Author's Notes: Unlike the previous chapters, this one covers a much longer time span, the first year of their life together. Some of you have expressed a desire for me to write beyond their wedding day and their honeymoon. I may add to it from time to time, but for now, this is the final chapter in this story. I want to thank all of you for reading my story and for leaving such kind reviews.

Chapter Thirteen: The Family Colbourne: The First Year

Mrs. Wheatley knocked on his study door, and with his permission, entered. She delivered the mail to him, and left the room.

Alexander quickly went through the mail, and it occurred to him that since Charlotte had become mistress of their home, she went through the mail. If there was correspondence for him, then she brought it to him.

He noticed a letter to him in her distinctive handwriting, and he opened it. The note read,

My dearest husband, please come to our room at your earliest convenience. Your Charlotte

He smiled and got up to go to her. He remembered another letter from her, months ago, when she had asked him to come to Willingden at his earliest convenience. It was a trip that had changed their lives because when he got to Willingden that day, he learned that she had forgiven him, and she had agreed to be his wife.

He took the stairs two at a time and when he got to their room, he found her standing by the window.

He walked over to her and put his arms around her from behind, and nuzzled her neck. Charlotte loved to be kissed there, and he would not be a good husband if he missed a chance to please her.

Charlotte leaned back and gave him better access to the sensitive spot he was kissing, and then took his hand and placed it on her belly.

"Alexander, I have something to tell you."

"You do? What might that be?"

She turned around in his arms and said, "In six month's time, there will be an addition to our family."

Alexander knew that she had missed her courses. They had been intimate almost every night since their marriage.

"Are you certain, Charlotte?"

Charlotte took his face in her hands, and said, "I am sure, and I went to see the midwife yesterday."

"You are the only one, other than the midwife who knows. Although, I expect Mrs. Wheatley suspects since she has been making some special biscuits for me to have with my morning tea. You may have noticed that I do not have much appetite in the mornings."

"Yes, I did wonder about that."

"Are you well, Charlotte?"

'Yes, I am and do not forget that I have been through this all with Mama many times. I know that I will get tired and need to rest as the baby grows within me, and that I may get emotional at times over silly things."

Alexander said, "You are to tell me the minute things get too much as far as running this house. I can hire more staff if need be, and Mrs. Wheatley will do all she can to help. Your health and the health of our child are the most important thing. In fact, please come and sit down."

Charlotte allowed herself to be led over to their bed. Alexander bent down to remove her shoes and then he removed his. He and Charlotte laid down on their bed and talked for a while about how they would tell their news to the girls.

Before long, Alexander noticed that Charlotte had drifted off and was sleeping peacefully in his arms. He pulled her closer and whispered in her ear, "Thank you, my love, for the new life that you will be bringing into our family."

They napped for an hour or so, and then they went downstairs to have lunch with the girls.

Mrs. Wheatley and Charlotte planned the meals for the family together, and she made sure to always include a light soup with every meal. Sometimes, she noticed, it was all Charlotte ate.

After everyone was seated, Alexander said, "Girls, we have some news to share."

He reached over and took his wife's hand, "Charlotte and I are expecting a baby in six months. In June of next year, there will be a new addition to the family."

Augusta jumped up from her seat and hugged both Charlotte and Alexander. "How wonderful! I will have a new cousin to love, but if you do not mind, I would like to be able to consider the new baby a brother or sister, much as I consider Leo a true sister."

Her words brought tears to Charlotte's eyes, and she looked at Alexander.

"Of course, Augusta."

Leo was holding back tears, and Alexander understood that she was worried about her own place in the family.

He went to her and crouched down in front of her. "Leo, are you not excited to have a baby brother or sister?"

She threw her arms around his neck and said, "I am afraid you will love the new baby more than you do me, Father."

Alexander held his daughter in his arms and said, "That is not possible, Leo. No matter how many children Charlotte and I have, I will not love one of you more than the other, and that includes Augusta as well."

Augusta said, "But Uncle, I am not your child, and I do not expect you and Charlotte to love me the same."

Charlotte reached out to take Augusta's hand, but we do love you as our own, Augusta. I may be more of a sister to you than an aunt, but I love you as dearly as I do anyone else that is family."

Later that night, when Charlotte and Alexander tucked Leo into bed, she asked, "Charlotte, may I call you, Mama?"

Charlotte looked over at Alexander, and he had to blink the tears away, and he nodded his head in consent.

"I would like that very much. I love you, Leo."

Leo reached up and hugged Charlotte tightly. Then, Leo reached for her father and hugged him, too.

Charlotte and Alexander stopped by Augusta's room to say goodnight to her as well, and she told them how glad she was about the new baby.

Alexander and Charlotte retired to their room and got settled in bed. Alexander felt his love for his wife wash over him in waves. This wonderful woman had given him more than he had ever imagined having in this life. He made love to her with tenderness that night, but with no less passion.

He whispered in her ear as she was falling to sleep, 'Our tomorrows just keep getting better and better, my love."

Christmas had not been celebrated with any fanfare ever at Heyrick Park. However, this year will be very different. On Christmas Eve, the girls helped Charlotte decorate the doors and windows with evergreen wreaths, and they baked biscuits to take to the Parker's tomorrow. They would attend church in the morning, then spend the day at Trafalgar House. Georgiana was an honorary Parker and would spend the day with them as well.

At Heywood Manor, every Christmas Eve, Mrs. Heywood read the story of the birth of Jesus to the family. Charlotte asked Alexander if she could continue that tradition with their family, and he said yes.

After dinner, their family sat together in the drawing room, and Charlotte read the story from the bible to her family, as her own mother had read to Charlotte and her siblings.

Mrs. Wheatley served them hot chocolate, and before the girls went to bed, Alexander had a gift for each one of them.

"Leo, this one's for you." Alexander handed her a box he had asked Charlotte to wrap.

Leo tore open the lid and took each carved toy soldier out one by one and examined them.

"They are beautiful, Father. I have lost some of my other ones, and I will not be sad about that anymore since I have these."

Charlotte felt her heart swell with love for her husband. She knew those soldiers were from Lennox. Colonel Lennox might be a terrible man, but he was a part of Leonora. Alexander was her true father, and Charlotte thought it was very noble of Alexander to give his daughter the gift from Lennox.

Alexander handed Augusta a small box, and in it was a small pendant with a diamond in the center.

"It is beautiful, Uncle, thank you." August held it up for everyone to admire.

"I had your parents' wedding bands melted down into that pendant, Augusta. The diamond in the center was my own addition."

Augusta went to her uncle and hugged him.

Charlotte had to blink back the tears. Alexander was such a dear man, and loved them all so much.

Later that night, after the girls were sound asleep in their own beds, Alexander gave Charlotte her gift.

He gave her a pearl and diamond ring to match the necklace and earring set that he had given her on their wedding day.

"It is beautiful, Alexander. Thank you, but my darling, you must know that I do not need things. I only need you and the girls to be happy."

"I do know that, but it pleases me to spoil you, so I ask that you allow it."

"But I do not have a gift for you, Alexander. In my family, it is not the tradition to exchange gifts."

Alexander took his wife into his arms, and he said, "Charlotte, there are no words to tell you all you have given me."

The next morning, Alexander, Charlotte, and the girls sat in their usual pew at church, and listened to Reverend Hankins talk about Christmas and the true meaning of the season.

After church, the Colbourne family joined the Parkers for a traditional Christmas dinner of roast goose and all the trimmings.

Augusta played the piano forte, and Arthur led them all in singing Christmas carols.

By the time they left for home, Leo was barely able to keep her eyes open.

When they got back to Heyrick Park, Alexander carried her up to bed and Charlotte helped him tuck her in.

Charlotte and Alexander retired to their room after telling Augusta goodnight, and got settled in their own bed.

They talked about the day, and how wonderful it had been. Next year, they would host Christmas dinner for their friends at Heyrick Park.

Just two months later, the news came from Willingden that Alison and Declan had a baby girl, and they named her Anna Moriah. Both mother and baby were doing well, and Declan was a very proud papa.

The next several months were busy ones at Heyrick House. Two of Charlotte's brothers came to live with them to work in construction in Sanditon. Adam was 18, and Anson was 17. Neither of them wanted to be farmers like their father, and their oldest brother, Joseph, would inherit the farm, so they needed to make their own way in the world.

Adam apprenticed as a mason, and Anson was learning construction. They were delightful and hard-working young men and added great fun to family meals. They told hilarious stories about Charlotte and in turn, she told equally embarrassing stories about them. Sometimes, Alexander laughed to his sides.

The boys teased Augusta at times and at first, she did not know how to take it, but it was not long before she gave as good as she got from them.

Mrs. Wheatley sometimes watched and listened. What joy it brought to her heart to see Alexander so happy.

Charlotte and Alexander made sure to have their own time each day. He often would sit with her, and they would just hold hands and talk. At night, he would lay his hands on her swollen belly and sometimes, he would feel their child move.

Winter had turned to spring, and there were signs of life everywhere at Heyrick Park. The rose garden that Alexander had installed for the wedding celebration was filling out and the climbing roses had covered the arbor.

In preparation for the baby, the room next to the master bedroom was converted to a nursery. He had new furniture made for the room, instead of using the crib that had been Leo's. It just didn't seem right to merge old memories with new ones.

In June, Charlotte was nearing the end of her pregnancy and was uncomfortable most of the time. She spent much of her time outdoors in the garden. Often Mary and Georgiana would come to visit since Charlotte no longer went into town.

On this particular morning, she could not get comfortable. Alexander was concerned because his usually sweet-natured Charlotte was grumpy. He massaged her back and took her on a short walk.

Charlotte felt her water break, and she asked Alexander to get her back to the house immediately.

"Charlotte, are you well? Tell me what is wrong!"

"Nothing is wrong my darling, but please send for Mary and the midwife. We are about to have this baby."

Alexander called out, "Mrs. Wheatley! Come quickly!"

Mrs. Wheatley rushed into the room and saw that the hem of Charlotte's dress was wet, and she said, "Alexander, carry your wife to your room, and I am right behind you. We need to prepare the bed and change her clothes."

The house became a beehive of activity to make ready for the birth.

Mary and the midwife came just after Charlotte had been settled into bed.

Alexander had been banished from the room as Charlotte's labor increased in intensity. From time to time, the ladies let him into the room to see his wife for short periods of time and then they shooed him out.

He did not want to leave his wife and was frustrated that he was not allowed to stay with her.

Alexander was a bundle of nerves, and did not know what to do with himself. He paced and he paced some more.

She was in labor for hours and at one point, and then he heard her scream out. He took the stairs two at a time to get to her.

By the time he got to their door, he heard his baby cry. Mrs. Wheatley had heard him come up the stairs, and she cracked open the door and said, you will be able to see your wife and baby very soon, Alexander. Please go wait in the nursery.

When he did not move, she said, "All is well, Alexander, I promise you."

Shortly thereafter, Mary came into the nursery and said, "You can go to her, but only for a few minutes. There are still some matters to attend to. Once the midwife is finished, Alexander, you will not have to leave her again."

Alexander nodded. All he heard Mary say was that he could go to Charlotte.

When he walked into their room, Charlotte was holding their baby, and he thought he had never seen a more beautiful sight.

She reached out her hand to invite him to join her on the bed, and she said, "Alexander, meet your son."

Charlotte lifted their son so Alexander could take him in his arms. He did not have words, and tears flowed down his cheeks.

He bent down to kiss his son's head, and then, he bent to kiss his wife.

"Thank you, my love. He is perfect."

Mary came back into the room and asked him to wait downstairs for a few minutes more.

When at last, the midwife came down to tell him he could go back up, he thanked her for bringing his wife and son safely through the delivery.

He asked Mrs. Wheatley to send the girls up to meet their brother in a few minutes. When he entered their room, Charlotte was feeding their son, and he sat beside her on the bed.

Charlotte finished feeding their son and had just adjusted her nightgown when they heard the girls knock on the door.

Leo and Augusta entered hesitantly, and Charlotte beckoned them in.

Augusta held him first and pronounced him the most beautiful baby in the world.

Leo held him as well. She told her little brother, "I am going to be the best big sister to you."

Augusta asked, "What is his name?"

Charlotte said, "His name is Matthew Alexander Colbourne."

Matthew brought so much joy into their lives and Alexander thought each day that time passed too quickly.

It had been over three months since their son was born. Their lives were very full, and quite busy. Alison and Declan came for a visit and Charlotte loved playing with Anna Moriah. She was a beautiful baby. The Parkers were frequent visitors, as were Arthur and Georgiana. Lady Denham ever came once for tea. She remarked that she seemed to be the only one in town who still used sugar and refused the honey-sweetened biscuits that were offered with tea.

Their anniversary was in one week, so Charlotte and Alexander decided to have a party to celebrate. They invited everyone who had come to their wedding, as well as some new friends. The Babington's would be there with their son George and their new baby boy, Sidney. Several members from their church would attend as well.

The Heywoods and the Frasers would attend, but not stay the night. Mr. Heywood and Declan had to finish getting the harvest tended to in Willingden.

Samuel Colbourne would not be able to attend, and he sent his regrets. He was defending a major case in London.

On the day of the gathering, the weather was beautiful, and everyone had a wonderful time. There was a cricket game on the side of the grounds, and there were people playing croquet on the front lawn.

The temporary dance floor had been removed from its storage place in the barn and had been laid down. The musicians played for hours and people danced. There was food and drink to rival even Lady Denham's most grand affairs.

People stayed late and it was decided by all that Charlotte and Alexander's anniversary party needed to become an annual event.

After everyone had gone home, and the house was settled. Charlotte and Alexander checked on their son before getting into bed themselves. He was sleeping soundly, and they stood there and gazed at him for a moment.

"He is so perfect, and so perfectly content, " Charlotte said.

Alexander wrapped his arms around his wife from behind and held her close. "He is."

They went to their room, and got into bed. They spoke about their first year as husband and wife, and how lucky they had been to have each other and their children.

Charlotte said, "Alexander, this time next year, we will have another child."

Alexander smiled and held her close. "That is wonderful news!"

Charlotte said, "I am glad you are happy, my love. It is soon to have another."

Alexander replied, "I wish just thinking about something your father said when I asked him for your hand."

"He asked if I wanted a dozen children like he had, and I said, well maybe not a dozen, but if that is what we are blessed with, I will be happy."

Charlotte said, "Just promise me that we will never lose our marriage in the chaos of a large family, Alexander."

"Never, Charlotte. We will not let that happen.'

Charlotte snuggled in her husband's arms and fell sound asleep.

Alexander laid beside his wife, and thought all the changes this past year had brought to his life. She had married him. They had become a family of five with the birth of Matthew, and next year, there would be a new baby.

He was not a fool to believe that they would never know hardship or pain. But he believed that whatever happened in their lives, if they faced it together, they could get through anything.

There was once a time, before Charlotte, when Alexander's life was shaped by the yesterdays he had known. Now, he lived his life for the tomorrows he would share with this remarkable woman, his Charlotte, and their family.

He whispered to his wife, "Sweet Dreams, my love. Until tomorrow..."

The End