Louisa lifted her head and stared into her mother’s watery eyes. “Can you ever forgive me?” She looked at her father. “Can you forget that I stayed alive by picking pockets and stealing?”
“We have already forgotten,” her father assured.
Magistrate Templeton placed his hand on the earl’s shoulder. “You should return home and rest now.”
“Thank you for your help,” her father told his cousin.
“I’m happy that I was able to assist in the matter.” The magistrate nodded.
Louisa turned with her parents to leave, when she noticed Trevor. Kind and patient Trevor, who stood against the wall waiting for her. His handsome face smiled at her so lovingly she wanted to cry all over again.
Pulling away from her parents, she stepped toward him. He met her halfway and took her in his arms. She buried her face in his chest and breathed in his masculine scent, the woodsy smell she’d always loved.
“Thank you,” she mumbled against his clothes.
His large palms drew circles on her back. “No, I thankyoufor forgiving me,” he whispered.
She raised her head and looked at him. “For what?”
“For not trusting you in the first place.”
“I don’t blame you.” She smiled.
He motioned his head toward her family. “I will let you return home with them, but only if you promise I can come visit you tomorrow.”
“Absolutely.”
He placed a small kiss on her forehead then pushed her toward her parents. Before she reached them, she gave a hug to Trey, Tristan, and Dominic, thanking them for their help.
As she walked out of the building, she glanced once more at Trevor. He mouthed the words,I love you.Her heart burst as tears clouded her eyes. Finally, she could dream of having a fairytale life with him.
Epilogue
Louisa strolled throughher mother’s flower garden, her fingertips gently grazing the soft petals of the roses. The vibrant blooms were just as she remembered them from her childhood, but somehow now they seemed even more beautiful, more alive. Everything had changed in the last two months, yet it all felt so perfectly right.
Across the lawn, the joyful laughter of the twins drifted toward her, carried on the warm afternoon breeze. She turned to see Adam and Amanda—herchildren now—chasing each other in playful abandon. A smile spread across her face.
It was hard to believe how much her life had transformed since marrying Trevor. Just two months ago, she had been unsure of her future, uncertain if happiness like this could ever be hers. But now, being calledMotherby the twins, hearing their laughter, and sharing her days and nights with a loving, handsome husband had brought her a joy she never knew was possible. Her life had taken on new meaning, richer and fuller than she had ever dreamed, and every moment felt like a gift she would treasure forever.
Louisa’s heart swelled with happiness as she watched her parents laughing and playing with the twins, embracing their new roles as doting grandparents. Seeing them all together, united in joy, filled her with a deep sense of peace she hadn’t thought possible. Coming back into their lives had brought hera kind of fulfillment she had never dared to hope for, especially after spending the last six years surviving as a thief and beggar. She had been lost for so long, but now, little by little, the painful memories of Macgregor’s cruelty had begun to fade, replaced by the warmth and love Trevor and the twins brought to her days.
Her nightmares no longer held the same power over her. Instead, they were dissolving into shadows as new, sweeter dreams took their place. Dreams of family, of a future filled with love and hope.
She smiled softly as she thought of the day she and Trevor married—just two weeks after her release from gaol. It had been the most beautiful wedding she could have ever imagined, more than she believed she deserved after the life she’d led. Yet here she was, standing in the garden of her childhood, surrounded by love, her heart filled with gratitude.
Sighing contentedly, she looked up at the vast, clear blue sky and whispered a prayer of thanks.Thank you, Lord, for bringing me Trevor.
Louisa continued her walk through the flower garden, surrounded by the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft fragrance of roses, a peaceful solitude settling over her. She quietly thanked the Lord again for all He had given her—her family, her freedom, and the life she never thought she’d have. After so many years of hardship, the woman who had tormented her, Eliza, was no longer a threat. Last week, Louisa had learned that Eliza had been hanged for her crimes, a final chapter closed in the saga of her past.
But even with that weight lifted, Louisa’s thoughts lingered on the children who had suffered under Macgregor’s cruelty. She had spent time helping them find their way home, tracking down the families who feared they’d lost their sons and daughters forever. Most were reunited, though some were true orphans. Louisa’s heart ached for those few, but she was determined tohelp them find the happiness and peace that now filled her own life. If she could have her second chance, so could they.
The sudden pounding of hooves shattered the stillness of the garden, and she turned swiftly toward the sound. Her husband rode up quickly, his horse skidding to a halt before he dismounted in one fluid motion. She stood still, watching him as he approached, her heart fluttering as his grin widened with every step.
When he finally reached her, he swept her into his arms, lifting her off the ground as though she weighed nothing at all. Louisa laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck, her heart swelling with joy as she felt his warmth and strength envelop her. In his embrace, the world felt safe and complete.
She gazed into his dreamy blue eyes. “What is this all about?”
“I missed you.”
