Their kiss was gentle at first. Then Rebecca placed a hand behind his neck and kissed him like a woman who had finally chosen her own life.

They did not move into a mansion. Together they designed a comfortable home near the river — a wide kitchen for family dinners, a workshop for Matthew, a sunlit office for Rebecca, and a bedroom with eastern windows for Lucy.

Toby got a shelf beside the fireplace.

Rebecca took control of Belmont Maritime and turned it into an employee-owned company. Amelia remained on the board, but for the first time she learned to ask questions before giving orders.

Samuel tried to publish a story about Matthew’s secret identity. No newspaper cared. The more interesting story was that one of America’s wealthiest men still spent two days each month working beside construction crews, inspecting foundations with his own hands.

Three years later, Rebecca stood in the kitchen holding their newborn son while Lucy leaned over the baby. “Can he have Toby?” Rebecca asked.