No. He had waited for so long to make her his. He would wait a little longer.
“Shall we head back?” he suggested. “We could have tea in the garden and watch the sunset.”
“I would love that,” she smiled, leaning onto his shoulder, inhaling in a satisfied manner. “I can’t wait to tell Aunt Cora and Henry that we are getting married. And the wedding… I want a small wedding. A lovely wedding, filled with flowers and little fairy lights all around!”
She released him from her grip, swirling around in the middle of the clearing, getting lost in her own reverie of what their wedding would look like. That was how he wanted to commit her to memory. Every day would be a chance for a new memory, he knew that well, but that moment was pure perfection.
“And I want music, and everyone to enjoy themselves!” she kept on talking and swirling, her hair loosening in her bun, becoming undone, floating in the wind like fire. He wanted it to burn his entire being, devour him whole, so they could become one.
“Anything you want, my love,” he assured her, once her swirling had stopped, and she was standing before him once again, beautiful and breathless.
“I love you so much, William,” she beamed at him.
“I love you, too, Rose,” he replied, pressing another chaste kiss to her lips, taking her by the hand and walking slowly back to the manor together.
Chapter 30
Wiliam never thought such a thing was possible. He was holding Rose by the hand. Rose, his wife. Rose, the new Duchess of Montford.
The celebration or their wedding was in full bloom, with laughter and music filling the air. The gardens were adorned with flowers, just like she wanted. The fairy lights were strung above, creating a pathway of light that led towards the center of the happening. The village people mingled together, everyone gathered to witness and celebrate their union.
By his side, Rose stood radiantly, her beauty captivating him all over again. She wore a wedding gown that seemed almost ethereal, the delicate lace and fine silk perfectly complementing her grace and elegance.
The dress hugged her figure in all the right places, flaring out gently at the waist into a flowing skirt that moved with every step she took. Tiny pearls were intricately sewn into the bodice, catching the light and adding a soft shimmer to her appearance.
Her veil, a cascade of sheer fabric, was edged with the same delicate lace as her gown, framing her face like a halo. As she moved, the veil fluttered gently, adding to her angelic presence. Her hair was styled in loose waves, adorned with a wreath of fresh flowers that matched the blooms decorating the gardens.
William couldn’t take his eyes off her. The love he felt for Rose was overwhelming, and seeing her in her wedding gown filled him with a deep sense of awe and gratitude. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness and love, and he felt as if he were the most fortunate man in the world.
“Your Grace,” he murmured, his voice filled with emotion, “you look absolutely beautiful.”
Her smile widened, as she blushed upon his words. He wanted to be the first one to call her that. She squeezed his hand gently. “Thank you, William. Today has been more wonderful than I ever could have imagined.”
As they stood together, surrounded by their friends, family, and well-wishers, William felt a profound sense of fulfillment. The journey they had been on, with all its challenges and triumphs, had led to this perfect moment. Rose was not just his wife now, but his partner in every sense of the word. The celebration around them, filled with joy and love, was a testament to the bright future they would share.
As all the guests kept approaching them with their well wishes, William and Rose thankfully accepted them all. Yet, he couldn’t wait for the evening, when all the guests would retire to their homes, when Rose would finally become his. The very thought sent thunder bolts through his entire body, awakening every single nerve, every slumbering desire he ever had.
That was when he noticed Rose’s Aunt Cora and Henry approaching them. As always, her aunt had a playful glint in her eye, and her brother wore a broad smile. The sight of them added to the warmth of the day, filling him with a sense of belonging and familial love.
“I must say, it has finally happened,” Aunt Cora began in a teasing tone, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “It seems you finally decided to accept a man’s courtship, Rose. I’ve been telling you for years, it was about time. It took you long enough!”
Rose blushed, laughing lightly at her aunt’s playful chiding. “Aunt Cora, you aways did have a knack for saying exactly what was on your mind,” she replied, her voice full of affection.
Henry, who was standing by their aunt, chimed in with a chuckle. “I have to agree with Aunt Cora, Rose. We have all been waiting for the day you’d meet someone who could match your spirit. I know it all didn’t start off as a fairy tale, but it certainly ended as one.”
“Thank you, Henry,” Rose smiled. “That is a nice way of putting it.”
“And I am so glad that out of all the men you could have chosen, you chose the duke,” Aunt Cora added tenderly.
William felt a surge of pride and gratitude. He smiled warmly at Rose's family, appreciating their acceptance and the love they shared. “I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have won Rose’s heart,” he said, his voice sincere. “She is truly one of a kind.”
Henry was the one to give a mock-serious nod, his eyes sparkling with love for his sister. “Well, Your Grace, you better make sure to keep treating Rose right. She is a treasure, and we won’t hesitate to keep reminding you of that.”
“Henry!” Rose exclaimed, and William knew that she feared Henry might have crossed the line, but he wanted to assure them all that they could speak their minds freely with him around, especially when it had something to do with Rose or himself.
“There is no need to scold him, Rose,” William smiled. “I appreciate the truth. I always have. And you, Henry, are a brave boy. You have proven that to me on more than one occasion. Rose is fortunate to have a brother like you. As for your words, I wouldn’t have it any other way,” William assured him, his gaze locking with Rose’s. “I promise to cherish her always.”
Rose’s eyes shimmered with emotion as she looked at William, then back at her aunt and brother. “Thank you both for being here and for your support. It means the world to us.”
