Epilogue

A Little While Later

"We have to get your coat on," John told Ruby, who glanced up at him and shook her head. Her blue eyes sparkled and she began to giggle.

"I'm not cold," she answered, shrugging her shoulders. "Just wear a dress." She spun then, letting the dress bellow up around her. His little girl did not like wearing anything other than her dress. It was a struggle to get her hair done, her tights and shoes on, and especially her coat.

"What if I gave you a candy?" He offered, pulling one of the small treats from his pocket. Ruby's eyes grew and she nodded.

"Alright!"

He chuckled, helping Ruby with her coat and buttoning it up. He then slid the small candy into her hand, where she quickly popped it into her mouth.

"Did I just see you slip our daughter candy, Mr. Bates?" Anna's voice called from the bottom of the stairs. He glanced over to her and just smiled.

"Well, I am her father, so it is my job to spoil her," he answered. Anna laughed, coming over to join him on the settee. She brought her arms around his shoulders and kissed his cheek.

"You're right, she is your little girl. It is your job."

"Mummy?" Ruby asked, chewing on the candy. "Do I get to see Nan and Pop?"

"Yes," Anna answered, rubbing her cheek. "They are back from their honeymoon. Are you excited to see them?"

Ruby eagerly nodded. As Ruby began to speak, she had randomly given those names to Mrs. Hughes and Mr. Carson. John gathered she had learned of those names for grandparents from the books they read her and she had made the connection that to her they were her grandparents. It did make sense. They treated her like she was theirs. Well, everyone downstairs treated her that way. She was a very well loved child with many surrogate aunts and uncles.

Anna made a face, as though she felt ill. John grew worried.

"Are you alright?"

"I will be," Anna answered, standing and walking over to pour herself a glass of water. "I'm just a little nauseous."

"You should stay home."

"And miss the big welcome party? I think not, Mr. Bates. You worry too much. I'm alright."

John stood then, making his way to his wife. He placed his hand on the small bump of her stomach and gave it a gentle rub.

"You're having my second baby, Anna. I'm going to fret over you all nine months."

Anna just chuckled.

"I promise I feel fine. Now, let's go."

-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-

When they arrived, Ms. Patmore was the second person of the day to sneak a treat to Ruby. The little girl was always receiving little gifts and small treats from everyone. Anna worried she would get too spoiled, but she was also a very loving and caring little girl. Which was good, because soon she would be a big sister.

They went into the room and waited for the Carsons to arrive. The moment they entered, everyone cheered. Ruby, who was in John's arms, cheered with them. She begged to be let down and then rushed over toward the Carsons.

"She's missed them," Anna giggled. She watched as Ruby's hair bounced while she ran. Ruby grabbed at Mr. Carson's hand and followed him around as he and Mrs. Hughes said hello to everyone.

By the time they reached John and Anna, they realized that Ruby had a large candy cane in her hands.

"Look!" Ruby showed them.

"Yes, Mr. Carson insisted we bring that back for Ruby," Mrs. Hughes answered.

"Well, now, I couldn't very well come back empty handed. Could I Ruby?"

"Nope," she simply replied.

"We have some news," John quietly began. "We are having another baby." He was thrilled. They had decided to only tell the Carsons for now. Lady Mary also knew. For now, the circle would remain small.

"Really?" Mrs. Hughes was elated. Anna nodded. "Oh Anna, Mr. Bates! We are thrilled, aren't we, Mr. Carson?"

"Yes," he had to agree. "We are."

They chatted for a few more minutes, before the Carsons went to talk with the others.

Anna was growing tired. John decided it was time to go home.

When they arrived home, Anna went upstairs to take a rest, as John put Ruby down for her afternoon nap. The little girl chatted to John about everything from her day, until he kissed the top of her head and told her to have a good sleep.

"Sleep well, my little one."

"I will Daddy. I love you!"

"I love you, so very much."

At first, John was going to go downstairs and read, but he decided he would lay down as well. He entered their bedroom to find Anna awake and sitting at her vanity. He walked up behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. Her hand came up to rest on his and she met his eyes through the mirror.

"Do you worry?" She asked him.

"What about, my darling?"

"That when this baby comes that I will be like I was before?"

John knitted his brows, before shaking his head.

"No," he whispered. "I'm not worried."

"I know the circumstances are different, but what if…"

"Shh," John murmured, turning her to look at him. "I am not worried," he repeated. "If it were to happen again, I know we can pull you through it, my darling. But I don't think it will. We are going to have another baby. It is going to be wonderful."

Anna smiled then. She leaned forward to press her head against his chest.

"I love you, John."

"I love you, Anna. And I love our life. I am excited to see what the future brings."

"Me too."

THE END

Thank you so much for reading :)