“Maybe,” he mused. “Maybe not. But I think the best way I can honor Conroy and the others we lost is to live each day to the fullest—and to take care of the families they left behind.”

She slid a hand over his muscled biceps. “Have you seen Sarah and the girls recently?”

“I have.” He turned toward her and circled his arms around her waist. “She, Rose, and Julia were here a couple of days ago.”

“Here?” Sophie tipped up her chin so she could meet his eyes. “In the garden?”

“Not exactly. I was showing them a cottage on the edge of my property. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks improving it. The girls seemed to like it.”

Sophie blinked, stunned. “Did they?”

“They ran around the house like heathens.” Reese’s mouth quirked, softening the harsh angles of his face. “Sarah had a difficult time prying them away from the rope swing I hung in the yard.”

“You hung a…” She shook her head, wondering if she’d heard him correctly. “Are Sarah and the girls going to live in the cottage?”

He nodded slowly. “Along with Violet and the babe, once it’s born. Violet wants to return to her old position in a few months, and Sarah was thrilled at the prospect of watching the little one while Violet is working at the manor house. And, selfishly, I’m looking forward to watching my niece or nephew grow up. Conroy’s girls too.”

“That’s wonderful,” Sophie breathed. It felt as though her heart would burst with happiness. “I’m so proud of you, Reese.”

He shrugged. “It took me a while to realize that Edmund wasn’t perfect. That none of us is. I can’t change decisions I’ve made in the past, but I can try to do the right thing now.” He gazed at her, his dark eyes unexpectedly shy. “I was thinking that, since you have a talent for bringing people together, maybe you could help me with a new project.”

“Of course I’m willing to help,” she said, humbled by his trust in her. “What did you have in mind?”

“A regular gathering for soldiers who’ve returned from war—and their families too. A place where they can talk if they want to … and not feel so alone.”

Sophie found herself on the verge of tears again. She placed her palms on either side of his face and beamed at him. “That is a beautiful idea. I’d be honored to play a part in bringing it to life.” Grinning, she added, “I happen to know of an excellent meeting location. It’s booked on Friday evenings, but available any other day of the week.”

“Is that so?” he asked, flashing a wry grin of his own.

“I’ve been thinking about making some changes too,” she said.

“Oh?”