Page 32 of A Duke to Restore her Memory

Five Years Later

“Henry, no, not the tart!” Christina laughed as her three-year-old son, a mischievous grin plastered across his face, reached for the strawberry tart on the picnic blanket with sticky fingers.

Sebastian chuckled, his deep voice rumbling as he plucked the tart from the boy’s grasp and handed him a less delicate scone instead. “Your mother worked hard on this feast, Henry. Let’s save the tarts for after we’ve eaten our sandwiches, shall we?”

Henry pouted but took the scone, his big brown eyes a mirror of his father’s. Beside him, Amelia, the quieter of the twins, giggled as she tried to arrange her wild curls under the bonnet that refused to stay in place.

“Do you think Amelia might have inherited your stubborn streak, darling?” Sebastian teased, his tone light as he glanced at his wife.

Christina smiled, adjusting Amelia’s bonnet with a patient hand. “It’s far more likely she’s taken after you. Determined and headstrong, just like her papa.”

Sebastian reached over and squeezed Christina’s hand, his touch warm and grounding. “Then she’ll be unstoppable.”

The family was seated on a large, embroidered blanket spread beneath the shade of a sprawling oak tree on the grounds of their estate. The summer sun cast a golden glow across the rolling hills, and the scent of blooming wildflowers filled the air. Nearby, the twins’ nursemaid stood at a respectful distance, ready to assist but allowing the family their private moment.

“Have you heard from Daniel this week?” Christina asked, passing a plate of sandwiches to Sebastian.

Sebastian nodded, taking a bite before answering. “Yes, he wrote to say they’ve finally completed the new stables on his estate. Frances is thrilled, of course. She’s always had a soft spot for horses.”

“And for Daniel,” Christina added with a soft laugh.

“True enough.” Sebastian’s eyes sparkled as he spoke. “They’ll be visiting tomorrow, by the way. Frances insists on bringing some of her preserves. I hope you’re prepared for an impromptu tasting session.”

Christina’s laugh rang out, clear and bright. “It wouldn’t be Frances if she didn’t arrive with jars of jam and an endless supply of praise for her recipes.”

As they spoke, the twins played on the blanket, their chatter and laughter blending harmoniously with the gentle rustling of leaves above. Christina leaned back against Sebastian’s shoulder, her heart full as she watched their children.

“Look at them,” she said softly. “So full of life. It’s hard to believe how much has changed in just a few years.”

Sebastian kissed the top of her head, his voice steady and reassuring. “It’s been a journey, hasn’t it? But I wouldn’t change a single moment. Not when it’s brought us here.”

“Do you think Lydia will join us tomorrow as well?” Christina asked, her gaze drifting toward the horizon where the sun hung low, painting the sky in soft hues of gold and lavender.

Sebastian leaned back, propping himself on one elbow, his expression thoughtful. “She mentioned she might. It depends on how she’s feeling. Giles has been fussing over her more than ever with the baby due so soon.”

Christina’s face softened with a smile. “He’s so attentive. Lydia deserves someone like him after everything she’s been through. I’ve never seen her so radiant.”

Sebastian chuckled. “She glows brighter than the candles in Newquay Hall, that’s for certain. And Giles is practically tripping over himself to ensure her comfort.”

“I’m happy for her,” Christina said, plucking a wildflower from the edge of the blanket and twirling it in her fingers. “She’s become such a dear friend. Hard to believe how we started.”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow, teasing. “Hard to believe? She practically declared war on you the day we brought you home.”

Christina laughed, shaking her head. “Yes, but look at her now—an ally in every way. She’s even teaching me embroidery.”

Sebastian feigned a grimace. “A skill you don’t need, if you ask me. You’ve more than proven your worth with the ledgers. Giles told me Lydia’s impressed by how quickly you manage the accounts, even with the children underfoot.”

Christina’s cheeks flushed with pride. “I’ve grown to enjoy it. Working with you on the mining ventures feels like we’re building something together. It’s fulfilling.”

Sebastian reached out and took her hand, his touch grounding. “It is. And you’ve been invaluable, Christina. I don’t say it enough, but I couldn’t have managed without you.”

Before she could reply, Henry toddled over, clutching a feather he’d found, and waved it triumphantly. “Mama, look! For you!”

Christina beamed, taking the feather as though it were the most precious treasure. “Why, thank you, Henry. It’s beautiful.”

Amelia followed close behind, her small arms wrapped around a bouquet of dandelions. “For Papa,” she announced proudly, thrusting the wildflowers toward Sebastian.

“Thank you, my little flower,” Sebastian said, his voice tender as he took the bouquet. He ruffled Amelia’s curls, earning a delighted giggle.

As the twins settled back on the blanket to play, Christina leaned closer to Sebastian. “Do you ever think about them?” she asked quietly.

Sebastian didn’t need clarification. He sighed, his gaze distant. “Hester? Powell?”

Christina nodded.

“Sometimes,” he admitted. “But not often. Hester’s schemes are behind us. He’s disgraced, far from Cornwall, and under close watch. As for Powell…” Sebastian’s expression darkened briefly before he softened. “He’s gone, and he won’t trouble us again.”

Christina exhaled deeply, her shoulders relaxing. “It’s strange, isn’t it? To think how much they once loomed over us. Now, they’re little more than shadows of the past.”

“And that’s where they’ll stay,” Sebastian said firmly. “We have too much to look forward to, Christina. Too much to cherish.”

“I’m glad we’ve put those days behind us,” Christina said, her voice steady. “And it’s comforting to know we can look ahead without fear.”

Sebastian nodded, his hand brushing hers. “We’ve built a life filled with love and security. The trials we faced only made us stronger.”

Before Christina could respond, the sound of hoofbeats drew their attention. She turned to see Daniel and Frances approaching, their carriage rolling smoothly along the dirt path toward the hill. Frances leaned out of the window, waving enthusiastically.

“Perfect timing,” Christina said with a smile, standing to greet their friends.

As the carriage halted, Daniel hopped down, helping Frances step onto the grass. “What a view!” Frances exclaimed, looking out toward the sea. “Every time we visit, I’m reminded why you love it here so much.”

“It does have its charm,” Sebastian said with a grin, embracing Daniel in a hearty handshake before turning to Frances. “And you brought preserves, I hope?”

Frances laughed, handing him a small basket tied with a checkered ribbon. “Only the best. Blackberry this time. You’ll love it.”

The twins came bounding toward Frances, their faces lighting up at the sight of her. “Aunt Frances!” they cried in unison, clinging to her skirts.

“Goodness, you two have grown,” Frances said, bending to hug them both. “You’ll be taller than me before long!”

“And just as lively,” Daniel added, winking at Sebastian.

They all settled onto the blanket, the conversation flowing as easily as the gentle sea breeze. Daniel and Frances shared updates on their estate, recounting their progress with the new stables and their plans for expansion.

“Perhaps one day, our children will ride together,” Frances mused, glancing at Henry and Amelia, who were now chasing a butterfly near the tree.

“Perhaps,” Christina said, her smile soft. “I imagine they’ll be the best of friends, just like us.”

Frances reached over to squeeze Christina’s hand. “It’s amazing to think how much has changed in just a few years. We’ve all come so far.”

Sebastian glanced at Daniel, his tone playful. “And you’ve managed to keep pace with Frances, I see.”

Daniel grinned. “Barely. She keeps me on my toes, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The group laughed, the sound mingling with the rustle of leaves. For a moment, Christina allowed herself to simply breathe, taking in the joy and warmth surrounding them.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the hill, Christina looked at Sebastian. “I think we should do this more often,” she said softly.

Sebastian nodded, his gaze warm. “Agreed. These are the moments worth savoring.”

The sun began its slow descent, painting the sky in rich hues of amber and pink. The golden light bathed the hillside, casting a warm glow over the group as they lingered, reluctant to let the day end.

Lydia and Lord Giles arrived next, walking hand in hand. Lydia’s radiant smile was framed by her glowing cheeks, and she held her belly with a protective hand.

“Apologies for the delay,” Lydia called, her voice as cheerful as the breeze. “Giles insisted I rest before the walk up the hill, but I couldn’t miss the chance to join you all.”

“Resting is important,” Christina said, rising to greet her sister-in-law. She embraced Lydia warmly. “But I’m glad you came. You look wonderful.”

Lydia laughed softly, her eyes sparkling. “Giles dotes on me as if I’m made of glass. It’s a bit excessive, but I suppose I can’t complain.”

“It’s no more than you deserve,” Sebastian said, shaking Giles’s hand. “We’re all eagerly awaiting the little one’s arrival.”

“Especially me,” Lydia said, her voice brimming with joy. “I can’t wait to meet this baby. Giles swears it’s a boy, but I have my doubts.”

Christina smiled, exchanging a knowing glance with Frances. “Either way, it will be a blessing.”

As they all settled back onto the blanket, the twins climbed onto Giles’s lap, giggling as he tried to tell them a story about a brave knight. Lydia leaned against her husband, her eyes closing briefly as she soaked in the moment.

Christina reached for Sebastian’s hand, intertwining her fingers with his. “It’s hard to believe how much has changed,” she murmured.

Sebastian turned to her, his expression tender. “And yet, some things remain constant. Like my love for you.”

Christina felt her cheeks warm, even after years of hearing such declarations. “And mine for you,” she whispered back.

As the first stars appeared in the darkening sky, Christina rested her head on Sebastian’s shoulder, her heart full. She placed a hand on her belly, where the faintest signs of new life were beginning to show.

“Sebastian,” she said softly, drawing his attention.

“Yes, my love?”

“I have something to tell you,” she began, her voice trembling slightly with emotion.

He turned to her, his brows furrowing in concern. “What is it?”

She smiled, her eyes shimmering. “We’re going to have another child.”

Sebastian froze for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, a brilliant smile broke across his face. “Truly?” he asked, his voice thick with emotion.

Christina nodded, her heart swelling as he pulled her into his arms. “Truly.”

The others noticed the embrace, their curiosity piqued. Frances leaned closer. “What’s the news?”

Sebastian looked around at the gathered group, his joy evident. “We’re having another child.”

A chorus of cheers and congratulations erupted, the joy shared by all.

As the group began packing up to return to the house, Christina and Sebastian lingered, taking one last look at the sea.

“Life has given us so much,” Christina said, her voice soft.

Sebastian kissed her temple, his arms wrapped around her. “And it will give us so much more. Together, we can face anything.”

With the stars twinkling above them, they walked hand in hand toward their future, their hearts full and their love stronger than ever.

THE END