Love Rents A Room
Chapter 239: Epilogue (I)

Chapter 239: Epilogue (I)

A week after their tenth anniversary, Joanne hosted a grand party at the Winchester Estate.

Little by little, over the years, she had been eased into the role of the future mistress of the house. Christina was always by her side, quietly guiding her through the intricate social expectations, while Brianna was beside her too—no longer a rival, but a partner.

Joanne wasn’t giving up her crown. It still meant everything to her. But she had accepted Brianna into the fold, into the family. They didn’t always see eye to eye—two strong women with stubborn hearts—but they made it work. They learned how to compromise, how to coexist. And most importantly, how to present a united front when it mattered.

Their husbands wisely stayed out of their quarrels, and that helped preserve the peace in the family more than anything else.

This party, however, was especially close to Joanne’s heart.

It was the first she’d organized completely on her own—and it was the official celebration of a dream fulfilled: the merger of Shamrock Logistics with Winchester Logistics.

But there had been a twist.

Jeffrey didn’t just merge the two companies—he renamed it.

From now on, it would be known as Winchester-Smith Logistics.

Joanne had insisted their children carry the Winchester name, not a hyphenated one, and Jeffrey had accepted that. But in true Jeffrey fashion, he found another way to ensure her name lived beside his. Publicly. Permanently.

She was proud of him. And grateful for the family—for not just accepting it, but celebrating it.

The only person who could’ve objected was Philip. But he had only laughed and told Jeffrey, "You’re too late to the party."

The name change was announced a week earlier, and while they expected a slow incline in the market, the result had been explosive. Stock prices had soared within days. The merger was not just symbolic—it was a wild success.

Heather had joined Imperium in the past and now, there was no logistics company named Imperium as they had gone bankrupt.

Winchester-Smith was the number one logistics company in the world.

Joanne took it all in, champagne flute in hand, her heels aching after hours on her feet.

Jeffrey found her and joined her on the sofa tucked into a quiet corner of the garden patio, away from the crowd. He passed her a fresh glass and clinked it with his whiskey. "This was a success. Even your arch-nemesis had nothing to complain about."

"Brianna is not my arch-nemesis or nemesis. She’s family," Joanne said with a smirk. "But you’re right. The party was a hit."

Without another word, Jeffrey crouched, removed her stilettos, and began gently massaging her feet.

She sighed, deeply content, and sipped the champagne. He chuckled.

Those two might fight like cats and dogs, but heaven forbid anyone else say a word against the other.

Jeffrey sat back and watched her, admiration shining in his eyes. Ten years. Ten whole years of marriage.

The new eternity ring he had given her for their anniversary glittered next to her engagement ring and wedding band. But it wasn’t the ring that sparkled most.

It was her.

Joanne. Impeccably dressed, poised, strong. The woman who had once been an enemy, then an intriguing stranger, then a partner, and now—the center of his world.

His wife. His pride. His love.

Joanne leaned back with a sigh, luxuriating in Jeffrey’s hands kneading the tension from her feet.

"Are the kids in bed yet?" she murmured. It was late, and the soft hum of music from the garden had faded into the warm stillness of the estate.

"Lizzy went with Grandpa earlier," Jeffrey replied. "She’s probably asleep in his bed by now."

Joanne nodded knowingly. Of course she was.

That girl had come into the world determined to shatter every dream Joanne had about raising a daughter. Aloof, brilliant, deeply selective with her affections—Elizabeth MaryAnn Winchester was a mystery even to her own mother. But oh, how Joanne loved that child. Fiercely, endlessly. What more could a mother do?

"And Sean Philip?" she asked, referring to their second-born.

"Most likely curled up on our bed. I’ll check in a bit," Jeffrey said. "And Richard Philip’s with Robert."

Joanne smiled.

Where Lizzy had been emotionally distant, Sean Philip had clung to her like a second skin. From the moment he was born, he wanted no one but his mother. Now seven, school had taught him a bit of independence—but not too much. He was still her shadow when he could be. Her little mirror. His interest lay with tractors and heavy machines.

Richard, on the other hand, was a whirlwind. Only five and already a little performer. He was drawn to Robert during family gatherings like a moth to flame. Robert adored him back, always encouraging his antics, always cheering him on.

Joanne was convinced that Richard was destined to be an entertainer of some kind. Possibly an actor. He had the drama in his bones and a flair for the spotlight. Golfing with his uncle was his passion, too.

"We should get back to our room," she said, reluctantly. "Let the nanny rest before Alex wakes up."

Ah yes. Alexander Louis—their youngest at just two—was a storm in the form of a cherub. Too young to know anything for certain yet, but she was willing to bet good money he was Jeffrey’s mini-me. Possessive. Intelligent. Always watching.

"If he wakes up and doesn’t see us, there will be hell to pay," she added with a small laugh.

Jeffrey stood up, offering his hand. "Shall I carry you up the stairs, Mrs. Winchester?"

His smile turned mischievous—dangerously charming. Joanne knew that look. She wanted it too.

When they were here, at the Winchester Estate, with the kids safe and surrounded by family, they had the luxury of... fun.

After ten years and four children, those moments were golden. Rare.

She looked at her husband, the man who aged like fine wine, who still looked at her like she was the most beautiful thing in every room. Once, long ago, when he was just a paying guest in her house, she had joked that she wanted a man strong enough to carry her up the stairs.

He had never forgotten.

"Mr. Winchester," she purred, leaning close. She tugged his tie and brushed her lips against his ear. "Want to make another little Winchester? You promised me blonde children."

Their kids were all shades of red, but none were blonde.

Jeffrey’s arms circled her waist. "I’m not going to say no to that, Mrs. Winchester..."

With a smirk, he swept her into his arms and carried her up the grand staircase. Their kisses were breathless, electric—until Joanne paused.

"Let’s check on the kids first," she said.

Jeffrey groaned in protest, but he agreed—mostly to avoid mid-action interruptions.

They headed to Philip’s room. The door was unlocked, as always, when Lizzy was sleeping over.

But when they stepped inside, what they saw made them stop in their tracks.

Philip’s enormous bed was a chaotic pile of tangled limbs. Lizzy had her arms tightly wrapped around her Gaga, pushing Christina toward the edge. Sean was curled at Christina’s legs. Richard’s leg was draped squarely over Philip’s face. Arthur and Robert Jr.—Robert’s sons—were half-asleep, flopped over each other in what looked like a collapsed wrestling match.

It was a pile of children. Of love. Of life.

Just as Joanne reached forward to start gently moving them, Christina stirred. She blinked, saw Joanne’s intention, and shook her head with a warm, quiet smile.

And in that smile, Joanne understood everything.

This wasn’t trouble.

This was joy.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of blessing—to sleep in a bed filled with the warm, sleepy weight of your great-grandchildren.

Joanne looked at Jeffrey.

Her heart swelled. This. This was what she wanted. To grow old with him. To be the ones in that bed someday, with grandchildren and great-grandchildren clinging to them. To have a life so full, it spilled into every room.

And even in the dark, Jeffrey could see what she was thinking. He pulled her close, kissed her forehead, and whispered, "Someday, we’ll be right where they are."

Joanne smiled.

She had everything she ever wanted—and more.