William stepped forward, his hand on her arm. "Rose, may I speak with you alone for a moment?" Rose nodded, and they stepped away from the chapel doors.
"What is it, William?" she asked, her voice soft.
"I just wanted to apologize," he said, his eyes downcast. "I should have never tried to force you into marriage before with the Earl. And to be honest, after Cassian's and my trip to Scotland, I realized that you would have been cold and miserable there. And sheep would eat all of your plants. I was wrong, Rose, and I am so sorry."
Rose placed a hand on his arm, a smile on her face. "It's all right, William. I have forgiven you. And who knows, if I hadn't run away, I might not have met Thomas."
William chuckled, a smile lighting up his face. "Well, I suppose everything happens for a reason. And I have to say, I couldn't be happier for you, Rose. Thomas is a good man."
"Yes, he is," Rose agreed, a warm glow spreading through her.
Thomas stood at the front of the chapel, his heart pounding in his chest. He glanced around. The tall stained-glass windows filtered in soft light. The pews were lined with rose petals, and bouquets of fragrant blooms filled the air with their sweet scent. He glimpsed at his mother, the Dowager Duchess, who was seated in the front row. She gave him a reassuring smile, and he felt a sense of calm wash over him. Friends and family surrounded him, including Lord and Lady Montcrief and Lord and Lady Flinn. These were some members of the House ofLords who had supported his reforms and were now here to celebrate his wedding day.
As Thomas waited for the bridal procession to begin, he felt a sense of nervous excitement. He was about to marry the love of his life, Rose, and he couldn't wait to see her walking down the aisle toward him. The sound of the organ playing filled the chapel, and the doors at the back of the church slowly creaked open.
Thomas's heart swelled with love and joy as he laid his eyes on Rose, and he couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotion. As she approached him, he felt as though time stood still and he was the luckiest man in the world. Her grace and beauty took his breath away and he couldn't wait to make her his wife. His smile widened as he gazed at her, and he felt a deep sense of gratitude for the love they shared.
The priest stood before Thomas and Rose, his robes rustling softly in the chapel's stillness. Thomas could hardly believe that this day had finally come, that Rose was here beside him, ready to become his wife.
He felt a rush of gratitude, of love, and of pure joy as he looked into her eyes. The priest's voice seemed to come from far away as he began the ceremony, but Thomas didn't hear the words. All he could see was Rose, her eyes shining with love, her lips curved in a soft smile. He was so entranced by her that the vows passed in a blur.
When it was his turn to speak, Thomas's voice was strong and sure as he repeated the words, pledging his love and his life to Rose. And when Rose repeated her vows, Thomas felt as if he were the luckiest man in the world. Finally, the priest declaredthem man and wife, and Thomas swept Rose into his arms, kissing her with all the love in his heart. At that moment, he knew he would spend the rest of his life cherishing her, loving her, and making her the happiest woman in the world.
I am married.Rose could scarcely believe that she was now Thomas's wife. She had spent so much time fighting against love and marriage, and now, at this moment, she realized that this was the happiest she had ever been.
As Rose and Thomas emerged from the chapel, they were met with a chorus of cheers and congratulations. Guests crowded around them, offering their good wishes and warm embraces.
"My dear, you look simply radiant," Lady Montcrief gushed, kissing Rose on both cheeks.
"The Duke and Duchess of Everness," Lord and Lady Flinn announced, smiling widely. "We couldn't be happier for you both."
A footman stepped forward, offering the couple glasses of champagne, and they raised their glasses in a toast to their future together.
"To love and happiness," Thomas declared, smiling at Rose.
"To love and happiness," she echoed, beaming with joy. The guests continued to offer their congratulations, and Rose and Thomas basked in the love and happiness that surrounded them.
Finally, the happy couple made their way to the waiting carriage, eager to start their lives together as husband and wife. Thomas helped Rose into the carriage and settled in next to her, taking her hand in his.
"You are so beautiful," Thomas whispered, his eyes shining with love.
Rose leaned in closer, a blush spreading across her cheeks. "And you are so handsome, my love," she replied, her voice soft and full of affection.
The carriage set off, and Rose and Thomas were lost in their own world, surrounded by the sounds of the horses' hooves and the jingling of the harness. They looked into each other's eyes, and Thomas gently brushed his lips against Rose's.
"I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you," Thomas whispered, kissing her again, this time with more passion.
Rose smiled, feeling her heart flutter with happiness. "Me too, my love," she whispered, their lips meeting in another fiery kiss.
Their kiss deepened and Rose felt the heat grow as his fingers moved from the back of her head to the top of her gown. When he freed her breasts from the bodice of her gown, she didn't protest. She didn't care if they had only a short carriage ride back to the house. She wanted him.
"Touch me," he growled.
Rose complied without hesitation. Her fingers found the buttons of his breeches and nimbly loosened them. Her fingers found his desire and when she touched him, he gently nipped her nipplewith his teeth. She gasped and arched her head back to allow him more access to her breasts.
"You are mine, now," Thomas whispered, his voice raspy. His tongue flicked out and touched her nipple lightly.
"And you are mine," she whispered back and tightened her grasp eliciting a moan from him.
