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One year later
Celestina stood at the large window of her drawing room, gazing out at the lush gardens of Exeter House. The morning sun cast a golden hue over the meticulously maintained grounds, and she couldn’t help but feel a sense of peace and contentment wash over her. It had been a year since she and Richard had exchanged vows, promising to love each other for all eternity. The past year had been filled with joy, growth, and unexpected surprises.
She gently rested a hand on her abdomen, her heart swelling with excitement and a touch of nervousness. She had wonderful news to share with Richard, news that would change their lives forever. But first, there were other matters to attend to—matters that had become just as important to them as their own happiness.
Celestina and Richard had come to terms with the fact that they might never have children of their own. It had been a difficult realization, but they had channeled their love and energy into a new endeavor: opening an orphanage for young children. They had decided that if they couldn’t have children of their own, they would become parents to those without families. It was a decision that had brought them closer together, united in their shared mission to provide a loving home for those in need.
Excitement bubbled within her as she anticipated the moment she would tell Richard her news, but for now, she needed to focus on the task at hand. Today was the final inspection of the orphanage before it opened its doors to the first group of children. Celestina wanted everything to be perfect. She and Richard had poured their hearts into this project, ensuring that the orphanage was not just a shelter but a true home.
She turned away from the window as Richard entered the room, his presence as reassuring as ever. He walked over to her, his eyes filled with warmth and love. “Ready to go, my love?” he asked, taking her hand in his.
“Absolutely,” she replied, squeezing his hand gently. “I want everything to be just right for the children.”
As they walked through the halls of Exeter House, Celestina felt a wave of gratitude. She had been through so much, endured so many hardships, but now she was exactly where she was meant to be—beside Richard, building a future filled with love and hope.
They stepped outside and climbed into the waiting carriage. The ride to the orphanage was filled with light conversation about the final preparations and the excitement of welcoming the first group of children. Celestina’s heart pounded with anticipation, not just for the opening of the orphanage but for the moment when she would share her news with Richard.
When they arrived at the orphanage, they were greeted by the sound of laughter and the sight of workers putting the finishing touches on the building. The exterior was bright and welcoming, with colorful flowers lining the walkway and a cheerful sign that read “Exeter House Orphanage.”
Celestina and Richard spent the next few hours meticulously inspecting every room, ensuring that everything was up to standard. The children’s rooms were cozy and inviting, each one decorated with care and attention to detail. The common areas were filled with books, toys, and comfortable furniture, creating a warm and nurturing environment.
As they moved from room to room, Celestina’s excitement grew. She could hardly wait to see the children’s faces when they arrived, to witness their joy and wonder. It was a dream come true, not just for her and Richard, but for the many children who would find a home here.
Finally, they reached the last room on their tour—the nursery. Celestina paused at the doorway, her heart swelling with emotion. The room was perfect, filled with cribs, soft blankets, and the gentle glow of sunlight streaming through the windows. It was a place of hope and new beginnings.
Richard wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. “It’s everything we hoped it would be,” he said softly.
“Yes,” Celestina agreed, her voice filled with emotion. “It’s perfect.”
They lingered in the nursery for a moment longer, savoring the sense of accomplishment and the promise of the future. Celestina felt a surge of happiness, knowing that this was just the beginning of their journey together.
As they finally made their way back to the carriage, Celestina’s excitement bubbled over once more. She had accomplished so much, and now she had even more to share with Richard. But for now, she held onto her secret a little longer, building the anticipation for the perfect moment.
Celestina and Richard climbed into the carriage, their hands still entwined. The ride back to Exeter House was filled with a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts. Celestina gazed out the window, watching the scenery pass by, her heart beating a little faster with each passing moment.
When they arrived home, they made their way to the drawing room, where refreshments awaited them. Richard poured them each a cup of tea, his eyes never leaving Celestina’s face. He could sense her excitement, but he assumed it was because of the orphanage.
“It’s all coming together so beautifully,” Richard said, handing her a cup of tea. “I can’t wait to see the children’s faces when they arrive.”
Celestina smiled, taking a sip of her tea. “Yes, it’s going to be wonderful. They’ll finally have a place to call home.”
Richard settled into the armchair across from her, studying her intently. “You seem particularly excited today, Celestina. More so than usual.”
She glanced up at him, her heart racing. “Do I? I suppose it’s just the culmination of all our hard work.”
Richard tilted his head, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “I know you better than that, my love. There’s something else, isn’t there?”
Celestina bit her lip, trying to hide her growing smile. “Perhaps there is.”
Richard leaned forward, his eyes filled with curiosity. “Well, out with it then. You’re positively glowing with whatever it is.”
She took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. “It’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you for a little while now. I was just waiting for the right moment.”
Richard’s expression turned serious, concern flickering in his eyes. “You’re starting to worry me, Celestina. What is it?”
Tears welled up in her eyes, and she quickly wiped them away. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to worry you. It’s just… it’s something wonderful.”
Richard reached out, taking her hand in his. “Whatever it is, you can tell me. You know that.”
She nodded, taking another deep breath to steady herself. “Richard, I’m pregnant. We’re going to have a baby.”
For a moment, Richard stared at her in stunned silence, the words slowly sinking in. Then, his eyes widened, and a wide smile spread across his face. “We’re going to have a baby?”
Celestina nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Yes, we are.”
Richard stood up, pulling her into his arms and holding her tightly. “Oh, Celestina, this is the most wonderful news. I can’t believe it.”
She laughed softly, her heart bursting with joy. “I wanted to tell you sooner, but I was waiting for the perfect moment.”
“This moment is perfect,” Richard said, pulling back to look at her. “I love you so much, Celestina.”
“And I love you,” she replied, her voice filled with emotion.
They held each other for a long time, basking in the happiness of their shared news. This child was a miracle, a testament to their love and resilience. As they sat together in the drawing room, planning their future, Celestina knew that their lives were about to change in the most wonderful way possible.
Richard’s eyes sparkled with unshed tears as he gently cupped her face. “A baby, Celestina. Our baby. I can hardly believe it.”
She placed her hands over his, feeling the warmth and love emanating from him. “It’s true, Richard. We’re going to be parents.”
“I had come to terms with not having children,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “But this… this is more than I ever could have hoped for.”
Celestina smiled, her heart swelling with love for the man who had stood by her through everything. “It’s a miracle, Richard. And it’s all because of our love.”
Richard’s eyes glistened with tears as he gently cupped her face. “A miracle indeed. I promise you, Celestina, I will be the best father I can be, just as I strive to be the best husband to you.”
She leaned into his touch, her heart fluttering with joy and anticipation. “And I will do everything in my power to be the best mother and wife. Together, we will create a beautiful life for our child.”
They shared a tender kiss, sealing their promises to each other. As they pulled away, Richard took her hand and led her to the settee, where they sat side by side, their fingers intertwined.
“I can’t wait to see you with our child,” Richard said, his voice filled with wonder. “You will be an amazing mother, Celestina.”
“And you will be an incredible father,” she replied, resting her head on his shoulder. “I can already see the love you have for our baby, even now.”
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, each lost in their thoughts about the future. The fire crackled softly in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room. It felt as though time had slowed down, allowing them to savor this perfect moment.
Finally, Richard broke the silence. “We should start thinking about names. Do you have any in mind?”
Celestina smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. “I do have a few favorites, but I think we should choose together.”
“Agreed,” Richard said, kissing her temple. “We have plenty of time to decide. For now, let’s just enjoy the excitement and anticipation of what’s to come.”
Celestina nodded, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. She knew that there would be challenges ahead, but she also knew that they would face them together, just as they always had.
**
The days and weeks that followed were filled with joy and preparation. Celestina and Richard spent countless hours planning for the arrival of their child, from setting up the nursery to discussing their hopes and dreams for the future. The orphanage opened its doors to the first group of children, and the house was soon filled with laughter and life.
Celestina found herself growing more attached to each child, her heart expanding with love for them all. She and Richard visited the orphanage daily, ensuring that every child felt loved and cared for. It was a dream come true, and Celestina couldn’t have been happier.
One evening, as they sat together in the nursery of Exeter House, Richard placed a hand on Celestina’s growing belly. “Our child will be so lucky to have you as a mother,” he said softly.
“And you as a father,” she replied, placing her hand over his. “I can’t wait to meet our little one.”
Richard looked into her eyes, his gaze filled with love and determination. “We’ve been through so much together, Celestina. But I believe that the best is yet to come.”
She nodded, tears of happiness welling in her eyes. “Yes, Richard. The best is yet to come.”
As the months passed, their love continued to grow, blossoming like the flowers in their garden. The day finally arrived when Celestina gave birth to a healthy, beautiful baby. Richard was by her side, holding her hand and whispering words of encouragement and love.
When their child was placed in Celestina’s arms, she felt a surge of overwhelming love and gratitude. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she looked at the tiny, perfect face of their baby. Richard wrapped his arms around them both, his own tears falling freely.
“We did it,” Celestina whispered, her voice filled with awe. “We have a family.”
“Yes, we do,” Richard replied, his voice choked with emotion. “Our family.”
In that moment, surrounded by love and warmth, Celestina knew that they had truly found their happily ever after. They had overcome every obstacle, faced every challenge, and now they were embarking on the most wonderful journey of all—parenthood.
Together, they would raise their child with love, kindness, and the strength of their bond. And as they looked into their baby’s eyes, they knew that their love had created something truly magical.
The future was bright, filled with endless possibilities and the promise of a lifetime of happiness. And as they held their child close, Celestina and Richard knew that they had everything they needed to face whatever came their way.
Because their love was a miracle, and it would carry them through anything.
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OFFER: A BRAND NEW SERIES AND 5 FREEBIES FOR YOU!
Grab my new series, "Love and Secrets of the Ton", and get 5 FREE novels as a gift! Have a look here!
Hello my dears, I hope you enjoyed the book and the Extended Epilogue! I will be waiting for your comments here. Thank you 🙂
This was a great book and the extended epilogue gave it nice finish. Too bad that the child’s gender was not revealed. I did enjoyed the book and the extended epilogue ! ,#\
Thank you for your kind words! I’m glad you enjoyed the book and the extended epilogue. I left the child’s gender a mystery to allow readers to imagine their own possibilities. Thank you for your feedback!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story, I raced through it. I wish you had named the sex of their child but it didn’t make the story any less entertaining.
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I appreciate your feedback about the child’s sex—I’ll keep that in mind for future writing.
Enjoyed these beautiful stories, you create fantastic stories without venturing into the modern day writing of wonderful historic fiction. Thank you for keeping your stories clean and faithful.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m glad the stories resonated with you, and I truly appreciate your support. It’s wonderful to know the approach spoke to you.
Also, whatever happened to the Dukes Mother?
Thank you for reading and for your thoughtful question! The Duke’s mother has an intriguing story, but I left certain aspects open for interpretation. Who knows, maybe her story will unfold further in the future!
Simply delightful story.
Richard’s mother is probably eating her hat. A sad bitter woman. A grandchild may help her attitude.
Thank you Ms Abigail Agar
Thank you for your thoughtful reflection! I’m glad you found the story delightful. Each character’s journey certainly offers layers for interpretation.
Please don’t leave us on a cliff hanger! Did they have a boy or a girl?
Good story! Thanks, Eliza
Thank you, Eliza! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. You’ll find out in the sequel! 😊
Lovely story. Nice to see second chances working out for them. It was also nice to see Sylvia get her own loving husband after all the sacrifices she made.
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed the story and found Sylvia’s journey meaningful.
I loved this story and I was never bored. I’ll be looking forward to the sequel to find out the gender of the baby and what happened to Richard’s mother.
Thank you! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the story. I can’t wait to delve deeper into those mysteries in the sequel!
I too want to know the gender of the baby. What is the name of the sequel? Is it already out? A real nice story. Especially since they thought they could not have children that they opened an orphanage so that they could do something for the kids that did not have a home or parents.
There’s no sequel currently under works, dear! I am so preoccupied with my next new story that I can’t concentrate on anything else!
Beautiful story with a happy ever after. Very well written with engaging characters. Why can’t people understand that true love is true love. You can ‘t force love. I’m so glad that she was not barren. It does go both ways. It’s not always the woman’s fault. I can’t wait for the sequel to come out.
Magnificently written ad always. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book. Your support means a lot!
Loved the strength of Celestina! And the faithfulness of her maid/friend also. So happy they both found their happiness.
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed Celestina’s strength and her bond with her friend. Their happiness was well-deserved!
Loved reading this story. I am a widow and aspects of this story resonated with me. I didn’t want this story to end. It always leaves me with a let down feeling when a story ends until I begin my next book. Eager to continue with one of your series. What would you recommend?
Helena
Thank you so much for your kind words, Helena! I’m honored that the story resonated with you. If you’re eager for more, I’d recommend checking out “A Christmas Waltz with the Viscount” or “The Earl’s Reluctant Bride“—both have heartfelt moments and characters that might speak to you. I hope you enjoy them as much as the one you just finished! Happy reading!
Absolutely loved this book! Couldn’t put it down!!