Fate at the Manor Read online

  A squirrel hopped up on the ledge of the fountain.

  “Noah.” Angelica smiled at the furry gray squirrel. “Holly looks beautiful and happy. She’s practically glowing.”

  “I know.”

  They glanced over at the gazebo where Holly in a red dress and black wool coat walked up the aisle with her husband, Marcus. Their arms linked. Her rose bouquet covering her growing belly.

  “I can’t believe they eloped on Valentine’s Day.” Noah flicked his tail. “Holly hated Valentine’s day. Always said it was a commercial holiday.”

  “Guess she changed her mind.” Angelica smiled.

  “I can’t believe they’re having twins in March.” Agnes chirped.

  “A boy and a girl. Perfect additions to this growing family.” Angelica’s gaze fell on Lila. “Another little girl will be arriving any time now.”

  A rounded belly Lila in a green satin dress and a white wool coat held Wyatt’s hand as they made their way up the aisle.

  “Wyatt looks just like Luke in his little suit and cowboy hat. I’m so happy Luke adopted him,” Agnes squawked.

  “I can’t believe it’s been almost a year since Luke and Lila got married in that gazebo. Time seems to keep flying by.” Angelica kept her eyes on the happy couple, smiling even wider, if it were possible, when Luke winked at his wife.

  “I’m glad Lila chose a quick and simple December wedding in the gazebo. Didn’t turn it into the circus Cynthia and Mrs. White were purposing for June. And bless her heart for forgiving Vic and making him a part of the wedding ceremony. Forgiveness is freeing.” Agnes flicked her wing.

  Noah kicked an acorn. “I can’t believe how busy the Manor has been over the past year. So many couples flocking here to see if they’re meant to be. It’s sad when some leave broken hearted because they realize they’re not in love.”

  Angelica smiled down at the little squirrel. “Not everyone is meant to be with the person they are with.”

  “I know,” Noah grumbled.

  “Hush. Here comes the bride,” Agnes chirped.

  Angelica smiled as Charlotte made her way down the aisle in a simple yet elegant satin ivory dress with a furry white wrap covering her arms. Her mother walked next to her in a black pant suit. Justin’s mother beamed from her seat in the front row, wearing a similar pant suit.

  “I’m glad Kandy finally retired. It was time for Justin to take over,” An owl hooted from the tree above them.

  “Now, Tom, your wife didn’t think Justin was ready. Wanted to see him settled.” Angelica glanced at the barn owl.

  “My son was ready. Is more ready now. With Charlotte by his side, he can take on the world,” the owl hooted. “A Love to Remember” has been at the top of the Best Seller’s lists for most of the year. There’s even talk of a movie. Our Charlotte wrote a beautiful tribute to Noah and Holly’s love.”

  “That she did,” Noah squeaked.

  “Would you all be quiet? I can’t hear their vows,” Agnes chirped.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride.”

  Cheers erupted as Justin pulled his bride in for a kiss, but it was broken up by a yelp.

  Everyone turned toward Lila.

  Water gathered around her feet. “She’s coming.”

  Angelica Agnes Miles was born an hour later. They called her Angie for short.

  ~The End~

  A Note from the Author

  Thank you for reading this book! I hope you enjoyed this little duet. I really wanted to make this series a trilogy, but Marcus and Holly couldn’t seem to wait to share their love story, so they became a part of Justin and Charlotte’s.

  I hope you were a little surprised by who killed Noah. Honestly, I was planning on having Reed be the killer, but he was such a nice guy I couldn’t stand to send him to jail. This was such a fun duet to write and it’s always sad to say good-bye to the characters, but I’m eager to focus on my new romantic suspense novel.

  I so appreciate you reading this book. Without you, I wouldn’t be an author. To say, thank you for supporting me, here is a FREE story! Read Mr. & Mrs. West’s Love story, Magic at the Manor. If you would like to get behind the scenes snippets of my writing life or participate in exclusive giveaways reserved only for my followers, please follow me on social media.

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  Happy Reading!

  ~J.R. Cowan

  About the Author

  J.R. Cowan writes contemporary romance novellas. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband and three kids. She enjoys reading and cooking for her family along with hiking and canoeing in the summer months.

  She also writes under the pen name Jenna Richert.

  Connect with me!

  www.jrcowan.com

  [email protected]

  Other Books by the Author:

  Angelica’s Manor of Love Duet

  Love at the Manor

  Also by the author under pen name, Jenna Richert

  Non-Fiction

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