Epilogue

House on the Lake – 1906.

Fitzwilliam stepped into the living room as he sorted through the mail. Mumbling to himself, he spoke.

"More auditions here… a bill to pay there… junk over there…"

"Papa's home!" A small voice shouted and before Fitzwilliam realized it, he was attacked by a pair of tiny hands and body which leapt into his arms. The mail fell to the ground when his little daughter wrapped her arms around his neck, as she exclaimed.

"Papa's home!"

Letting out a laugh, he took her in his arms and spun her around as he answered.

"Yes, indeed, Catherine! Papa's home! Were you good for your mama?!"

The young girl, who displayed the features of his wife, smiled at him as she replied.

"Yes! But she's too big for me to hug her now!" And the little girl folded her arms and Fitzwilliam laughed when he remembered Lizzy was expecting number two. Already, she was put on pause because of her pregnancy to sing Prima Dona. Thank goodness Lydia Wickham and George were no longer around to stir trouble. Then he heard a voice from behind.

"Big?"

When Fitzwilliam turned, he smiled at his wife who stood in the doorway of the bedroom, the appearance of her advanced pregnancy showing as he replied.

"Yes. I hope she won't be too jealous when our next one enters."

"She'll be fine, my love. I believe though I'll be delivering a boy though." Lizzy answered and she slowly made her way over to them. When he held their daughter, he made sure she was in a better position so he could wrap his arm around his wife. When this took place, little Catherine Darcy merely pushed herself out of her papa's hands before she rushed over to play with some dolls. As Fitzwilliam watched this, he felt Lizzy lean in to him as she whispered.

"Fine indeed Jane sent those for her. I'm happy knowing Catherine's content with them."

"Yes. Keeps her busy."

"And it's good practice."

Fitzwilliam chuckled and realizing he didn't take his mask off, he was about to raise his hands when Lizzy shook her head. He knew this move anywhere and he allowed her to take the mask off. After a year of accepting and growing to love him, Fitzwilliam's prayer was answered when his wife had fallen in love with him after Wickham's capture. Once the mask was off, he heard Catherine squeal.

"Papa!"

"Yes, Catherine. Papa's here." Fitzwilliam replied as he turned and winked at his daughter. She only shook her head before she resumed playing with her dolls. She was a year and she was talking but Fitzwilliam didn't care about that. The miracle God allowed him to have two children was amazing and he was thankful for that! Then he turned and opening his arms, smiled at his wife as he whispered.

"Come here, you. I believe someone was missing me when I was away."

She nodded before she settled into his arms. Nuzzling her, Fitzwilliam inhaled her fragrance but laughed when he felt a pair of legs kick him. When he drew back, he moved his eyes over towards his unborn child as he reached out and touched the movement.

"I remember Catherine. She wasn't so much of a kicker." He commented but Lizzy merely shook her head.

"She was soft and this one has kept me up all night! I believe I will be delivering a boy."

When Fitzwilliam stared into his wife's eyes, his heart soared to the sky as he answered.

"Boy or girl… I am truly thankful you became my wife, Elizabeth Bennet Darcy. I pray God will bless us with as many children as He desires for us to have. I love you. You know that?"

When he felt her wrap her arms around him, he heard her whisper.

"Yes. I know. I love you, too."

Then their lips met and Fitzwilliam closed his eyes. In the background, little Catherine's voice exclaimed.

"Ah!"

The End.

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