Chapter Seventy-One: A New Beginning

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the sprawling estate of the Duke and Duchess of Pembroke. Alister and Amelia strolled hand in hand through the lush gardens, their children Isabella and Alexander nestled snugly in their arms.

As they walked, a sense of peace washed over them, banishing the lingering shadows of the past and filling their hearts with hope for the future. They had weathered many storms together, but now, as they looked out at the world spread before them, they knew that brighter days lay ahead.

"I can't believe how far we've come," Amelia said, her voice soft with wonder as she glanced up at her husband. "From the turmoil of our early days to this moment of pure bliss, it feels like a dream come true."

Alister smiled down at her, his eyes shining with love and pride. "We've been through a lot," he admitted, his voice filled with emotion. "But we've always come out stronger on the other side, haven't we?"

Amelia nodded, a smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Yes, we have," she agreed, her heart swelling with gratitude for the man by her side. "And I wouldn't change a single moment of it."

As they walked, they passed by the spot where they had first met, a small bench nestled beneath a canopy of blooming flowers. Amelia's heart fluttered at the memory, her cheeks flushing with warmth as she recalled the nervous excitement of that fateful day.

"Do you remember when we first met?" she asked, her voice tinged with nostalgia as she glanced up at Alister.

Alister nodded, a fond smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "How could I forget?" he replied, his voice soft with affection. "It feels like a lifetime ago, doesn't it?"

Amelia nodded, a wistful smile on her face. "It does," she agreed, her heart swelling with love for the man who had captured her heart so completely. "But it also feels like it was just yesterday."

They continued their leisurely stroll through the gardens, lost in their own thoughts as they savored the beauty of the moment. The air was filled with the soft chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves, a soothing symphony that echoed the peace and contentment in their hearts.

As they reached the end of their walk, Amelia turned to Alister, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Race you to the fountain?" she challenged, a playful grin on her lips.

Alister laughed, his eyes dancing with delight as he took off running, Isabella and Alexander giggling in his arms. "You're on!" he called back, his voice filled with joy.

With a burst of laughter, Amelia took off after him, her heart light and free as she chased after her husband and children.