Epilogue – 20 years later
"Betsy! Betsy, do take more care!" I call down the beach. "Do you wish the whole wide world to see your knickers?" I roll my eyes skyward when she continues to turn cartwheels in the sand despite (or maybe because of) my objections. "Goodness, that child is incorrigible," I say to Will. "Was I ever so bad as all that?"
"Oh, much worse," Will teases, tightening his grip on my hand. "Send Wills. He's bound to talk some sense into her."
At the mention of his name, William—the exact image of his father-- looks our direction. "I'll try, Mum, but no guarantee."
"Trying would be splendid, dear heart," I say, patting his cheek since he deemed himself 'too old for kisses.'
With a nod, William races down the beach toward his younger sister yelling "Betsy! Elizabeth Ann Turner, Mum says stop putting your knickers on display!"
"But they're pretty and lacy -- who wouldn't want to see them?" Betsy replies.
Will and I exchange a look before laughter over takes us. "Let us hope that what is said at six is not repeated at sixteen," he says.
"Lord, why couldn't we have all boys?"
Will places a hand over my abdomen which is just beginning to swell to accommodate the new life growing inside. "Did you ever doubt, Elizabeth, that we would be as we are today?"
"Chasing our children down the same beach we once played at?" I shake my head. "Deep down, Will, I believe I always loved you. It just took my head some time to catch up with my heart."
"If I had told you sooner would you have --"
I lean forward to kiss him, halting his words. "No use thinking on those two years spent in silence and tears so very long ago. I understand now why you broke the friendship." I grin, remembering Will's first declaration of love as clear and fresh as if it were yesterday. "Funny, after all our games of Pirates, that is exactly who I have to thank for returning you to me."
"We certainly got our share of adventure after meeting up with that lot."
"Do you miss it?" I ask. "The sea and the surf and wind in your hair?"
Will barely hesitates before shaking his head. "I'd rather be beside you with our children all about us. This is my life now." He caresses my cheek lightly. "You are my life, Elizabeth."
"As you are mine, Will," I agree, leaning close for yet another kiss.
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Author's Note: Yes, even "A Smart Match" , my 'never-ending Willabeth fic', must come to an end. Thank you for reading and for all the positive response. I am open to suggestions for my next Will/Elizabeth fic so include it in your review or PM me. Also, if you have not done so already, please read the excerpt from my soon to be published historical fiction novel Chasing Byron. It will be released Winter 2007 through Highland Press. I have the first 2 chapters of it and excerpts from other non fan fic novels at my fictionpress account. Follow the link from my profile.