Before He Was Mine (Before Series, Book 2)

Epilogue

"Our children are fighting again," Will said dryly, glancing over at Theo.

"I am sure Francis started it," Theo replied with a raised brow.

Will wasn't offended; Theo was likely right. His son had the habit of teasing his cousin relentlessly. "Are you trying to imply that it is my problem, then?"

Theo laughed. "Was that not obvious?

They were sitting in the gardens at Rosecrest, watching as Victoria and Francis engaged in a shouting match that rivaled even the one they had the previous evening.

"What are you even fighting about?" Will hollered over to them.

Both children whipped their heads around at the sharp tone in Will's voice. Victoria stomped her foot and pointed a small finger at his son. "Uncle Leo gave me flowers, and Francis stole them and threw them in the pond."

"Francis," Will said in a warning tone.

"But father—"

"You know," Theo cut in, "we just happen to be in a garden, Victoria. There are plenty of flowers."

He gestured around them at the blooming plants, meticulously cared for by Will's gardener at Rosecrest.

"But it is the principal of it, father!" Victoria protested, stomping her foot a second time before crossing her arms tightly across her chest. Will was continuously taken aback by the fierceness of the little eight-year-old. Though, he realized he shouldn't be, given her parents.

"Are you simply repeating things your mother says again, Victoria?" Theo asked in an exasperated tone.

The little princess looked sheepishly up at her father, and it was then that Will noticed Francis trying to slip away from the scene.

"Where do you think you're going?" Will demanded and then repressed a laugh at the look on the boy's face when he realized he was caught. Francis whirled back around, his head of light brown curls bouncing at the action. Wide amber eyes peered up at him.

"Nowhere, father," Francis said quickly.

"They're coming," Theo muttered and gestured toward the manor house. Will followed his gaze to see Addie and Emilia walking toward them, laughing along the way.

Emilia was bouncing their other son, Felix, on her hip. She looked beautiful today in a lilac-colored gown that perfectly accentuated her body as she strode across the lawn.

If Will had thought that Emilia was happy in the aftermath of their wedding, it was nothing compared to how she acted now that she had the role of motherhood on her plate. He knew that her heart was fuller with the children in her life, and Will was just happy that he could give her that.

He loved Francis and Felix dearly, but all Will had ever wanted was to give Emilia all of her heart's desires.

The women suddenly stopped, surveying the events before them.

"Were they fighting again?" Emilia asked, looking defeated.

"We've handled it," Will said hastily, giving a warning glance to the children.

Theo cleared his throat and grunted, "Yes, all is well here."

Everything was quiet for a moment. And then, "Mother! Francis took my flowers from Uncle Leo!" Victoria pleaded her case to Addie.

Theo and Will dropped their heads into their hands.

"Francis, is that true?" Emilia's stern voice asked.