Chapter 14: A Joyous Reunion

The War is Over The news spread like wildfire through the village: the war was finally over. The British had surrendered at Yorktown, and the colonies had emerged victorious. Emily's heart swelled with pride and joy as she looked around at the cheering crowds, but her eyes quickly scanned the faces, searching for one person in particular. She had expected Will to be there, to be the first one to congratulate her and share in the celebration. But as the minutes ticked by, and she didn't see him, a pang of worry crept into her chest. What if he hadn't made it back? What if something had happened to him? Just as she was starting to feel anxious, Emily spotted a familiar face in the crowd. Her brother Lawrence, whom she had thought was lost forever, was standing with a big smile on his face, his eyes shining with happiness. She rushed over to him, tears of joy streaming down her face. "Lawrence!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. "I thought I'd never see you again!" Lawrence hugged her back, laughing. "I'm sorry I worried you, sis. I'm fine. I'm just glad to be home." Emily pulled back, still beaming with happiness. "I'm so glad you're home, Lawrence. But I'm actually looking for someone else right now." Lawrence's face fell, but he nodded understandingly. "Ah, I see. Well, I'll let you get back to that, then." As Emily broke away from her brother, she felt a pair of hands sneak up behind her. She let out a startled squeal as she was spun around, and her eyes met Will's bright, smiling face. "Will!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him. Will chuckled, hugging her back. "Ah, now you have to keep your promise, colonial girl," he teased. Emily pulled back, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "And what promise might that be?" she asked, playing dumb. Will grinned mischievously. "You know exactly what I'm talking about, Emily. You promised to marry me if I came back from the war." Emily's face grew serious, her heart still racing with excitement. "I'm not going back on my word, Will. But are you sure you're ready to marry a colonial girl?" Will's face turned mock-serious. "Oh, I'm not sure at all," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I mean, what would the British aristocracy think of me marrying a...a rebel?" Emily playfully rolled her eyes. "You're a formal 'British scum', aren't you?" Will chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Guilty as charged. But I think I'm ready to take that risk. Are you ready to take the risk of marrying me?" Emily's heart skipped a beat as she looked into his eyes. She knew that she was ready to take that risk, to spend the rest of her life with the man she loved. "Yes, Will," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm ready."