chest.

“How was the journey? How was London?” she asked, her voice soft with curiosity. “I trust the reconstruction is coming along well. I haven’t seen it, but I’m sure it looks better than it ever did.”

Killian nodded, his face becoming serious for a moment as he thought back on the work.

“It’s coming along, aye. The builders have been working tirelessly, and the progress has been good. It’s strange, though,” he continued, his tone thoughtful. “I’ve spent so much time there, overseeing everything, and yet it feels different now. There’s a sense of distance, almost like I’ve been away from what truly matters.” He paused, his eyes searching hers with an intensity that made Yvette’s heart flutter.

“Ye,” he added softly, his voice barely above a whisper, “are what matters most to me. This castle, the renovations—nothing is more important than being here with you and Maisie.”

Yvette’s breath caught at his words. She hadn’t expected him to say something so raw, so vulnerable. She reached out to touch his face gently.

“I’m glad you’re back,” she said softly, feeling the weight of the months without him. “Goodness, I have missed you terribly, Killian.”

Killian nodded, a small, affectionate smile tugging at his lips. “I’ve been counting the days, love. It feels like I’ve been away far too long.”

Yvette leaned into him, pressing her forehead against his. “I’ve been counting them too.”

Fiona’s carriage arrived a few hours later, just as Killian had said it would. As the large, black carriage rolled into the courtyard of the estate, Yvette couldn’t help but smile in anticipation, as she opened her arms wide before Fiona even alighted the carriage.

“Welcome back,” Yvette smiled as Fiona embraced her.

“Welcome home, you mean,” Fiona said with a teasing smile which Yvette returned.

“You only have a week here left, and you’re off to your husband’s house.”

Even as Yvette said the words, she couldn’t believe them herself. Fiona was to be wed in a few days here in Braemore, as per her wishes.

“I have no ties to London,” Fiona had said, “and if I’m to remain there all my life, I would rather wed here.”

It had made sense to Yvette, so it hadn’t been hard pitching it to Killian.

“I am so excited for this week. I trust you will take great care of me,” Fiona smiled cutely, as she took Yvette’s hands in hers.

“I will.”

The next day, Edward, Georgiana, and Aaron arrived, bringing with them a fresh wave of excitement. The evening found them gathered around the grand dinner table in the Braemore Castle’s dining hall.

Edward leaned back in his chair, a smile on his face as he surveyed the familiar surroundings.

“This is my second time here, but it feels like my first,” he said, sipping his wine. “It’s been years since I last visited, and I understand now why you never want to leave, Yvette. The charm of Braemore is undeniable.”

Yvette chuckled softly, her gaze meeting Killian’s for a brief moment.

“I suppose you could say I’m a little spoiled by its beauty,” she replied. “It’s hard to resist the peace and quiet here, especially compared to the bustle of London.”

Everyone laughed, and Georgiana, who sat next to Edward, chimed in.

“I understand completely. There’s something about Braemore that’s hard to match. If you and Killian don’t mind, I think I’ll have to come here more often.”

Killian smiled, his usual stoic demeanor softening around his family.

“Ye’re always welcome to visit, Georgiana,” he said, his voice warm and genuine.

Yvette, feeling the contentment of their reunion, turned to Edward.

“What’s the latest news from London? Anything of note?” she asked, hoping to pass the evening in pleasant conversation.

Edward paused for a moment, then burst into laughter, clearly enjoying the story he was about to share.

“You’ll be pleased to know, Your Grace” he said, looking at Yvette with a playful glint in his eye, “that your ex-fiancé has made quite the spectacle of himself.”

Yvette’s heart skipped a beat as Edward continued.

“Apparently, Dunwick was caught in a scandal with a married lady—one who was, shall we say, a bit more than he bargained for. The lady’s husband found out, and the result was a public confrontation, followed by Lord Dunwick being thoroughly beaten by the husband. Afterward, he was forced to leave the country in shame.”

A sense of relief washed over Yvette, and she felt the tight knot of anxiety in her chest loosen. Dunwick, the man who had once tried to ruin her life, had finally received his comeuppance.

“I’m glad he got what he deserved,” Yvette murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. She hadn’t realized how much she had carried that weight until now.

“That’s good news indeed,” Killian said, his voice filled with satisfaction. “One less scoundrel to worry about.”

The next day, the air was thick with excitement as preparations for Fiona’s wedding began in earnest.

The castle was brimming with activity, and Yvette found herself busy overseeing the final touches for the event. She had taken it upon herself to handle all the arrangements, a task that had kept her occupied while Killian was away.

It was a welcome distraction, but now, with the wedding so close, she could hardly believe how quickly time had passed.

She had chaperoned Fiona through the Season, guiding her through the trials of courtship and the anticipation of marriage, and now her dear friend was about to marry her own love.

Yvette felt a strange sense of accomplishment and a deep sense of joy for Fiona’s happiness. She had witnessed firsthand how Fiona’s love for her baron had blossomed, and she was thrilled to see it culminate in such a beautiful occasion.

The day of the wedding arrived, and the church in Braemore was fuller than it had ever been. Guests from London, relatives of Fiona and her fiancé, as well as Braemore’s townsfolk, filled the pews with excitement.

The air was charged with the energy of a long-awaited celebration, and Yvette could hardly contain her emotions.

As the ceremony began, Yvette found herself completely caught up in the moment. She had expected to feel the usual flutter of joy, but she hadn’t anticipated the overwhelming surge of emotion that washed over her when she saw Killian walking his sister down the aisle.

The sight of him, proud and protective, was enough to bring tears to her eyes. But it wasn’t just that. It was the sight of Fiona, her veil slightly raised as she looked at her soon-to-be husband with tears in her eyes, which sent Yvette into a flood of emotion.

She didn’t know when the tears began to fall, but before she knew it, she was a crying mess. Her vision blurred, and the warm rush of tears streamed down her cheeks. Georgiana, who sat beside her, noticed immediately and handed her a handkerchief.

“Here, Yvette,” she said softly. “Try to smile, dear. It’s a happy day, remember?”

Yvette smiled through her tears, grateful for Georgiana’s kindness.

“I know,” she whispered. “It’s just… so much emotion. I’m so happy for Fiona.”

The celebrations at Braemore Castle stretched well into the evening, and the joyous atmosphere that filled every corner of the grand hall was all in celebration of Fiona’s marriage.

Yet, amidst the ambience, Yvette could feel the weight of exhaustion settle over her, her body weary from days of preparation and emotional intensity.

The wedding had been everything Fiona had dreamed of, and more—but now, Yvette was ready for peace. The day had been long, but there was one more thing she needed to do before she could truly rest.

She wasn’t sure how she had managed to keep this news to herself for as long as she had. The excitement had bubbled within her from the very first moment she realized it, but there had always been something else that needed her attention first.

Fiona’s wedding had demanded her focus, and now that it was over, Yvette felt a moment of clarity that made her realize it was finally time to share her secret with Killian.

For weeks, she had planned this surprise, and though exhaustion had weighed heavily on her, she could barely contain her excitement.

Yvette knew that Killian was still downstairs with Edward and Lachlan, reveling in the festivities. But she had prepared for this moment, and nothing would keep her from seeing it through.

“Kindly fetch my husband for me. Have him meet me in our bedroom,” she told the first maid she saw. The young girl hurried outside, and Yvette smiled.

While she waited, Yvette sat by the window, her gaze drifting to the celebrations below.

Through the open window, she could see the twinkling lights from the dancers, Fiona and her new husband in the midst of a waltz, Georgiana laughing joyfully as she clapped along.

The sound of music floated up to the bedroom, and a content smile tugged at her lips. The scene below was a reflection of everything she had hoped for Fiona: happiness, love, and celebration.

Despite the scene unfolding just outside her window, Yvette’s mind was focused on the task at hand.

Earlier, Daisy had carefully dressed her in a fine silk nightgown, the fabric soft and luxurious against her skin.

The gown came with a robe, which Yvette had left untied, allowing it to fall open and reveal the delicate lace edging of her nightdress. She had been dressed so elegantly for the occasion, but now, she felt nervous.

She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice the door creak open or the soft sound of footsteps entering the room.

It wasn’t until she felt the warmth of Killian’s arms wrapped around her waist that she startled, momentarily caught off guard by his presence. But the moment she recognized him, her tension melted away, and she relaxed into his embrace, a sigh escaping her lips.

“A splendid job ye did today, Duchess,” Killian whispered against her ear, his voice low and warm, filled with pride.

Yvette smiled, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. “I tried my best, although I can’t deny I cried a lot during the process,” she admitted with a laugh, her fingers curling around the fabric of his sleeve as she leaned into him.

Killian chuckled, his breath warm against her skin. He gently turned her around so he could look into her eyes, cupping her face tenderly in his hands.

“Ye’ve been the heart of this entire celebration. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” he murmured, his gaze searching her face, as though trying to absorb every detail of her expression.

The silence between them was comfortable, but Yvette’s mind was racing. She knew what she had to do, and she wanted it to be a moment just for them, free of distractions. The festivities downstairs could wait; this moment was hers and Killian’s alone.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Yvette spoke. Her voice was steady but filled with the excitement she had been holding in for weeks.

“I wanted to give us a private moment,” she said, her eyes never leaving his. “Something just for us.”

Killian’s brow furrowed slightly, sensing the change in her tone.

“What is it, love?” he asked, his voice thick with curiosity.

With a quiet breath, Yvette took a step back from him, a smile tugging at her lips as she raised a hand to rest over her stomach.

She looked up at him, her heart beating faster than it ever had before.

“I’m pregnant, Killian,” she whispered, her eyes sparkling with joy as she spoke the words that had been lingering in her heart.

For a moment, Killian was frozen, his eyes wide with shock and disbelief. He blinked several times, as though trying to process what she had just said.

The room seemed to hold its breath as he stepped closer to her, his expression slowly turning from confusion to utter joy. His lips parted, and for a heartbeat, he said nothing—he simply lifted her off the ground, spinning her around in his arms as he let out a joyful laugh.

“Ye’re bearing my child, Yvette?” His voice was thick with emotion, and his eyes gleamed with happiness. “Ye’ve made me the happiest man alive.”

Yvette laughed softly as he kissed her forehead, still holding her tightly, as though he feared he might wake up from the dream.

“I am,” she replied, her heart soaring at the sight of his joy. “We’re going to have a baby.”

Killian placed her back on the ground gently, but he didn’t let go of her. His hands moved to her waist, and his gaze grew intense, searching her eyes for any sign of doubt, though none was present. He could see the love and excitement reflected back at him.

“I cannot wait to tell everyone,” he said, his voice full of tenderness. “But tonight, I want ye all to myself.”

Yvette’s heart skipped a beat as he leaned in closer, his lips brushing against her cheek before moving to her lips, claiming them in a kiss that was both gentle and full of promise.

He pulled away slightly, his forehead resting against hers, his breath warm and ragged.

“I’ve missed ye, love,” he murmured, his fingers trailing softly down her arm. “But now, I’ve got everything I could ever want.”

Yvette smiled, her heart full as she reached up to brush her fingers against his cheek. “And I have everything I could ever want. I love you Killian.”

He smiled back, his hands cradling her face as he kissed her once more.

“Say it again.”

“I love you, Killian!” Yvette moaned, as his kisses reached her neck.

“I love you, Yvette.”

The End?