One year and two months later

“Darling,” Faith called as Simon was replacing the books that the children who had last visited the vicarage had removed from the shelves. Simon had loved his wife more every day of the past year and two months that they had been married. But the pained sound in her voice made his heart drop. Now, more than ever, he prayed that she wasn’t in distress.

“Coming, my dear,” he said, dropping the books he had in his hands and running to her side, where she still lay in bed. Her eyes were full of pain, indeed, when he entered the room. But there was a smile on her face and a flush to her cheeks. Faith didn’t need to say another word. He kissed her forehead quickly, rushing out back through the cottage and out to the vicarage gardens, where Susan and Lady Lingswood were picking some flowers.

“Faith needs you,” he said, breathless. “I shall go and fetch Dr. Wescott at once.”

The next hours were the longest, scariest, and most exciting of Simon’s entire life. Matthew and Marah would be arriving to join the couple in such a grand time of their lives, but they weren’t due for a few more days. Peter and Sarah had taken a trip to travel to different orchards in England, and Caleb had been called away to work a very difficult case in Bath. So, when his mother and sister entered the vicarage, catching him completely off guard, he fell out of his chair.

Hannah laughed, hurrying over to help up her brother. His mother kissed his cheek, sitting in the chair beside him while pointing Hannah in the direction of the kitchen. Hannah nodded wordlessly, going to follow her mother’s silent instructions. Then, Rebekah turned back to her son, who was looking at her with lingering surprise and confusion.

“How did you know?” he asked.

His mother shook her head and shrugged.

“We didn’t, darling,” she said. “We came to ask if you and Faith wanted to come for dinner tomorrow, when Peter and Caleb are due to arrive back.” She glanced down the hallway, at the end of which was Faith, preparing to change their lives forever yet again. “But it seems that we have impeccable timing.”

Simon chuckled, biting his lip as he looked at his mother.”

“What if something goes wrong?” he asked.

His mother shushed him softly, shaking her head.

“Everything will be fine,” she said. “You must calm yourself and fetch Dr. Wescott. Things will turn out just fine.”

Simon nodded, rising slowly.

“But what if it is not?” he repeated.

His mother gave him another casual shrug.

“What if it is?” she asked.

A few agonizing hours later, Dr. Wescott emerged from Faith’s room. He looked at Simon and gave him a bright smile.

“Congratulations, Reverend,” he said. “Your wife and your new son are both perfectly healthy.

Simon sobbed with joy and relief.

“May I see them?” he asked.

The physician nodded, still smiling.

“They eagerly await you,” he said.

Simon rushed into the room. Faith looked tired, but her cheeks were pink, and she was smiling at him. She held out her hand, which he hurried over and took gladly, kissing it fiercely.

“How are you feeling, darling?” he asked.

Faith sighed.

“The happiest I have ever been,” she said.

Just then, the newborn in his wife’s arms grunted, and Simon looked down at his face. Immediately, he saw his father in the boy’s small features. Simon gasped, reaching down to touch the tiny fist waving in the air.

“He is perfect, my love,” he whispered, staring in awe at his son.

Faith nodded, smiling lovingly at the child.

“What shall we name him?” she asked.

Simon only needed to think for one moment.

“Can we name him Charles?” he asked. “After my father?”

Faith nodded, grinning widely at her husband.

“I think that is a perfect name,” she said.

***

The next two years of Simon’s life were better than he could have ever hoped for. He and Faith made as strong a team with the church and the village charity work as Matthew and Marah were. And the Brown family chose to use the donation that Harry gave them to upgrade their farm and donate the rest to the church. Since they made their renovations to their property and equipment, their farm began to flourish. By the end of the third year after Simon and Faith were married, they were well enough off to begin helping do charity work for the village, as well.

Friends and family alike said that Simon and Faith were the picture of happiness and contentment, and that they had been the heart and soul of the village for three years. Their love for one another was well-known, as was their generosity towards the less fortunate. And their little Charles, now two years of age, had won over everyone in the village who had met him.

Simon felt humbled by the words the villagers said about their importance to everyone. What he knew to be true was how genuine and real the love he and Faith shared was. And even after three years, she still never ceased to amaze him. She found new ways to help the poor villagers every single year, and she was always working with Susan and Isabel to cook meals to offer to the less fortunate people at least twice a month. Life was truly wonderful. And Simon didn’t think it could get any better.

Then, one day, they received a letter from Faith’s family. They were invited to a dinner party at Faith’s family’s house. Faith’s eyes lit up, and she smiled sweetly at Simon.

“Darling,” she began, but Simon held up his hand with a doting smile.

“You needn’t even ask, my love,” he said. “I would be delighted for us to go have dinner with your family. When are we expected?”

Faith reread the letter.

“In two days,” she said. “Your whole family is invited, as well. Is that too short notice?”

Simon shook his head, still smiling.

“For you, two minutes wouldn’t be too short notice,” he said.

Faith beamed at Simon, kissing him softly on the lips.

“I am so grateful for you,” she said.

Simon caressed her cheek, gazing at her lovingly.

“As I am for you, my love,” he said.

***

Two days later, Simon and his little family made their way from the vicarage to Lingswood Estate. Charles loved going for rides, and he was eagerly pointing out the window at every flower and bird they passed. Simon was delighted to see his family so happy. And Faith seemed especially excited. She even appeared to be glowing. Simon’s heart still skipped at the sight of her smile.

Every day he thanked God that he had the courage to tell her how he felt about her, and that it was him she loved, instead of Harry. He had heard about Harry’s plan to marry her for her family’s money. He had once been bitter toward the scandalous marquess. Now, he felt only pity, and the sincere hope that the man found his way in life and did better for himself.

The full moon shone over Lingswood Estate, casting a golden glow upon the grand manor and its well-tended gardens. Inside, the air was alive with the sound of laughter and pleasant chatter as the family gathered for a dinner. Hannah and her husband, James, were the first of their family members to notice them.

“Simon,” Hannah said, leaping from her seat and getting the attention of everyone else at the table. She rushed over and embraced Simon and Faith, then held out her hands to Charles. The boy went to his aunt immediately, wrapping his arms around her neck.

“Ah Anna,” he said, which was his way of saying Aunt Hannah.

Everyone cooed, following Hannah’s and James’s example by leaving the table and coming to greet Simon, Faith, and Charles. Faith looked like she was in heaven as she embraced her parents and brother. Isabel, they saw often, as she remained involved with the charity missions, even after her marriage to Andrew. He, too, often volunteered at the vicarage, when he wasn’t overseeing his latest business ventures in wine importation.

After everyone had had a chance to properly greet one another, one of the maids took Charles to eat and play in the nursery with little Emily, Andrew and Isabel’s two-year-old daughter, and Peter and Sarah’s children, George, and Lily, while Simon and Faith joined the rest of their family at the table. The dining room was adorned with beautiful flowers and elegant silverware, a testament to the joyous occasion.

Caleb was the first to speak after giving Simon a hearty embrace.

“Brother, you are looking very well,” he said.

Simon smiled at Faith before nodding.

“I have never been better,” he said. “How goes the law business?”

Caleb sighed, but he was smiling.

“It is as busy as ever,” he said. “But I have arranged a six-month-long break from long trips so that I can spend time with Evelyn.” He paused, smiling fondly at his wife, who returned his smile with words full of love.

Rebecca Graham clapped her hands together, smiling at her eldest son.

“That is wonderful,” she said. “You will consider coming to stay with me at home while you’re here, won’t you?”

Caleb grinned and nodded.

“I am so glad that you offered, Mother,” he said. “We would be delighted.

As the family enjoyed a sumptuous feast prepared by the talented staff, the atmosphere was one of warmth, love, and unity. Soft candlelight flickered upon the faces of each family member, reflecting the true spirit of the gathering. Simon could see the love and devotion of every family member there in each of their eyes. It was next to impossible to decipher any one particular conversation at any given time, but no one seemed to mind. Everyone was talking and laughing and enjoying one another’s company. It was moments like that where Simon knew just how blessed he truly was.

After dinner, as the sky began to darken and the stars appeared, Simon and Faith retreated to the privacy of the balcony overlooking the picturesque gardens. The scent of roses and honeysuckle filled the air, and the sound of laughter and merriment from their family echoed gently in the background.

Faith leaned in close to Simon, her blue eyes shining with a secret. “Simon, my love,” she whispered. “I have some news to share with you.”

Simon, sensing the importance of the moment, placed his arm around her waist and drew her closer.

“What is it, my dearest Faith?” he asked.

Her cheeks flushed as she grinned.

“I am with child again, darling,” she said. “We are to be blessed with another little one.”

Simon’s heart swelled with joy, and his chest felt as if it could burst from the sheer elation that coursed through his veins. He drew Faith even closer and pressed his lips to hers, sharing a sweet, tender kiss that sealed their love and happiness.

As they pulled apart, Simon smiled, his eyes full of emotion.

“I can only hope that we are blessed with a daughter who has your beautiful blue eyes,” he said.

Faith’s eyes filled with tears of joy, and she rested her head on Simon’s chest. Together, they stood on the balcony, basking in the love and happiness that filled their hearts, as the stars twinkled down upon them, their family, and Lingswood Estate.