#28 Extended Epilogue

Four years later…

The sun beamed down on Philip’s shoulders as the Easton family gathered at their country estate for their annual picnic with their closest friends and loved ones. Philip liked to do this every single year to celebrate the day of his wedding, the day that he finally committed to Verity for the rest of his life because that day had been the start of his life once more. His second chance at joy and happiness, and he needed to mark that with a celebration.

They had both come a long way in the past four years of marriage, and this picnic was always a chance to look back, to see how much progress and love they had made. Philip had found a happiness that he did not think he would ever find. 

Losing his childhood love had crushed him so much that he did not believe he would ever get a second chance at love and life, yet here he was, happier than he thought possible. It seemed like Julianna had been right when she told him to move on and find happiness again, and he was grateful that was advice that he had finally listened to. Otherwise, he would still be struggling with misery and grief, and Julianna never would have wanted that.

“Emma,” he cried out to his three-year-old daughter, who had the fiery determination of her mother, but also the kindness in her heart. “Come here.”

She raced into his arms, he embraced her hard and held her close, smiling to himself.

“Where is your baby brother? Where is Daniel? I have not yet seen him…”

Daniel was beside his mother, of course. He could always be found with Verity. She seemed to absolutely fascinate him. It was her artistic nature that appealed to him, Philip could see that he was going down the same path. He would have two creative people splashing paint all around the house, which made him so happy. Especially when it brought everyone so much joy.

Being a parent had changed him in the best way possible, and it had brought out the best in Verity too. It seemed like they were always destined to have wonderful children running around their feet, causing them chaos and making them laugh every single day. It was honestly hard for Philip to recall what life was like before them now.

“When will everyone get here?” Emma demanded. “I want to see my cousins.”

“Not long,” Philip laughed, knowing that all the cousins would of course be mayhem, but in the best way possible. “I am sure that they are on their way now. You just have to be patient for a little while longer.”

Unfortunately, patience wasn’t Emma’s strong suit, so Philip was grateful that it wasn’t long before Georgina arrived with William on her arm, and Liam shrieking with excitement as he tore off towards his cousins.  Of course, Adelaide followed, crying out to the children, reminding them not to get hurt as they rambunctiously played in the sunshine.

Philip could remember his mother saying the same things to himself when he was a child, but it seemed different now. She was softer and sweeter. Being a grandparent was clearly the best thing for her as well. She had embraced it wholeheartedly.

Faye and James arrived not long after, as Verity was still greeting his sister and brother-in-law. Their twins were clearly thrilled to see their cousins as well. The noise was growing by the minute, and Philip absolutely loved it. After so many years of quiet and solitude, it was wonderful to be surrounded by so much chaos and joy.

Elizabeth soon swept the twins off their feet and embraced them in hugs that they clearly did not want, but were going to suffer through anyway. Philip chuckled to himself. There really was so much love surrounding him that it was wonderful. 

“Where is Henry?” Verity suddenly asked loudly. “He is supposed to be here. He should be here by now…”

Almost as if she had conjured him up just by talking about him, Verity’s brother appeared to join the party with his son clinging to his leg as if he was too nervous to join in. But Philip knew that would not last long. He would be running around with the rest of the children before anyone needed to worry.

Things had remained a little tense between Verity and Henry for a while and Philip had worried that their relationship might never be wholly repaired. He was so grateful the day that Henry came to his home to explain to Verity that he had finally fully seen the error of his ways. Having fallen in love himself, he could now see that trying to force his sister in to a loveless life wasn’t the right thing.

After a long heart to heart, they had reconciled and been closer than ever since, which was evident in the way that Henry made a bee-line for his sister.

Philip grinned as he watched them embrace. Life was so much easier when they were close. For them, and everyone around them too.

“Philip!” He turned away from Verity and Henry the moment he heard his best friend entering the fray. “Good to see you!”

Thomas had his arm around his beautiful wife, Mary. Their love had progressed quickly, ever since Philip and Verity’s wedding. Their love had not come with complications, it had been drama free, which Philip was a little jealous of at the time. There had been no one telling them that their love was wrong.

But Philip and Verity’s hardships had only brought them closer together. 

He was glad that they had fought for their love now because it made them so much stronger and happier. It left them both confident that this was what they needed for the rest of their lives.

He would not change a thing.

“Thomas! Mary! It’s wonderful to see you both,” Philip exclaimed, giving his old friend a hearty hand shake before hugging Mary warmly. “I was starting to think you had gotten lost on the way.”

Thomas laughed, shaking his head. “We would not miss this for the world. Only… we have just found out some wonderful news. We are having a baby!”

Philip’s eyes widened with surprise and joy. 

“Oh my! That is incredible news. congratulations!” He pulled his friend into a bear hug, clapping him on the back. Then he turned to Mary, giving her another warm, gentler hug. “This is wonderful. I am so happy for you both.”

Mary beamed; her cheeks flushed with excitement. “Thank you, Philip. We are thrilled and a bit nervous, but mostly just excited.”

Philip smiled, feeling the warmth of the moment. “You are going to be amazing parents. Just wait until you hold your little one for the first time. There is nothing like it.”

As the Easton estate filled with the laughter and chatter of friends and family, Philip took a moment to step back and watch. The lush, rolling lawns were dotted with colorful picnic blankets and parasols, children’s toys strewn about haphazardly. The scent of freshly baked bread and grilled meat wafted through the air, mingling with the sweet perfume of blooming flowers.

Verity approached him, a glass of lemonade in hand. She slipped her arm around his waist and leaned into him. 

“Look at this,” she said softly, gesturing to the scene before them. “Just look at what we have built together.”

Philip smiled, kissing the top of her head. “I know. It’s incredible, is it not? Sometimes I can hardly believe it’s real.”

Through the chatter, various snippets of news and gossip floated by, hitting Philip’s ear.

“Have you heard?” Faye whispered to Georgina. “Rosalind is expecting another child. Her union with a man of nobility has really given her the status and wealth she always craved.”

Georgia laughed. “I see. Well, she needs that stability since her brother is not around much. Parent of two, always off on some adventure with his wife. I wonder when they will settle down.”

“Does Verity know about Ambrose?” Jessica joined in. “He has finally married… a woman desperate for a title. It seems their match is one of convenience, of course.”

“I wonder how his daughters are taking it,” Faye laughed. 

Philip could not help but smile as he overheard the snippets of gossip. The lives of others continued to unfold in unexpected ways, but he was grateful for the stability and love in his own life. Verity, catching the same conversation, gave Philip a knowing look. 

“It seems Ambrose has finally found someone willing to put up with him,” she said with a smirk.

Philip chuckled. “Indeed. It’s funny how things turn out. I suppose everyone finds their match, one way or another.”

Verity leaned into Philip, resting her head on his shoulder. “I am just glad our match was one of love.”

As the sun began to set, and all their guests started to make their way home, Philip found himself sitting on a blanket with Verity and their children. Emma was in the midst of a story about her latest games with her cousins, her eyes wide with excitement. Daniel, too young to fully understand, listened intently, his little hands grasping at blades of grass.

“I cannot wait to see what kind of stories our children will tell in the future,” Verity said, watching Emma animatedly recount her tale.

Philip nodded. “They have a bright future ahead of them. And we shall be there to support them every step of the way.”

As the last of the guests departed, Verity glanced at Philip, her eyes sparkling in the soft glow of the twilight. 

“Shall we steal a moment alone?” she suggested, her voice filled with warmth. “Leave the children with Louisa?”

Philip smiled, taking her hand. “I would love that.”

They walked arm in arm, their footsteps quiet on the path that led to the rose garden. The air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming roses, and the gentle rustle of leaves in the evening breeze. 

Philip and Verity stopped in front of a particularly beautiful rose bush, its blossoms a deep, velvety red. Philip turned to Verity, his eyes locking onto hers. 

“I still remember our first kiss here,” he said softly.

Verity smiled, her heart swelling with affection. “It feels like a lifetime ago, but also just yesterday.”

They learned in, their lips meeting in a sweet, tender kiss. It was a kiss filled with all the love, gratitude, and joy they had found together over the years. 

Verity whispered, “I love you, Philip. More than words can say.”

Philip cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs gently brushing her cheeks. “And I love you, Verity. You have given me a life I never dreamed possible.”

They stood there for a moment, lost in each other’s eyes, the world around them fading into the background.

Philip knew that every day was only going to get better with Verity. His love would only grow and bloom, and their lives would only get better. He never intended to take any moment of this for granted, he knew every moment was a blessing.

The End