Chapter Twenty: Epilogue

Eight Years Later

The fragrance of spring delighted Mary's senses as she gathered wildflowers into a basket hanging from her arm. After the bitter cold winter, it felt wonderful to be outside enjoying the fresh air once again. At the sound of laughter in the distance, Mary let out a happy sigh and gazed across the open field.

Stirling romped by with a stick in his mouth, not stopping until reaching Francis and Anne in the shorter grass by the chateau. He dropped the stick at their feet and Anne threw it for him. Then Francis lifted the little girl into his arms and spun with her in a circle. Another round of giggles erupted from her daughter and Mary laughed as well as she stepped out of the field, caught up in the moment and continued watching.

He put Anne down and she scampered away, brown curls bouncing in the breeze with a radiant smile on her face. Francis lounged on the blanket spread on the grass with a sigh, but Anne jumped back into his arms, not quite done with their little game yet.

Mary's breath caught in her chest, taking in the sight. It was the exact image she'd weaved into her tapestry years ago. Her vision of Eden.

"Mama?" a small voice said beside her, and a little hand tugged on her skirt. "Mama, you dropped one."

Mary looked down and found herself gazing into a pair of stunning sapphire eyes. They matched the delicate petals of the blue flower the little boy held out for her. His blond curls gleamed in the sunlight, looking so much like his father. She knelt and smiled at their three-year-old son while accepting the flower. "Thank you, James. It's so sweet of you to help me." She kissed his cheek. "Now, why don't you run along and play with your sister. I think she's aching for someone to chase her."

"All right," the little boy said with a grin and dashed off in that direction. Sure enough, when he reached the blanket, Anne took off, ready for a game of chase.

Francis caught her eye and his warm smile beckoned Mary toward him. Soon, they were cuddling side by side on the blanket while watching their children play. "You seem distracted, my love," Francis whispered and brushed a few windblown strands of hair out of her face. "Is something bothering you?"

She turned to him and let out a deep sigh. "Everything is wonderful. It's just… watching you and Anne in front of the chateau a few moments ago…" she paused, letting her words drift off into the light breeze.

His eyes narrowed with understanding. "It fulfilled your vision."

Mary nodded and bit her lip. They hadn't talked of her vision in many years, but now the time had come. "Yes, it happened exactly the way I saw it years ago, but James and I weren't a part of it before. What could that mean?"

He smiled and caressed her cheek. "It means our future turned out even more wonderful than either of us ever dreamed. It means every moment we have together with our family is precious and should never be taken for granted."

Mary swallowed a lump in her throat and smiled back at him. "I couldn't have said it better."

Her eyes drifted to their children again. They were playing a little game of hide and seek among the trees in the orchard. Seeing them thriving and happy brought warmth and thankfulness to her heart. Years ago, her life could have taken a very different path, but one dream— one different choice— had directed her to a happy future with Francis and their beautiful family. Not only that, but France and Scotland remained at peace with England and Navarre since their treaty forged years ago. The cost had been her claim to the English Throne, and although the decision had been difficult, she considered it a small price to pay for what they had now.

Mary turned back to Francis with a peaceful smile. "It's hard to believe we're leaving tomorrow for French Court. Sometimes I wish we could stay here forever…in our perfect Eden."

"Maybe we can."

Mary turned to her husband with a bewildered expression on her face. "Francis, we are King and Queen with two countries depending on us. We cannot hide from our responsibilities, can we?"

Francis shook his head and framed her face in his hands. "I wasn't talking about a place. I discovered something long ago, when you were pregnant with Anne and I thought I might lose you."

"And what is that?"

"You are my Eden."

Mary's heart fluttered as she gazed deep into Francis' blue eyes, feeling the depth of his love for her. Miraculously, their love had conquered impossible odds. They could do anything together. "And you are mine," she whispered before they shared a tender kiss.

They were interrupted as Anne and James returned and leapt onto the blanket in a heap of playful giggles, but Mary and Francis didn't mind. They laughed and shared a knowing glance. After all, their children were a part of their perfect Eden, too.

The End

... or is it? Please read the note below for an exciting new story idea!

Thanks so much for following my story. I hope you enjoyed this happily ever after ending for Frary... If you want to call it an ending at all. Really, it's only the beginning! Speaking of that, I've thought about writing a sequel to this story, focusing on Mary and Francis raising their children and the challenges they might face growing up as royalty. Will Anne grow up as strong and independent as her mother. Will she be drawn to discover her Scottish roots and lead her people? Will James still inherit the English Throne someday like he does in history? Will peace between England and Scotland last? If you'd like to read a sequel, please let me know in the comments! Thanks so much for all your support. You all have been wonderful, and I appreciate you. Hope you've enjoyed the adventure! ~ Sweet R.