She nodded and then beamed at him. “I know that we will need an heir, and I want that as well, but I always dreamed of adopting children from the orphanage. It breaks my heart to see them alone, and some never even get adopted. It was one of the things that hurt my heart, back when I did not wish to get married, knowing that I would never have a chance to raise a child.”
Kenneth’s face lit up with understanding and approval. “I think that is a wonderful idea. Edward would approve as well. We shall have a large family full of children we create together and those adopted from the orphanage. There shall be no difference between them, and we shall be a happy, chaotic family.”
“One that is honest with one another. Always. No secrets,” Joanna added.
Kenneth solemnly nodded. “No secrets. Never. We will not repeat the mistakes our parents made. We will be different because you and I are different. We love one another, and we know what we have to do to achieve our goals—stick together, work together, and love one another,” he said.
Then, he leaned his forehead gently against hers, and the two stood together, their hearts finally united as one.
EPILOGUE
Six Months Later
Sunlight streamed into Joanna’s chamber on a crisp, bright morning. Everything the light touched seemed to glow, but perhaps Joanna’s anticipation made it so. Ever since she’d opened her eyes that morning, she’d felt as if the world was magical. It was silly, she knew it, but she didn’t care.
She took a deep breath, almost tasting the sweet rose perfume of her bouquet.
“Turn around,” Sally said, drawing her out of her reverie.
Joanna stood before the ornate mirror, adorned in a gown that seemed to sparkle like moonlight. The delicate lace cascaded down the bodice, turning into a graceful train that would trail behind her. Her reflection radiated happiness and contentment. She spun around, and Sally took the opportunity to spritz perfume on her.
“That way, Kenneth will smell you before he sees you,” Rosy said with a chuckle.
“Sally! Do not make me smell so strong, or he will faint at the altar,” Joanna chided but then burst into giggles with her sisters and mother, who shook their heads.
“Girls, you must settle down. Otherwise, you’ll tire yourselves before the wedding breakfast,” the Countess said while affixing the veil to Joanna’s hair.
Rosy picked up her bouquet from the bed and started marching down the room as if rehearsing her own wedding. Now a fully grown Dalmatian, Rudy walked beside her, attempting to sniff the flowers.
Sally, the picture of poise, teased Rosy gently. “Careful, Rosy, it invites back luck to play the bride.”
“Nonsense,” Rosy scoffed. “I am only trying to prepare myself for when I marry.”
Joanna chuckled. “Let us get me down the aisle first. And let’s not forget that Sally will be the next sister to marry.”
Sally blushed—a rare sight. “Oh, do hush. Today is all about you, dear sister.”
Their mother joined in the merriment, her eyes gleaming with pride. “Joanna, my love, you are the most beautiful bride I haveever seen. Your father will be so proud to walk you down the aisle.”
A mix of emotions flickered in Joanna’s eyes—joy, sadness, and a hint of uncertainty. They had forgiven their father in the end. It had taken weeks and weeks of intense conversations and honesty on everyone’s part, which was unheard of in their society, but in the end, they’d understood that the past could not be changed.
The path before them had been defined: Forgive him and move on, or live in a state of eternal fracture.
Kenneth and his ability to forgive her had inspired a desire within her to do the same for her father. Following her sister’s lead, Rosy also forgave their father. Sally had taken somewhat longer, but as of late, she and their father were on speaking terms again. As for their mother, she’d been hurt by the Earl’s actions. Not so much his actions per se, but that he hadn’t told her about the true depth of his financial troubles.
Joanna was sure her parents would speak extensively about this, but whatever agreement they’d come to, it had solidified their union once more.
“… to have a word,” her mother was saying.
Joanna blinked. “What did you say?” she asked.
“I said your father wants to have a word before you go to the chapel.”
Joanna nodded. It would make sense that her father would wish to see her before she was married. She still remembered when the mere prospect of seeing him filled her with dread, but today, she welcomed his visit.
Gazing at her reflection in the mirror, she took a deep breath. “Thank you all for being here with me. It means the world.”
Her mother clasped her hands. “You deserve every bit of happiness, Joanna. Today marks the beginning of a beautiful journey.” She glanced down at Rudy, who had walked off with one of Joanna’s shoes. “And I will admit, I shall not miss this chaos on four legs.”
