Grey was dressed smartly in a calm navy morning coat layered over a silver-gray waistcoat. At the rare compliment from her usual rival, Nadeira made a playful, coy expression.

“Well, I am the model of a proper lady.”

Of course, the effect was somewhat lost—she was still down on all fours. She didn’t notice the quick, mischievous glance exchanged between Grey and Theo above her—a silent understanding passing between father and son like partners in crime.

It was only then that Regina pieced it together.

‘Honestly, those two only ever act in perfect sync when they’re up to mischief.’

But even so, they were so lovable that she couldn’t bring herself to scold either of them. Glancing at the time, she called out to the room.

“All right, let’s get ready. We can’t be late on such an important day.”

Theo slid off Nadeira’s back and walked over to his mother with the grace of a little gentleman, holding out his hand.

“Mother.”

“Yes, Theo?”

“Is Grandma really getting married? To that Grandpa?”

“She is.”

Regina answered cheerfully.

Grey, standing beside her, gave a small, disapproving pout—clearly, he wasn’t quite as pleased about Barbara’s upcoming marriage.

“And you’re okay with it?”

He asked, teasingly nudging his son. His voice was soft and calm, but the question itself was petty as ever.

Theo blinked his large, doll-like eyes, thinking for a moment before answering with unexpected sincerity.

“Grandpa Rickel’s not very fun. But he’s not a bad person. If Grandma’s happy, then I’m happy too.”

“Oh, my sweet Theo! You’re such a thoughtful, kind little boy!”

Moved by his words, Regina hugged her son tightly and showered him with kisses.

Grey’s expression darkened just a little—he’d just been outshone by a four-year-old.

Nadeira, watching the scene unfold, let out a poorly concealed laugh.

“Pfft.”

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

“Are you all still not ready?”

It was Ralph’s cheerful voice calling out. From the sound of it, Jane was with him, and little Eugene’s laughter rang out in the background.

“We’re coming now, Father!”

***

Remarriage ceremonies were usually quiet affairs, attended only by close family—and Barbara, who had never cared for the pomp and pageantry of high society, was more than pleased with that.

To host the wedding, she had asked Regina for a simple favor.

“Would it be alright if I borrowed your greenhouse?”

Yes. Grey had gifted Regina a glass greenhouse as a postnatal present.

The day she returned from her postpartum recovery in Odair to the Cabil estate, she saw the greenhouse for the first time—and was left completely speechless.

Built from hundreds of thousands of glass panes and reinforced with tons of wrought iron, it was fitted with advanced window and roof ventilation systems to precisely regulate temperature inside.

Naturally, the cost of building and maintaining it was astronomical. In all of Wailin, only royalty could typically afford such luxury.

And yet Grey, the man who gave her this gift of historic scale, had simply said with his usual calm.

“You like flowers, don’t you?”

Well… he wasn’t wrong.

Yes, it had been a wonderful gift.
Regina soon grew attached to the greenhouse, spending much of her free time there.
And though she loved it dearly, lending it to Barbara was an easy choice.

“When is Grandma coming out?”
Theo craned his neck, eyes fixed on the entrance.

“Just a little longer, Theo.”

Regina said, chuckling softly at his excitement. Beside her, Grey added with quiet confidence.
“She’s coming now.”

Inside the greenhouse, white and coral-colored geraniums bloomed in full glory.

Down the pristine white aisle in the center, Barbara walked with light, graceful steps.

Since it was a remarriage, she wore a pale lavender dress instead of white. The simple yet elegant gown highlighted her slender, refined figure.

Her expression was slightly bashful—so much so, she looked like a young girl again. Everyone watching stood in stunned silence, taken aback by how radiant she appeared.

“You look beautiful, Grandma!”

Theo, always the most honest of them all, clapped his hands with delight as he exclaimed. Barbara, hearing him, gave her grandson a playful wink.

Sir Rickel, who had arrived earlier and was waiting at the altar, smiled broadly as he stepped forward to welcome his bride.

When Barbara took his hand, a soft blush spread across her cheeks.

They truly made a lovely pair.

With a warm smile, the officiant began to recite the wedding vows.

“Gracious God, Creator and Protector of all mankind, bestow Your blessings upon these servants of Yours, and guide them to live faithfully together in love and peace.”

Then came the moment to exchange wedding gifts.

Sir Rickel knelt on one knee, gazing up at Barbara with admiration shining in his eyes. Instead of presenting a traditional ring, he offered her a beautifully crafted silver rapier.

Barbara received it with a bright smile and fastened it proudly at her waist. In return, she handed him a slender dagger with a gold-embellished hilt—elegant, refined, and perfectly suited to him.

It was a most fitting exchange between the two. Now officially newlyweds, Barbara took Rickel’s hand and turned toward their guests to offer her thanks.

The first to step forward was Nadeira.

“Congratulations, Madam Dowager… or should I be calling you Lady Windsor now?”

“That would be correct, but I don’t mind being called the Cabil Dowager. Both names are mine, after all.”

“Then I’ll use whichever you prefer.”

After a brief moment of thought, Barbara smiled and suggested.

“How about Dame Barbara?”

“That sounds perfect.”

“Thank you for coming today. But… where’s your older brother? I thought he was attending.”

“Well, actually—”

Speak of the devil.

From across the lawn, January could be seen sprinting toward them like a whirlwind, tossing aside all traces of gentlemanly composure.

“Sorry I’m late! I rode all the way here, but the main road was blocked, and I had to take a detour…”

“That’s quite all right. I’m just happy you made it.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake, little brother! On a day like this, you should’ve planned ahead!”

Barbara tried to calm the situation with a gentle tone, but Nadeira wasn’t letting him off that easily.
She seized the moment and pinched January’s side—hard.

‘This little rascal!’

January, who had been shooting a glare at Nadeira, suddenly caught sight of Regina. It was the first time he’d seen her since she’d given birth.

She looked slightly fuller than he remembered, but she radiated beauty like a flower in full bloom. Her softened expression and the gentle warmth in her eyes made it clear—she was truly happy.

Noticing January’s gaze, Grey let out a scoff and, with a possessive smile, pulled Regina closer by the shoulder. Still as petty as ever.

Leaving the two men to their silent standoff, Barbara moved on. It was time to greet the guests from the Marquessate of Odair.

“Thank you for joining me on such a meaningful day.”

“The pleasure is ours, thank you for inviting us. You look stunning today, dear in-law.”

“Congratulations.”

Ralph said with a bright, easy grin. Jane stood beside him, looking slightly shy. After a moment, however, she gathered the courage to speak.

“Congratulations. You look beautiful.”

Nearby, Roselyn stood quietly with the young Eugene by her side, looking thoughtful. Although she was still in the process of divorcing the Count of Corwell, something about her had changed. Seeing Barbara start a new chapter had given her strength.

Sensing this, Barbara made a point to extend her hand to her.

“I hope happiness fills your home as well.”

“…Thank you.”

Roselyn said softly. At last, only her son and daughter-in-law remained.

Regina, her smile warm and affectionate, stepped forward and embraced her mother-in-law.

“It was such a beautiful wedding, Mother.”

“It’s all thanks to you both. Knowing you’re here gives me peace of mind—even if I’m not living at the estate anymore.”

To fully enjoy her second marriage, Barbara had found a new home with Sir Rickel—not far from the Cabil estate.

Grey understood. She had spent a lifetime living for her son. Now, at last, she was beginning to live for herself.

And while he fully supported her, a strange heaviness crept into his chest.

“Be happy.”

“Oh, don’t say it like it’s some kind of final farewell!”

Grey didn’t respond. Instead, he pulled her into a hug. Maybe it was the dress, or maybe he was just noticing it now—but she felt thinner, more fragile than he remembered.

Then, releasing her, he turned to face Sir Rickel. With a steady gaze, he meant to say.

‘Please take good care of my mother.’

But Theo spoke up before Grey could.

“Please be good to our Grandma. No fighting, okay!”

The heartfelt plea from the earnest little four-year-old gentleman drew warm laughter from everyone around. Even January, standing quietly at the back, couldn’t help but chuckle at the scene.

A diverse group had gathered here today—some in the middle of a divorce, some already divorced, some getting remarried, and others who had once considered divorce but chose to stay together.

Each had walked a different path, made different decisions. But all of them were striving for something better—a brighter, more hopeful future.

And for that reason alone, every choice was worthy of respect.

January silently wished each of them happiness in the days to come.

Then, almost without thinking, a thought crossed his mind.

‘Maybe I should get married too…’