Here we are folks...the epilogue you've been waiting for (hopefully)! I appreciate all of the reviews to the last chapter, and I realize that it may have come as somewhat of a surprise that it was the end. It's just difficult to keep on with a story when you see the traffic decline steadily with each chapter, and best to go out on a high note IMO.

So here we have some family moments, some sexy steam and a race to the finish. Enjoy.

Epilogue

Meredith sat at the dressing table and drew the brush through her hair slowly. Even though Rose had already been in to tend to her, and helped with the preparations for bed, Meredith still liked to spend some time on it herself. It gave her time to reflect on what happened during the day, and what she had in mind for the next one. She had enough to occupy her thoughts, especially since they were in the midst of packing up the family for a journey to London.

There was a knock at the door, and she turned to see Michael peeking around the corner. "Mother...am I disturbing you?"

"Never," she assured him, holding her hand out to her eldest son. Just turned sixteen, he was already as tall as Derek, though he still had the boyish look about him, and his blue eyes were always full of mischief. He dashed across the floor to join her, his hair in disarray, with smudges of dirt on his face. At this age, he was all gangly arms and legs, full of youthful exuberance, and Meredith smiled at him tenderly.

"Good!" He kissed her cheek, and dropped down into the chaise close to his mother's dressing table. Still wearing riding clothes, as usual, he draped himself over the arm of the chaise, giving her a happy grin.

"Shouldn't you be in bed soon? We'll have a big day tomorrow."

"Soon, I promise. I'm just too excited to sleep! We're going to Ascot, Mother...how can you be that calm?"

"You are excited enough for both of us, I think."

"But just imagine if we win! Father will be over the moon..." Michael was beaming as he pictured the events that could take place.

"Yes, I'm not sure who will be more thrilled of the pair of you."

Derek had spent a great deal of time over the years breeding the fastest of his horses, finding the right combination of stamina and speed. He had several that showed great promise, and the stables had grown in status as they won many of the races they entered at Newmarket. This was the first time Derek had felt confident enough to enter a steed in the Royal Ascot races, and it was going to be the highlight of their trip to London.

"I wish I could be the jockey..." Michael sighed, casting a disconsolate look over his body, which was decidedly too tall for a jockey. All of his young life he had dreamed of riding a horse in a big race like this one, but the last growth spurt had made that rather unlikely.

"I know, but you will be right there in the stables, working with Thomas and your father," she reminded him. "It is not quite the same, but..."

"Father promised that I can ride on the track during the exercise runs, alongside of Christopher on Moonlight..." he finished, smiling more broadly at that prospect. The filly entered in the race was Moonlight Sonata of Gracewood Stables, ridden by Christopher Inversham, a talented jockey that had been working for them for a few years now. Moonlight was a direct descendant of Midnight, and the sleek grey filly was dainty and yet extremely fast in the long stretch. She loved to run, and Derek was confident of their chances to win the race.

"Oh good. Derek said he was going to talk to you about that."

Michael nodded, stifling a yawn. "Jamie can come too, if he wants..." he suggested, generous as usual with his younger brother.

"He might not." James was not as consumed with horses as Michael; he preferred to read and spend his time in the library. He could be just as athletic when he chose to, and could hold his own to ride and hunt with Derek and Michael, but it wasn't his first choice of activity. On the other hand, Hannah had become quite interested in riding as she grew up, and could give Michael a good race. Of the twins, she was much more a hoyden, even borrowing Michael's old riding breeches to wear until Meredith made sure to have some tailored for her. The other two girls, Ella and Sophia were both interested in poetry and music, learning the piano at an early age. They loved to accompany each other in impromptu concerts, taking turns singing.

"Oh, I think he will – the excitement will get to him just as much once we get there."

At that point, Derek joined them, casting a look at the clock on the mantel. "Michael, it's getting late."

Michael bounced up from the chaise, and nodded. "I'm going now, Father. Just wanted to say good-night."

"We have a lot of accomplish tomorrow. The tack and other gear will need to be cleaned and packed, and Thomas expects you to assist him."

"I will be there first thing!" Michael leaned in to kiss Meredith's cheek again, and she squeezed his hand. "Good night, Mother!"

"Sleep well."

"Good night, Father." He nodded towards Derek before striding quickly towards the door.

Once the door closed, Derek stripped off his jacket, and snuffed out most of the candles, leaving only the last few that were nearly out anyway. The evening was mild enough that the fire had been left to burn down to glowing embers, so the room was nearly dark. He came to stand behind Meredith, placing his hands on her shoulders, easing the gown away. He pressed his mouth to her skin, inhaling the sweet lavender scent that always clung to her.

"He is so excited about Ascot," Meredith smiled, as Derek leaned in to kiss her temple.

"Precisely why I need him to help Thomas tomorrow; keep him focused and busy. It's good for him to work hard." Derek kissed the line of her cheekbone, as she leant back against him. Desire rippled through her, as always with him, the mere touch of his hands made her feel aroused. "Now, can I persuade you to focus on our pleasure for the moment...?"

"I'm willing to go along with whatever you have in mind, my love," she replied, as he helped her stand up beside him.

"Good…" Derek took her hand and pulled her closer, meeting her mouth for a long hard kiss that sent her senses reeling with its intensity. Her eyes darted to the large bulge under his trousers, and smiled to see he was already hard for her. Indeed, his shirt was open and she could see his nipples, the flat plane of his abdomen, to where the hair disappeared into his trousers. "So, tell me, what can I persuade you to do?"

"You have that way of talking me into most anything..." she smiled, as he led her towards the bed. The coverlet had been turned down, and the pillows were plumped up invitingly. Meredith dropped the robe under his smouldering gaze, and eased onto the bed as he considered what he had in mind for her.

From the bedside table, he picked up a small vial of scented oil that was designed to add to their pleasure. He held it up, smiling at her suggestively, and she positioned herself so that he could reach her; the knowledge that she was on display making her tremble a little. Wetness already seeped out of her, and her nipples were hard. She pinched herself, rolling the nipple under her fingers, moaning softly. Derek tipped the vial of oil over her damp folds, inhaling the scent of cinnamon it exuded. Her legs fell open, showing him just how wet she was, combined with the sweet oil; it was a heady elixir of temptation for him.

He slid his fingers into her, and she gasped at the sudden feel of it. "Harder…?" Derek's soft voice penetrated her fog of desire, and with a little moan, she nodded as he delved his now slick fingers deeper into her. Both of them caught their breath for a moment – Meredith at the stroke of his fingers inside her heated body, and Derek at the mesmerizing sight of his fingers moving in and out of her slick folds. Her hips bucked, and her head went back, as she moved to meet him.

"Oh god…that feels so good…" she moaned, not even caring that Derek was watching, so caught in the pleasure flooding her body. Waves of heat rolled through her, cascading without relenting, as she spread her legs wider, trying to take more inside of her.

Her soft feminine cries and the scent of her arousal combined to impel him want to take her right then and there, but he made himself rein in the need that was flowing through him. As her orgasm began to take her away, he stroked her faster, his thumb at her clit until she lost the ability to think clearly.

While she was in the throes of her climax, he moved back, and kicked away the trousers, and cast the shirt aside. "Such a beautiful lady you are, always my love…" He stroked her calf, holding her captive for a moment. Meredith's eyes caught his, then sliding lower, admiring the play of candlelight over his muscled chest and his cock that was jutting out proudly from his groin, as he stood beside the bed.

Meredith gave him a saucy smile, as he moved slowly onto the bed to join her. With a quick movement, he sprawled out on the bedding, his skin tanned and toned against the white sheets. He knew just how to tease and torment her, how to arouse and caress with the slightest touch, and she loved every moment with him. She took the initiative for the moment, raising up on her knees, and her hips began to sway, as she hummed softly, imagining being alone on the dance floor with him. She raised her arms over her head, feeling flushed and aroused. Her breasts rose invitingly, just as she knew they would, and she watched him through half-lidded eyes.

"My love...you never cease to amaze me..." he murmured, watching her undulate before him, a faint sheen of perspiration on her skin. Her lips were parted, and he knew just how she was feeling at the moment. "Don't stop, love…" He gripped his cock in his fist, feeling the tingle of imminent climax already close to the edge, as she rocked her hips wantonly. Groaning softly, as the beads of moisture began to leak of out of him, coating his fingers. His hips lifted, and his breathing quickened, as he lost himself in thoughts of her mouth sucking, her tongue lapping him.

"Christ, yes…" he moaned, increasing his rhythm. Watching her breasts bounce as she danced, he could just picture her taking him all in, his fingers at her throat feeling her swallow him.

For a second, Meredith paused, quivering in desire, admiring the way he looked as well, all male and sensual. Her eyes focused on Derek's hands, on the rough way he pulled at himself, his cock pulsing in his grasp. It was sinfully arousing to watch him, so close to the edge of exploding right there. "Meredith, love…keeping dancing for me…" he warned her, his voice dark and dangerous. She was all creamy skin and soft curves in the firelight, and he wasn't sure how long he could hold off, however.

Meredith tossed her hair coquettishly. "Yes, my sinful lord..." But she dropped lower, adding her own hand to cover his where he gripped his erection. Her tongue darted out, quick as a kitten's, to swipe along the tip. With a groan, he nearly lost it, as she crawled over him and their mouths crashed together, his tongue invading, both of them breathing heavily.

Without warning, he thrust upwards into her, Again and again, he pressed against her, making her moan. Her nails dug into his shoulders as she begged him for more. The earthy, rich perfume of her juices assailed his senses as she rocked in her climax, lost to the pure decadent delight of it. Just when she thought he was done with her, he took her to another level of pleasure, until she was limp and sated, stars fluttering behind her closed eyelids.

"Ohhh…I can't take any more, m'lord…" she whimpered, as he rolled them over. Her legs wrapped around him, and he shuddered, driving deeply into her.

"You can…" he assured her, taking her to another height of climax so strong she screamed. She threw her arms out and succumbed to every decadent, delicious feeling that coursed through her. Nothing could feel as sweet as this – as good as Derek's talented fingers and cock sending her into blissful raptures. As she cried out in satisfaction, he succumbed to his own release that left him just as drained.

Spent and weak, she fell back against the soft pillows, and he moved to kiss her. "You are so wicked…" she murmured, enjoying the weight of him on top of her.

"Together we are both wicked in our own way," he agreed lazily, "may that never change..."

"Time passes so quickly," Izzie sighed, twirling her delicate parasol over her shoulder as she and Meredith strolled along the promenade in Hyde Park. It was a sunny day, and they were among the many society women out enjoying the day and observing who else was on the stroll. To see and to be seen was the motto of the ton, and they were doing their best to uphold that.

"I know. Michael is growing up so fast, and he is so thrilled to be involved with the race preparations. He takes it quite seriously; Derek is very proud of him. I mean, we both are, but it's quite a bond between the two of them."

"It's quite an achievement to race at Ascot. Marcus is not that serious about racing, but he does enjoy the whole process." Izzie nodded towards some of the other ladies passing by, and Meredith smiled politely.

"How are the children?" she asked, once they were past the last cluster of women.

"Oh, doing well. The boys are busy with studies, and the horses, of course. Eliza and Angelina have taken an interest in painting watercolors, thanks to their new tutor. I have many of their efforts decorating my solarium!" Izzie laughed.

"I can't wait to see them again. We will need to get together at Ascot. We have a private viewing box, since we have a horse entered, plus my father donated a generous sum of money to them."

"Will he and Lady Eleanor be attending?"

"Sadly no. Unfortunately, he is not feeling well, and Eleanor has decided not to attend if he cannot. She needs the use of a cane this last year, so I believe she is content to keep close to home herself." Meredith was concerned about the elderly pair; despite their assurances of good health, they were in their declining years. "I wish they could see the race, it would make them so happy if Moonlight were to win."

Izzie patted Meredith's arm. "I'm sorry to hear they aren't doing well. They have always seemed so spry."

"Indeed. We will make sure to spend as much time as we can with them while we're here." Meredith tried not to think of the day when their parents would be gone.

They continued to catch up on the gossip and the fashions that were in season, until it was close to tea time. Strolling to the end of the promenade, where their carriages were waiting for them, the two women exchanged hugs and kisses, they parted with promises to see each other at the racetrack. It promised to be an exciting event.

It was another glorious June afternoon, as the crowds gathered at Ascot. A slight breeze rippled the flags and pennants, and ruffled the skirts of the women's dresses. Meredith strolled along with Derek, her gloved hand on his arm, both of them dressed in their finest attire. She had visited her usual seamstress, who had advised her on the mode of dress expected at Ascot. It was lavish, and extravagant, and Meredith was feeling rather delighted with the gown she was wearing.

"This is so wonderful," she observed, touching the confection of her hat to make sure it was still firmly in place. It was the most amazing hat she had ever worn, large and trimmed with swathes of tulle and delicate sprigs of white roses that tumbled over the brim. The color was soft mauve, and matched the lighter mauve trim on the silk gown she wore. The bodice was edged with dark purple lace, and the sleeves were wide and came to her elbows. Long white gloves covered the rest of her arms.

Derek smiled down at her, tipping the tall top hat towards her before covering her hand with his. "You look wonderful, my love."

"And you are a very handsome rogue..." Meredith smiled back. There were more strands of silver in his hair, and a few more crinkles fanned out from his eyes, but he was just as handsome as ever in her opinion.

Behind them, the girls and Jamie were all wide-eyed as they took in the sights and sounds around them. Meggie was chaperoning them, keeping them in line. Michael was still in the stables with Thomas, lending a hand to make sure everything was in order for the jockey. As an owner of a horse in the race, Derek was keeping away from the stable, as much as it was difficult for him to do so. "We will meet up with Marcus and his family at the private box," he murmured, his eyes sweeping around the crowd around them. Everyone was dressed to the nines, each woman's hat more outrageous than the others; in comparison, Meredith's was quite sedate.

"Are you nervous about this?" Meredith asked. "I mean, Moonlight is a wonderful racer, so she should do well..."

"You're right, and Christopher is an excellent jockey," Derek finished. "It is just a little difficult to be removed from the preparations."

"Thomas knows what he's doing."

Derek had been with Thomas for the days leading up to the race, and knew that his head groom was well prepared. Michael was just as enthused, and just as prepared, Derek had to admit with a smile. His eldest son was involved with most every aspect of the race horses, and proved his worth more than once.

By that time, they had passed by several other acquaintances, nodding and smiling, exchanging pleasantries as they made their way to the box. Once there, they met Marcus and Izzie, with their children, all of them smiling happily. Marcus was looking distinguished in dark gray morning suit and top hat and Izzie was radiant in lemon yellow and a large hat trimmed with ribbons and feathers. Their children were just as well turned out, and they greeted the Shepherd clan noisily. Over the years, they had spent much time together, and they all knew each other well.

"This is quite the spectacular sight, isn't it?" Meredith beamed, hugging Izzie. "You look so lovely in that gown!"

"You as well. Are you nervous?"

"Trying not to worry about it. I believe Derek will be worrying enough for both of us." Meredith glanced at the children, greeting each other, and smiled to see Jamie being especially solicitous of Angelina, making sure to give her his arm as they entered the luxurious viewing box. Angelina was a lovely girl, with blond ringlets and a sunny disposition, and she seemed especially fond of Jamie.

The private box was well outfitted with comfortable, padded seats and an excellent view of the race track. There were liveried footmen waiting to serve them from the covered chafing dishes and bottles of wine and whiskey.

"How long before the race begins?" Marcus inquired, accepting a glass of whiskey and making sure that Izzie received a glass of wine.

"Not long. The final call will be shortly." Derek took a glass of wine for Meredith as well, before taking his own whiskey. "Soon we will know the fate of our stable."

"Will the royal family be attending?"

"Of course. They have a mount entered as well, one descended from the original foals I helped to breed," Derek said, sipping his drink. "It's rather like competing against myself."

"The same bloodlines, with Midnight as sire," Marcus noted, recalling the time Derek had spent at court to help build up the royal stable.

"Unfortunately, yes."

"You always did enjoy a challenge."

"Yes, that is true," Derek grinned.

There was a loud trumpeting sound then, as the King and Queen ascended to their royal viewing box, signalling the beginning of the pre-race ceremonies. Several minstrels moved forward, playing a rousing march and leading the way for the horses that emerged from the paddock. There were a dozen horses scheduled to race, and they pranced along the edge of the track, acknowledging the applause from the crowd.

"There's Moonlight," Meredith pointed out, indicating the dappled grey filly that danced alongside the other larger horses. She was dainty, yet strong, as Meredith knew from watching her train at home.

"She looks wonderful!" Izzie exclaimed. "I have to admit, we placed a bet on her to win the race!"

"Then you have an extra interest in her." Meredith watched the children as she chatted with Izzie. "Speaking of interest, Jamie seems quite smitten with Angelina." Her youngest son was nearly fourteen, and a year older than Angelina, and he was helping her to choose some of the delicate cakes for her plate. Eliza was busy talking with the twins and Sophia, while Izzie's older boys were excitedly watching the horses parade by.

"You did say that it could happen!" Izzie laughed.

"Please, let's not rush them. I fear that Derek will be crushed the first time one of the children marries. It makes me feel rather melancholy myself," Meredith confessed, sipping her wine.

"Then we won't discuss it," Izzie said firmly. "Marriage is a long time away, and the race is now."

"You're right." The two of them strolled to join their husbands, as the race horses began to take their places at the starting point. Derek slipped his arm around Meredith's waist, and she gave him a reassuring smile. "It's almost time."

"Yes, we will be able to breathe normally shortly." They gazed over the race track, and he spotted Michael and Thomas at the rail, watching intently. He smiled at the sight. "We have done all that we could, it's up to Christopher and Moonlight now."

"And if she doesn't win, it's an honor just to be here," Meredith reminded him.

"You're right, of course, but it would be a big achievement to win." Derek tensed, raising a pair of field glasses to his eyes to better see the horse. He could tell that Moonlight was fidgeting, and she shook her head as the jockeys all waited for the flag to drop to signal the start of the race. She was always anxious to run, but he was hoping she didn't mis-step in her need to be out in front. A broken leg was always a big concern with horses in this situation. He could see Christopher holding her back, leaning over her ears to murmur something to calm her down. The jockey was well trained, and knew not to use the whip under any circumstances; Derek made sure of that.

Finally, everyone was in place, and the official lifted an arm to signal they should be ready to go. Meredith held her breath, as Derek's arm tightened around her waist. Around them, everyone else was quiet, until the flag descended and the horses all jumped forward eagerly. The crowd cheered to urge them on, and it was a blur of action as the horses jostled for position on the track.

"Where is she?" Derek muttered, losing track of Moonlight for a moment.

"There!" Marcus spotted her amidst the surging horses, moving forward at a rapid pace. "She's doing well!"

Derek's hands clenched as if he was holding the reins himself, mentally willing Moonlight forward. "All right...that's good...just let her go..." The filly was sandwiched between two other horses at the moment, when there was break in the pack and Christopher took the opportunity to move to the outside. "Good...she can run, just let her run..." The horse in the lead was from the royal stable, a large black stallion that was also a descendant of Midnight, his long legs eating up the track, clods of dirt kicking up under his hooves.

Meredith rose up on her toes, cheering along with Izzie, and all of the children. Jamie bounced up and down, waving his arms, and she could see Thomas and Michael doing the same at the rail. Her heart was pounding, and she felt Derek's anxiety just as much as her own, his arm clamped around her waist.

Moonlight was closing the gap to the lead horses, her feet flying as she stretched out to her full potential. Christopher was bent as low as he could go over her mane, his eyes on the finish line that loomed ahead. "C'mon girl...win this for His Grace..." He could feel her muscles bunch as she overtook the last horse, and they streaked over the chalk finish line. He was dimly aware of the roar of the crowd, and he grinned happily, pulling back on the reins and clapping Moonlight on the neck.

"She won!" Derek cried out elatedly, hugging Meredith and lifted her off her feet after Moonlight crossed the line mere inches ahead of the other horse. "We won!" He spun her around, while the children all whooped in delight, and Marcus waved his hat in celebration.

"It's a great day for Gracewood Stables..." Meredith laughed, before Derek kissed her, and let her down to her feet slowly.

Marcus clapped him on the shoulder, breaking them apart. "I believe you need to claim your prize, Shep..." he grinned. "Kissing later..."

"Right...Meredith, come with me, and the children too...you are all part of this." Derek took a deep calming breath, taking Meredith's arm to lead the way down to the winner's circle. "We will all celebrate later, Marcus..."

"We'll be here," Marcus assured him. "The champagne will be waiting for you!"

They made their way along the grass, joined by Michael and Thomas, to meet with the head of the Ascot Race Club. The jovial man was holding a large silver cup, ready to shake Derek's hand. Christopher walked Moonlight into the circle, where a wreath of roses was placed over her neck. The filly nodded, as if accepting the prize and adulation as her due.

"Congratulations, Lord Shepherd. On behalf of His Majesty, and all of the board at Ascot, please accept the trophy for your first place in today's race. Well done, Your Grace!"

"Thank you, it's a great day for all of us." Derek took the silver cup and lifted it to the sky, while the crowd cheered and whistled. "Gracewood Stables will continue to prosper and future generations will carry on the tradition of racing and winning!"

"Congratulations again Derek," Marcus toasted Derek with a glass of icy cold champagne as they gathered together at the Shepherd home. After leaving Moonlight happily ensconced at the stable with extra oats, and Christopher had accepted their gratitude and a hefty bonus for his part of the win, an impromptu gathering had been planned. On the way home, they stopped to pick up Eleanor and John, knowing the elderly couple would not want to miss the celebrations.

"It is a grand day for the Shepherd family," Eleanor beamed. "Your father would be so proud." She sipped her own glass delicately.

"Indeed...he could ask for nothing better, if he were here," John added, leaning heavily on his cane. A sudden sadness wrenched Meredith, seeing just how frail he seemed, and she hugged him, blinking tears away. "No tears, this is a happy day, my dear," he chided, sensing her thoughts. "I'm far too stubborn to leave you yet."

"Good..." She lifted her own glass, and shared a smile with him, before Derek joined them. "You are right, this is a happy day."

"This family has a lot to be grateful for," Derek said, "most of all the love we have, and your daughter has always been a strong woman and a wonderful wife and mother. We wouldn't be here without her." He kissed her temple, before he lifted his own glass again, and faced the assembled group. "Thank you for the best wishes, everyone. I am extremely thrilled, of course, and we hope for continued success. But most of all, I hope our family will continue to live happily and prosper for many years to come."

"To Gracewood!" Michael grinned, lifting a glass of cider.

"To happiness!" Izzie smiled, looking at her own children.

"To long life!" Meredith added, smiling at her John and Eleanor.

"And good friends!" Marcus laughed. "May we always share good times and good health."

"I agree," Derek finished. "For now and always..."

Glasses were raised, crystal rang in a musical tribute and they all drank to the moment and the future, whatever that would bring...