Wonderland By Night (Heroic Rogues Series) (44 page)

“Are…are you certain Oliver did this?”

“Yes. He was the one who gave you the note, was he not?”

“Yes.”

“Well, he also went to the colonies to give Mother the same kind of note. Oliver has kept us from Mother all these years.” Emotion stuck in her throat, making it crack. “I fear if Oliver knew Mother was still alive, he’d try to keep her from us again.”

Anger blazed across her father’s expression. “He will
not
! If he tries, I will turn him into the law and let them handle it.”

“I’m so glad you think that way,” she said.

Silence stretched in the room for several moments. The only sound was the wood crackling in the fireplace, and her father’s ragged breaths as he tried to hold back tears. Then she heard the floor in the hallway groan, and she knew Gabe had returned.

Emmie stood and walked to the door then opened it. She smiled at her mother and brother, motioning them to enter.

When Daphne glided into the room, looking lovelier than Emmie could remember, her father jumped to his feet. His gaze nearly devoured his wife. Tears streamed down Daphne’s cheeks as she held her hands out to her husband.

“Oh, Forester.” Daphne’s voice broke. “You really are alive!”

Emmie’s
father released a sob and ran to his wife, sweeping her in his arms. Emmie placed her fisted hand to her mouth to keep the cries from spilling forth from her own throat as she watched her father and mother hug and kiss—something she’d missed seeing for all these years.

The presence beside her alerted her that her brother was also seeing his father for the first time. She took hold of Elias’ hand and squeezed. “What do you think of him?” she asked softly.

“He’s amazing.” Elias’s voice even choked on emotion.

Daphne turned, still in her husband’s arms, and reached her hand out for Elias to take. “Forester, I want you to meet your son, Elias Forester Townshend.”

A hoarse laugh escaped her father’s throat as he pulled Elias in for a hug. “I have a son!” he shouted for joy.

Everyone laughed, still with tears in their eyes.

Standing beside Emmie, Gabe wrapped his arms around her and held her close. “I love you,” he whispered in her ear.

She smiled up into his eye. “I love you more.”

He bent and kissed her lips briefly. “I love you higher than the sky.”

“I cannot beat that, now can I?”

“Not unless you are an angel in heaven.”

She turned and wrapped her arms around his waist. “You
are
my heaven.”

* * * *

Three months later…

“I’m really going to miss the colonies.” Emmie frowned as Gabe helped her down out of the carriage.

“Not to worry, my adorable wife, we shall return one day to visit everyone.” He tucked her hand in his as they stepped away from the vehicle and glanced upon the ship they’d be sailing back to London in. Gabe would also miss being a pirate and commanding
The Avenger,
but Emiline was more important to him, and loving her for the rest of his life and starting a family meant more than anything.

“Are you certain this is what you want to do?” she asked, gazing up into his eyes. “After all, you will be entering the lion’s den by going to England. Patriots usually like to live here in the colonies where they are a little safer.”

He chuckled. “Safer? Have you forgotten I could have been killed a few months ago? And while I was in hiding, no less.”

“So true.” She shrugged. “I just want to make certain you know what you are doing.”

“I do.” He caressed her cheek. “I will try not to act like a spy in England, but if I hear something that is important to help my Patriot friends, I will send them the information.”

She nodded. “I would not have it any other way.”

“Well, Lady Wilshire. Are you ready for our journey?”

“Indeed, I am, Lord Wilshire.” She winked.

As Gabe took his first step toward the ship, a carriage rode up beside them, going way too fast. He wrapped his wife in his arms to protect her. Suddenly, the vehicle came to an abrupt halt. Gabe glared at the driver, ready to give him a verbal scolding, when the door opened and out jumped someone he thought he’d never see again.

Gabe’s jaw dropped as he watched a longtime friend stride toward him.

“You don’t know how relieved I am. I thought for certain you would climb on that ship and sail away into the sunset without even saying farewell.” William Braxton ran his fingers through his tousled chestnut hair as a smile claimed his face.

Gabe blinked, not believing his eyes. His friend hadn’t changed at all in the three years since Gabe had last seen him.

“William? What are you doing here?”

“You sent me a letter, or had you forgotten?” William stopped in front of him.

“Aye, I sent you a letter, but…that was three months ago.”

“So I’m a little late. Have you forgotten I have a wife and children who need to be taken care of now?”

Laughing, Gabe hugged his friend then stepped back. “I’m…I’m just so surprised.”

“That, my good man, I can see with my own two eyes.” William looked at Emmie. “And who is this lovely woman?” He took her hand, placing a kiss on her knuckles.

“Oh, forgive me. William Braxton, meet my wife, Emiline. Her father is the Duke of Penrose.” He glanced down at his wife. “Emmie, my dear, this is—”

“There is no need to explain, Gabe.” She grinned. “You have told me plenty of stories about Mr. Braxton.” She curtsied. “It’s a pleasure to meet the longtime friend of my husband.”

William bowed. “The pleasure is all mine.” He met Gabe’s gaze again. “And, I brought someone else with me.” He motioned toward the carriage.

“Mercedes?” Gabe asked, swinging his attention to the vehicle in hopes of seeing William’s wife.

“Of course not.” William shook his head. “She is early in her pregnancy and didn’t want to travel, but she sends her love.”

“Then who—” Gabe started to say until a second man stepped down from the carriage. Once again, Gabe was left speechless.

Marcus Thorne—the same man who had been Captain Hawk before Gabe—strode toward him wearing a wide smile. Marcus hadn’t changed much, either. Still had raven hair, still very muscular, but appearing much happier than Gabe had ever seen him.

“Marcus?” Gabe shook his head. “This is wonderful! My two best friends in the world are here at the same time.” He hugged Marcus then stepped away. “I didn’t think you two had met before.”

Marcus chuckled. “We hadn’t until yesterday when we took the same hackney on our way to see you. As we got to talking, we realized we had a friend in common.” He shrugged. “And I must say, Lawrence, you pick some mighty impressive friends.”

William nodded. “Actually, Thorne, I was thinking the same.”

Gabe laughed, then quickly made the introductions for Marcus and Emmie.

“I’m happy to see you have finally found the right woman.” William arched his eyebrow. “Maybe now you won’t be after my wife.”

“What?” Emmie gasped. “Gabriel Lawrence, you have some explaining to do,” she said jokingly.

Gabe hugged her. “I shall tell you the story once we are on the ship…which reminds me.” He turned his friends. “If we don’t get aboard soon, our ship will sail without us.”

“I understand.” William shook Gabe’s hand. “I just want you to know I shall miss you, and I will think of you often.”

“Same here.” Gabe nodded. “Give Mercedes my love.”

“God speed, my good friend.” Marcus hugged Gabe.

“And I pray your journey home is safe as well. And give Isabelle my love, too.”

“Consider it done.” Marcus smiled.

Gabe released a nostalgic sigh as he looked upon his friends once again. “This isn’t the end, you know. When all of this turmoil is over, and the Patriots have come out the winners, we will meet up again and celebrate.”

William nodded. “And that day will be soon, I just know it.”

“Remember,” Marcus said, “the
Sons of Liberty
are everywhere. Even in England.” He winked.

Gabe grasped
Emmie’s
hand and led her toward the ship. His heart heavy with sadness to leave his friends when they had traveled so far, but his heart was light because he
knew
God would not separate them even though the sea would. Gabe and his friends would always be connected.

Forever.

THE END

**READERS**

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