She giggled behind a gloved hand. “After the wedding breakfast, of course.”
Nathaniel groaned quietly, making her laugh all the more. The wedding breakfast was beautiful, but Jane was eager to be away from everyone and enjoy the silent, settled time with Nathaniel that she and he both deserved.
Margaret hurried up to her. “You are so lovely, Jane. The most beautiful bride.”
Jane flushed. “You will be a beautiful bride too, Margaret. Far more beautiful than me, I dare say.”
“Hmm…which of these handsome young gentlemen will be my suitors?” she whispered, turning to look at the group, tapping a finger to her lips.
Jane slid her arm through her friend’s. “You have been very good and kind to me, dear friend. A true friend. I would not have weathered any of this without you.”
“Ah, think nothing of it. Besides, for a little while, your life was like one my favorite novels.” Her eyes flashed wickedly, and Jane laughed aloud.
But then, there was a clinking of glass, and everyone turned towards Thomas who was standing a bit nervously.
“I have been given permission to make an announcement. What better way to announce happy news on such a happy occasion?” He turned to look at young Emily who was beaming and beautiful in a cream gown. “My dearest love, Lady Emily, has agreed to be my wife.”
A cheer rose up from the group, and they drank to Thomas and Emily’s success. Jane’s happiness was complete, and as she watched Nathaniel hug his friend and sister, she spread a hand over her belly. She was soon going to make him even happier.
That evening, Nathaniel and Jane were finally alone, and as Elaine helped her to dress her in new nightgown, she couldn’t believe she was a married woman.
Elaine kissed her on the cheek before she left. “You deserve such happiness, my dear.”
There was a soft knock, and then Nathaniel appeared in a banyan, his hair looking a little unruly.
“You know, I had hoped to divest you of that delicious wedding gown myself, but it seems your lady’s maid has done so already.”
She laughed and got to her feet, walking over to him. “You may remove this,” she said, pulling on her robe.
He grabbed her waist and pulled her close. “I have just been informed that Delilah has been sent to the countryside yet again. Apparently, Lord Mortimer couldn’t find Lord Claridge, no matter how hard he looked.”
“How sad for Delilah,” Jane said truthfully.
“Well, we will not think of her here, tonight,” he said, his eyes glistening. “I cannot tell you how happy I am, my love.”
He kissed her, and he removed her robe, his fingers pulling on the laces of her nightgown as well. She took his hands and moved them to her belly, and then she looked up at him.
“There is more happiness to be had, Nathaniel. I am with child.”
He froze, his mouth open, before he embraced her tightly, and then kissed her, laughing. “How wonderful! The perfect end to a tumultuous tale.”
She slung her arms around his shoulders. “Was it tumultuous?”
“That is what Emily tells me,” he said, and Jane laughed again.
It seemed she could not stop laughing, but Nathaniel cut it off with a kiss. He picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He removed her nightgown softly and slowly, following its path with his mouth. Instantly, Jane’s mind was filled with desire, and she slid her hands over his chest, his shoulders, and his back, wanting to feel every inch of him.
“I love you,” he whispered against her breast as he kissed it, licking one nipple and then the other before he settled between her thighs. “I’m afraid I cannot wait,” he said, and she grinned.
“Nor I,” she said, lifting her hips up.
He gasped when he pressed against her. “So wet already, my love.”
He slid his length along her entrance before he slowly entered her. With his eyes locked to hers, he moved, sliding so deeply inside her that she was instantly breathless, her body slick with sweat. With her hands moving down to his buttocks, she felt the rocking movement of his hips as he plunged inside her again and again.
With his mouth on her neck, she let out a moan. It had been far too long, and now, they were man and wife, fully and completely united.
“I love you,” she breathed against his cheek, and even though they had said it before, many times, it still always felt wonderful to hear him say it back without fear.
