Trapped with the Earl of Sin

Extended Epilogue

The garden was alive with the vibrant colors of spring, flowers in full bloom and birds singing merrily in the trees. Susanna sat on a blanket spread across the soft grass, her heart swelling with joy as she watched her children play.

Five years had passed since that extraordinary day when she and Martin, along with Mary and Luke, had exchanged vows in this very garden. Those years had been filled with love, laughter, and the occasional challenge, but through it all, their bond had only grown stronger.

A soft breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the sweet scent of roses. Roses that Luke had planted for her sister, to show his intense love for her.

He really had proven himself to be a wonderful husband for Mary, and Susanna could not wait for their family to join them in the garden too.

But for now, Susanna was content to just watch her kids run around.

She smiled as she watched her daughter, Eliza, chase after her younger brother, Thomas. Eliza’s golden curls bounced as she ran, her laughter infectious. Thomas, still a bit unsteady on his toddler’s legs, stumbled and giggled, his chubby hands reaching for his sister.

Martin’s voice, warm and comforting, sounded behind her. “Look at them, Susanna. They are growing up so fast.”

She turned to see him carrying lemonade for her, his eyes sparkling with the same love that had filled them on their wedding day.

“They are,” she agreed, taking a glass from the tray. “Every day, they seem to learn something new, do something that amazes me.”

Martin sat down beside her, his arm draping around her shoulders. “And you amaze me, every single day,” he said, kissing her temple.

Before she could respond, the sound of familiar voices drew her attention. Mary and Luke were making their way towards them, their own children in tow. Little Sophie, with her mother’s dark hair and father’s mischievous grin, was holding hands with her younger brother, James, whose serious expression always made Susanna chuckle.

“Auntie Susanna!” Sophie called out, her face lighting up as she saw her cousins. “Uncle Martin!”

“Hello, sweetheart,” Susanna replied, opening her arms to welcome the children. Sophie hugged her tightly, and James offered a shy smile before being scooped up by Martin.

Mary and Luke joined them, settling onto the blanket with contented sighs.

“It is such a beautiful day,” Mary said, her eyes shining with happiness. “I am so glad we could all be together.”

They made an effort to be together a lot because they knew how important it was. They did not take a day of their lives for granted now after everything that had happened. They knew all too well that family was the most important thing.

“Me too,” Susanna agreed, glancing at her sister. “You know, I was just thinking that it feels like just yesterday when we were here, getting married.”

Luke laughed. “Time flies by so fast, does it not? But look at what those years have brought us.”

Susanna’s gaze shifted to the children, now playing a game of tag. Their laughter filled the air, pure and joyful. “They have brought us so much happiness,” she said softly, her heart full.

Martin squeezed her hand. “I could not have imagined a more perfect life,” he said. “I am so glad that we ended up here.”

If they had not found the courage to finally express their feelings for one another, then who knew what would have happened? They might have gone their separate ways and never seen one another again, which would have been utterly heartbreaking.

Who knew what their lives would have looked like then?

Mary’s voice broke through Susanna’s thoughts. “You look like you have something on your mind, Susanna. Care to share?”

Susanna glanced at Martin, who gave her an encouraging nod. She took a deep breath, her heart pounding with excitement and a touch of nervousness. “Actually, I do have something to share.”

Everyone turned to look at her, their expressions curious and expectant.

Susanna smiled, her eyes sparkling. “I have some wonderful news. Martin and I are expecting another baby.”

For a moment, there was silence as the news sank in. Then, Mary let out a delighted squeal, throwing her arms around her sister. “Oh, Susanna, that is wonderful news! I am so happy for you!”

Luke grinned broadly, clapping Martin on the back. “Congratulations, you two! Another little one to join our family.”

Martin’s face was a picture of joy as he pulled Susanna close. “We could not be happier. This family means everything to us.”

Sophie and James, overhearing the conversation, rushed over with wide eyes.

“Auntie Susanna, you are going to have a baby?” Sophie asked excitedly.

“Yes, sweetheart,” Susanna replied, laughing as she hugged the children. “You are going to have a new cousin to play with. Eliza and Thomas are going to have yet another sibling.”

“That is so exciting,” Sophie gasped. “I cannot wait.”

The children’s excitement was contagious, and soon everyone was caught up in the joy of the announcement. They spent the rest of the afternoon celebrating, their laughter and love filling the garden.

But the best part of it all for Susanna was constantly being able to meet Martin’s eyes and feel the intense, charged love between them. A love that they could now embrace and accept.

The last five years with this man had been the best of her life, and she just knew that there was so much more to come. Susanna was sure that the rest of her life was going to be absolutely wonderful, all because she had given love a chance.

Thank goodness she had given love a chance.

It might have taken a life-and-death experience for her to risk it, but now that she was here, she would not change it for the world.

The End