“May I ask if you had a particular man in mind for your kiss?” Clive asked, the words falling clumsily from his tongue.
“I do believe Mr. Randolph would be obliging, and he would certainly make me a finer husband than Oxbridge.”
No doubt about it. Though not as wealthy or handsome as Oxbridge, he was a good natured person who’d treat Laura kindly. But…
“What about me?” For a second, he couldn’t believe he’d actually spoken the question rather than simply think it. He sucked in a breath and held it in anticipation of how she’d respond.
“I didn’t think you were here and besides that, I don’t believe you would want to be burdened by me for the rest of your days.”
“Burdened by you?” What utter nonsense. He placed his palm against her cheek. “Laura, I would be honored to share my life with you. I…”
He swallowed past the knot that was starting to form in his throat as his nerves began playing havoc on him once more. Now was the time for truth and courage however, not fearful retreat.
Bolstering himself against potential rejection, he finally admitted, “I have loved you for years.”
Her lips parted and it occurred to him that she was staring at him in wonder. “You never let on. Indeed, your every action toward me since childhood has led me to draw the opposite conclusion.”
“Forgive me. Please. It was never my intention to make you believe I did not care, but ever since realizing how I feel about you, something changed. I constantly felt like a clumsy fool in your presence. Speaking with you was impossible, Laura.”
“And yet you seem to be making an excellent job of it now,” she said with a teasing smile.
He grinned. “Apparently so. No doubt on account of your reckless behavior and the risk I now face of losing you to another.”
She smiled and before he could draw his next breath she kissed him, revealing the contents of her own heart before she confessed, “I love you too, Clive.”
Overcome by joy, he wrapped her more securely in his arms and kissed her again, this time with the fervor of a man who was certain the woman he wanted would soon be his. Thank God, he’d come home when he had, and that he’d found her in the apple tree during his ride.
“Come. Let’s get you home,” he said moments later while pressing his forehead to hers. “I’ll speak with Faulkner and secure your hand. Tonight, the engagement he’ll be announcing shall be ours, Laura. Of that I can assure you.”
“And the mistletoe?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with the desire to cause some mischief.
“Keep it,” he told her with a wide grin. “Bring it to the ball and we’ll share another kiss beneath it. Before one and all.”
December 24
A Christmas Wedding Gone Awry
Excitement bubbled within Lilly Stevens, despite the dreary winter weather. When she and Glen had decided to marry at Christmas, they’d thought it would be a romantic affair. She’d pictured a snow–covered landscape with twinkling ice crystals hanging from every tree branch. Instead, depressing shades of grey greeted her regardless of where she looked.
And it was cold. Horribly so.
Pressing her feet against the hot brick on the floor of the carriage while travelling to the church, she shivered, regardless of the heavy wool blankets tucked around her. Papa and Mama had both warned her. They’d recommended waiting until spring. But Lilly hadn’t wanted to wait. She’d wanted to marry Glen as soon as possible.
“At least we’ll have a warm house to return to,” Papa said from his spot beside her. He’d ordered the servants to light every fireplace. “And good food too. I snuck a quick peek at Cook’s preparations before we left, and I dare say she has outdone herself for this occasion.”
“Thank you, Papa. I appreciate your saying so.”
“It’s the truth.” When Lilly sighed, he added, “And despite the freezing weather, you’ll return there as Mrs. Reynolds, exactly as you wanted.”
The uplifting sound to his voice made her smile. She turned away from the window to meet his gaze. “Yes, Papa. I do look forward to that most of all.”
The fondness she saw in his eyes warmed her heart and set her at ease. Perhaps things were not as bad as they seemed. So what if it hadn’t snowed or if it just happened to be the coldest winter in decades? Most important were the vows she’d soon exchange with the man she loved.
Bolstered by this, her view of the day brightened. She and Glen would be wed and then they’d return to Westmount Abby for a festive celebration with family and friends. Just as they’d planned.
The carriage slowed when they reached the village and eventually drew to a halt before the church. A footman opened the door and Lilly stepped down, a smile catching her lips when she saw the pine and red ribbons framing the door.
Moving to one side so Papa would have enough space to alight, she turned, prepared to accept his arm when one foot slipped out from underneath her. The sudden lack of control jolted her heart. Her stomach dropped. Gasping, she made a desperate grab for the carriage, hoping to steady herself, but it was too late and the carriage an inch too far.
Dear God.
Weighed down by lengths of silk, lace, and netting, Lilly failed to regain her balance. Instead she landed in an inelegant heap.
Sharp pain shot through her wrist and straight up her arm. The beautiful gown she’d been so excited to show Glen was now crumpled around her like melted frosting. An agonized yelp burst past her lips as hot tears welled in her eyes.
“Good grief, Lilly.” Her father’s strong arms came around her and lifted her up off the cold wet ground. “Are you all right?”
“I…” Lightheaded, she leaned more fully against his solid frame. Drawing a tight breath she pushed down the pain lancing through her and tried again. “I think I’ve broken my wrist.”
Her voice cracked on the last word, prompting irritation to spike within. She would not dissolve into a fit of hysterics simply because she’d taken a fall. She refused to.
With the same gentle care Papa had always administered when she’d been hurt as a child, he examined her entire arm, turning it this way and that until… “I fear you may be right, my pet. It already looks quite swollen.”
“What horrid luck,” she choked, glancing toward the church where Glen waited.
“I know this isn’t what you want to hear right now,” Papa said, “but you need to visit the doctor.”
“We’ll do so later.” Determination pushed its way to the front of Lilly’s mind. “After Glen and I have been wed.”
“But–”
“The pain really isn’t so bad,” she assured him between clenched teeth. “I’ll be fine.”
One thing was certain. She’d counted on Christmas Eve being her wedding day. And so it would be, no matter what.
A sense of perfection had filled Glen since he’d woken that morning. Not because of the dismal weather or the headache no doubt brought on by the increased chill, but because he knew that when he retired tonight, he’d do so with Lilly. His wife.