“You’re the most important people in my life.” Simon pressed a soft kiss to my lips. His arms wrapped around me with warm insistence. This was what I’d missed. This was what I’d craved.

“I love happy endings,” Angelica said, clasping her hands under her chin. She looked so young, and, for the first time since I met her, truly happy herself.

I turned my head so that I could meet Simon’s warm gaze. The steady, patient light was back in his eyes. “I love you, Ella. I always have. And, I promise, I vow, I always will.”

I blinked back the tears and cleared my throat. “I love you, too, Simon. So much. So damn much.”

“Okay, too much sweetness,” Angelica said on a sigh. “Enjoy your sappy moment. Jeremiah and I are going to the park. I must try out these sleds Simon bought. We’ll catch you later!”

Jeremiah ran up and slammed into his father’s side, wrapping his arms around both of us briefly, needing the reassurance that all was right in his world once again. He’d buried his nose in Simon’s neck but jumped, as did Simon, when the baby kicked. Hard.

“Blimey. I think she broke my bladder with that one,” I gasped.

“My sister’s not messing around.” Jeremiah giggled. “See you soon, baby.” He patted my belly, and then he trotted off, accepting the hand Angelica held out to him. Caught in such a strange, magical place between young man and child, Jeremiah owned my heart. Glancing up at Simon who looked after our son with much the same expression I must be wearing, my chest warmed. Oh, this man. He held my happiness in his hands.

Now, after nearly breaking it—breaking me—he reconfirmed his commitment to our family.

My trust wouldn’t return as quickly as either of us would like, but, over time, I hoped—no, I knew, I’d learn Simon meant what he said.

We stood there for another long moment, enjoying the spring’s soft sun and the warmth from each other.

“Let’s take a little walk,” Simon said. “If you’re up for it.”

“Sure,” I said.

“Be careful, poppet,” Mum said. She brought me my coat, hat, scarf, and gloves. Simon ran upstairs to grab all his winter gear. My father waylaid him in the hall when he galloped down the stairs.

“I’m glad you two are working out your worries,” Mum said, fussing over my zipper.

“We’re trying.”

She took a deep breath and laid her hands on my shoulders. “I’ve never had the love you two share.” She dipped her chin and smiled. “Don’t get me wrong. Your father and I love each other. But you and Simon.” She sighed. “He’s part of your very soul.”

I leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I just hope I’m always a part of his.”