Yours Truly

Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Annette stared happily at the wedding ring on her finger. Being Mrs. Peter Fletcher was better than she could have ever imagined. She was happy that once they settled in to wedded bliss, that their lives had only gotten better. Their offices were right next to each other, and they spend their lunch times together, and they returned home together. She was vastly relieved that her father didn't try to keep Peter working late. Of course, her father was planning his own wedding with Christine Chadwick, and so working late wasn't an option for him, either.

She opened the next batch of letters sent to the newspapers. It had been two full months of writing as the Lovelorn, and so far, her secret was safe. She finally felt like a true writer.

Dear Lovelorn, I live in Sacramento, California, and I accidentally ran across an article you'd written. There was a reason I found a St. Louis newspaper because I think you'll be able to give me direction on what to do. I come from a wealthy family, and most women only want me for my money. My pitiful story is probably something you've seen before, and I'm sure there are many like me who needs some sort of direction. Although I hide my family's worth from the new women I meet, they somehow discover who I really am. Is it wrong for me to believe that there are women out there who are pure and true and look past my wealth? Please advise. Signed – Secretive in Sacramento.

Dear Secretive in Sacramento, I'll admit that I know your story well, for this was my problem not too long ago. I didn't have the luxury of hiding as you do. I had settled my mind to live a life of loneliness. However, love did come my way. We were friends, and ideally, that's the best way to start a friendship. I encourage you to continue to look for that pure and true woman you deserve, even if you find her amongst people who were just your friends. Don't give up. If I could find someone, so can you. Yours Truly: The Lovelorn.

A man's masculine cologne filled the room and she smiled. She didn't need to look to see who it was. Peter's loving hands rested on her shoulders and gently rubbed.

"Have you found anything interesting?"

She glanced up at him. "All of these letters are interesting. I really enjoy doing this."

He bent and kissed her cheek. "And you're very good at it, too."

She pointed to the letter she'd just read. "This one came from California." She chuckled. "It's hard for me to believe Father's newspaper is going out all over the United States."

"I'm not surprised. You've done something nobody else has thought of doing."

"Well, I'll cherish the time I have, because one never knows how long before people just don't care about the Lovelorn."

"What will you do after that?"

"Spend more time with my husband and children, because I'm sure we'll have a good dozen by then."

He laughed and caressed her cheek. "I'm quite certain we will."

"Let me finish a few more and we'll have lunch. I have a special picnic prepared for us."

He waggled his eyebrows. "How intriguing. I can't wait."

He kissed her briefly on the lips before leaving the office. She couldn't wait to share her surprise with him, which was the reason for the special luncheon. Apparently, starting their family would come sooner than expected. But she was up for the challenge. Being a mother would just give her more people to love and care for. There wasn't much more she could wish for than being happily married with a house full of children.

THE END