A FORBIDDEN DESIRE

EPILOGUE

1858, Christmas

Chasity's heart swelled as she watched Sophia tear into her present, her tiny hands carefully unveiling the doll hidden inside. The little girl's gasp of delight was followed by her flinging herself into Eric's arms, clutching the doll tightly.

"You remembered!" Sophia said joyfully, her eyes shining.

"Of course I remembered," Eric replied with a warm smile, holding her close.

Sophia wiggled out of his arms, her excitement uncontainable, and retrieved a small box wrapped in plain brown paper. "Chasity, this one is for you," she said, handing it over.

Chasity hesitated, her fingers brushing over the paper as she eyed it skeptically. Slowly, she began to unwrap it, and when the contents were revealed, her breath hitched. It was a small picture frame, and within it was a photograph of Isabella, her face frozen in a moment of quiet joy.

"Where...?" Chasity whispered, her voice barely audible as she stared at the frame, overcome with emotion.

Eric stepped closer, his expression tender. "I wrote to Isabella's family," he began. "I explained that I was the man she'd run off to marry and asked if they'd be kind enough to send me a photo of her in remembrance."

"And you gave it to me?" Chasity asked, her voice trembling.

"She was your friend," Eric said gently. "I thought you'd want something to remember her by."

Tears pricked at Chasity's eyes as she looked up at him. "Thank you, Eric," she said, throwing her arms around him in a tight hug.

Eric chuckled softly, his hands resting on her back. "I have another present for you," he said, his tone teasing.

Chasity pulled back slightly, her brows lifting in surprise. "What could be better than this?"

Eric's smile grew as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small folded piece of paper. "How about a trip to Canada?"

"Canada?" Chasity repeated, her brow furrowing. "What's in Canada?"

"A priest," Eric said, his eyes sparkling with meaning, "who can perform our wedding ceremony."

Chasity's eyes widened in shock, and before she could respond, Sophia let out a high-pitched squeal of delight.

"You're getting married?" Sophia exclaimed, jumping up and down in excitement.

Chasity pressed a hand to her chest, her heart racing. "Eric, are you serious?"

He took her hands gently, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering sincerity. "I've never been more serious about anything in my life," he said. "I know you came here hoping that Isabella would marry, but I'd like to think Isabella is happy, knowing we've found love with each other." He paused, his voice softening. "You do love me, don't you?"

Chasity's lips trembled as she smiled, her voice barely above a whisper. "Of course I love you."

Eric's grip on her hands tightened just slightly, as if grounding himself in her response. "You've risked your life twice to save Sophia. There's no way I could ever repay you for that," he said earnestly. "But if you marry me, I promise to protect you, to honor you, and to make you the happiest woman on earth."

Chasity's heart swelled at his words, tears brimming in her eyes as she nodded. "Yes," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Yes, I'll marry you."

Eric smiled, his relief and joy unmistakable. Sophia clapped her hands in excitement, bouncing on her heels. "We're going to be a family!" she exclaimed.

Chasity laughed softly, brushing away a stray tear as Eric pulled her into his arms. In that moment, all the trials and heartache faded away, leaving only the promise of love and a future filled with hope.

With a gleam in her eye, Chasity grinned at Eric. "I have a present for you, Eric Donahue."

He raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "What could be a greater gift than you becoming my wife?"

Chasity gently took his hand and guided it to her abdomen, her heart racing with anticipation. "We're going to have a baby," she said softly, her voice full of love.

Eric's eyes widened in surprise, his breath catching in his throat as the news settled in. His smile grew even brighter, his joy evident in the way he looked at her. Sophia squealed and hugged Chasity tightly, then turned to Eric. "Papa, this is the best day ever!"

Eric crouched down beside them, pulling both Chasity and Sophia into his arms. "It's the start of something beautiful," he said, his voice full of emotion.

As they embraced, the three of them knew their love and bond would only grow stronger with the new life they were about to welcome into their family.

Chasity gazed down at the photograph of Isabella, her fingers gently tracing the edges of the frame. A soft smile curled on her lips as she silently thanked Isabella for bringing her along on the journey to Philadelphia. She had been a part of something that led her to this moment—this life—with Eric and Sophia.

Though she still felt the weight of Isabella's memory, Chasity wanted to believe Eric was right: Isabella would be happy for them. The thought brought her a sense of peace. She had spent too long denying her own feelings, and now, with Isabella's spirit quietly resting in her heart, Chasity promised herself she would be the best wife and mother that both Eric and Sophia deserved.

That's all Isabella had ever wanted for them. And now, Chasity would honor that wish, embracing the love she had found and the family they were becoming.

Happy new year everyone! Can't believe it's 2025. I truly hope you all enjoyed this story as much as i enjoyed writing it and I truly hope your 2025 is full of everything you wish for. Until next time...