Page 35

Two years later…

“…the pony’s hooves lifted into the air as wings sprouted from his back. They were flying,” Shay—or rather Ellis—read to their son.

“This new book by Flemming S. Buchanan is quite popular with the little ones,” Thea said with a smile. After they had gotten settled in their new home, Ellis had some ideas for his own stories and Thea was happy to help him navigate the publishing world to see them printed.

Ellis winked at her as Forney pushed the duke into the room in his rolling chair. It was amazing how much his health had improved when Thea and Ellis moved in. Some days he was even able to stand and walk a small distance.

Thea had stripped the house of the dreadful green wallpaper and put up more blue and gray shades, similar to the décor at Cawdor Castle. She’d wanted her husband to feel at home there. With so many changes in their life it was comforting to have some things that had remained the same.

Their home in Scotland was not far from Cawdor and was as picturesque. But Thea and Ellis preferred Cawdor which they were able to keep. As no other Buchanans were found to take the title, the House of Lords determined the titles and holdings were to be combined.

To say Reese and Finn had been shocked by the news would be an understatement. They had not yet taken to call him by his new name, and Ellis wasn’t bothered by it. It had been somewhat easier for Thea because she had already used his real name on occasion, but sometimes she slipped up as well.

When she did he often explained, “I am both men. I am Shay, the boy so frightened of dying that I lied about who I was for most of my life. But I am also Ellis Hayes. Deep inside where the Glenlivet blood runs through my veins. But whatever name I answer to, my heart is undeniably yours, Thea.”

Her husband seemed free. Now that he wasn’t hiding behind secrets and deception he was lighter and happier.

“I’ve not missed the ending, have I?” the duke asked. “It’s the very best part.”

Ellis dropped the book to his lap and tilted his head. “Do you think it’s the best part because you truly enjoy the ending, or because you are amused when wee Sheamus insists on me reading it again?”

“Most definitely the latter.” He didn’t even pretend. Thea imagined that as a man aged he cared less and less about saying and doing the proper things. Since the duke claimed he was granted extra time he’d not expected, he’d practically eschewed all the rules of proper Society so he might have a bit of fun.

Something her husband and son enjoyed immensely, especially when they raced the wheeled chair about in the foyer.

“Geep,” Shay reached for the duke. She and Ellis weren’t sure why their son called him that, but it was clear who he meant.

“Hand over the lad,” the duke ordered with a big grin that reminded her of Ellis’s wide smile. “I shall finish reading the story to him. It is a lovely day. Take the countess for a stroll of the gardens, boy.” Did the man wink at her husband?

Ellis chuckled and turned over both the book and their son to the duke who began reading right away as Shay settled comfortably in the older man’s lap.

“Come wife, I’m told it is a lovely day for a stroll in the gardens,” Ellis’s mouth pulled up into a smirk.

“Is there something different about the gardens today?” she asked. “Since when does the duke force us to take air?”

“It is not about the air, love. He told me a few days ago how pleased he is to have a family and how much he would like to have a larger family.” Ellis raised his brows in a suggestive manner.

“Larger? He wants us… in the garden?” Thea stammered.

“There are surely worse places. The garden is quite lovely. And private.” That last part he said as he placed kisses along her neck. His head dropped lower and she paused a moment considering whether or not she should tell him.

Not being able to hold it in, she pushed him back slightly so she could see him clearly.

“Our family is already set to become larger.”

“You’re…?”

“I am. But that doesn’t mean we should not take advantage of such a lovely day in the gardens.”

He kissed her and then smiled. “It would be a crime not to.”

The end.