On the Way to an Easier Life

Epilogue

3 years later…

It was a beautiful early summer day. The Locksley Church was being decorated and the gang was all on their way. They were all gathering for Much's wedding day. It took some time, but he finally found his Eve. Six months previously, Robin had been going about his new duties every day. John and Allan had traveled near and far making sure all the villages had what was needed for survival. One day, they happened upon a small village that needed some rebuilding. As they were readying to leave some soldiers for help, Allan noticed a lovely young woman hanging laundry. It had been Eve. They arrived back to Nottingham two days late, but when Robin had seen what had kept them, he understood perfectly. Much was so surprised by the sight of her he was rendered speechless. So, today, they were all gathering to celebrate with would officiate the ceremony and afterwards, a huge feast was planned.

Robin walked out onto the porch the morning of the wedding. The sun shone brightly. He looked around his lands and saw everyone was busy readying for the wedding. Robin thought Locksley was much as it had been while his parents were alive, before he went off to war. Much had changed, though. He knew things would not ever be exactly the same. He looked out to the garden and sighted Marian. She was bent over with her back to him, helping little Amelia pick flowers. Amelia was almost three years old and looked just like her mother. When Marian stood straight, she placed her hand in the small of her back and stretched. She turned just enough that Robin could see the swell of her belly. Soon, she would give birth to their second child. She smiled at him as he looked at her. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for his blessings. He had Marian by his side, Amelia was a healthy and happy girl, there was another child on the way, Locksley was his again, and his friends were all coming today for a celebration. He thought he made a good sheriff and Nottingham seemed to be improving. He opened his eyes when he suddenly felt a tug on his shirt. He bent over and picked Amelia up into his arms.

"Papa! Look what I have!" She showed him the flowers she had just picked.

"Those are lovely. Are they for me?"

"No, silly" she giggled.

Marian walked up beside them and he held his arm out that wasn't holding Amelia. He leaned over to kiss her. "You should not work yourself so much. I do not want you getting overtired."

"I am fine." she smiled. "You worry too much."

"Is the church ready?"

"Almost. Thornton and Mary are finishing up. I just thought Eve would appreciate some fresh flowers." He nodded his head and sat Amelia down to go play.

"What were you just thinking about?" she asked.

"Why do you ask?"

"You had your eyes closed and were very deep in thought."

"I was thinking of you" he smiled.

"And what were you thinking about me?"

"I was thinking how beautiful you are."

"Ahuh."

"No. Really. I was thanking God for you and Amelia and our little one coming" he stated as he rubbed her belly.

"Really?"

"Yes. Do you recall that time when I had to leave you in the castle and you told me life was never easy?"

"That seems so long ago now", she said with a distant look on her face. "But, yes. I remember."

"I was just thinking how much easier life is with you beside me rather than not. I am so happy that we are together, Marian. I love you and I thank God every day for my life."

"I love you, too, Robin. I can't imagine life without you." Then she leaned over and kissed him.

Coming down the road was a wagon from Bonchurch. There was another wagon behind it and some horse riders. Robin smiled that wonderful grin and said to her, "Come on. Let's go have a wedding!" Holding hands, they walked towards the church to make another part of their family as happy as they were.

The End

I really hope you all enjoyed the story. I hope you liked the ending. I had a ball writing it. Thank you all sooo much for the reviews and encouragement. It is appreciated more than you will ever know. Lana

P.S. Here's to Robin and Marian- who belong together in every generation's telling of the Robin Hood legend.