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As he darted away, Emma leaned into her husband’s solid warmth, contentment washing over her in a wave so powerful it momentarily robbed her of speech.

“He is so happy,” she murmured. “So secure in your affection. I had not dared hope for such a transformation.”

“The transformation is mutual,” Victor assured her, his gaze following Tristan’s retreating figure with undisguised fondness. “He has given me a gift I had thought forever beyond my reach—becoming a father.”

The simple admission, offered without reservation or artifice, reminded Emma of how far they had both come from their first contentious meeting—from wariness and distrust to a partnership built on mutual respect, shared vulnerability, and deepening love.

“Speaking of gifts of that nature,” she said, taking advantage of a momentary lull in the surrounding conversations to share the news she had confirmed only that morning. “I believe we may expect another present by late spring.”

Victor stilled, his expression transforming from confusion to dawning comprehension with a swiftness that might have been comical under different circumstances.

“Emma,” he breathed, his voice thick with emotion rarely displayed in public. “Are you certain?”

“Quite certain,” she confirmed, joy bubbling up within her at his evident delight. “Though perhaps we might discuss the matter more privately once our guests have departed.”

His hand moved instinctively to rest against her still-flat abdomen, the gesture so unconsciously possessive and protective that Emma felt tears threatening once more.

“You have made me the happiest of men,” he murmured, propriety forgotten as he bent to claim her lips in a kiss that undoubtedly provoked the more prudish guests.

Emma returned his kiss without hesitation, conscious of the whispers and stares but finding, to her surprise, that she did not care for Society’s judgment.

For she and Victor had weathered far greater storms than mere gossip.

And they would face whatever challenges the future held with the same courage and unity that had brought them to this moment of perfect happiness.

The End?