Loving Lord Bridgerton

Second Epilogue

Dear Poppy,

I know this may seem rather odd, but I need a favor. After your father blows out his candles on his birthday and on every birthday after, I want you to whisper in his ear 'Mom told you so'. It will humble him. Then give him a hug for me. He'll need it.

Love mom

Poppy had received the letter a week after her mother had passed when they were each give little boxes filled with keepsakes she wanted each of them to have. Losing their mother had been the first time any of them had seen their father cry. Even when he had buried his mother, his brother in-law, and brother, he held it together for his family. Was the crunch they could leaned on to hold them. To be strong when they couldn't. When their mother had died, he couldn't be the crunch because he needed it. They had buried his heart that night.

Today was his first birthday since she passed, and he was turning 92 years old. Well passed the age he always believed would be his last.

Poppy didn't know why her mother wanted her to do, but she didn't hesitate to honor her wishes. His children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren gathered around to sing him happy birthday. He blew out his candle, and Poppy place her hands on his shoulders. She leaned in whispering in his ear, "Mom told you so".

Tears came to Anthony's eyes as he smiled. He put his hand over hers, kissing her cheek. She didn't know why he needed it, but she could tell that he needed it.

Anthony held onto that 'I told you so' for three months. Until the night he went to bed and saw Charlotte waiting for him. She was waiting for him most nights he went to bed, but this was different. They were young again, but they weren't memories of their past. She held out her hand, reaching for him. He felt the warmth of her skin as he touched her hand. "I've missed you." Charlotte put her hand on his cheek kissing him like she always had before with all the love in her heart. He felt a peace travel through his body.

He had lived a long life, a good life.