“I know. I can hardly wait.”
“Will you stay the night?” Emma asked.
Noah, who was standing next to Bett, shook his head. “I’m afraid we must get on the road soon. There’s much to do before we marry next week.”
“We understand,” Miles chimed in. “We shall join you in a few days, if that suits.”
“Yes, that would be lovely,” Bett said. She turned to Olivia. “As much as I’ve enjoyed this day, we must be going. Do you want to ride with us to Harrison Manor or come with Mr. and Mrs. Walker in a few days?”
“There are some things Harrison and I still need to discuss,” Robertson said. “We’ll be happy to accompany you.”
A week later, Bettstood at the chapel entrance, her nerves on edge. Today, she was marrying the man of her dreams, so why was she so nervous? Until the vicar pronounced them husband and wife, she was afraid it was all a dream that could disappear in a puff of smoke.
“There’s no reason to be nervous, my dear,” Miles whispered in her ear. “Noah loves you.”
“I know, and I love him.”
“Then why are you trembling?”
“If this is all a dream, I don’t want to wake up.”
“My dear lady, look at me,” Miles said. “You and Noah are going to have a wonderful life together. Shall we?” he asked, holding out his arm.
Bett’s family couldn’t attend, as her father had come down with a terrible cold, and her mother thought it best they not travel. Bett was disappointed her family couldn’t attend, butthen Miles offered to walk her down the aisle, and she was grateful for his offer and support.
She slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow. Her heart continued racing as they walked down the aisle… until she saw Noah’s loving smile. Then everything seemed right with the world, and she finally relaxed.
“Dearly beloved,” the vicar began.
She kept stealing glances at Noah to make sure he wasn’t a dream. By the time the vicar pronounced them husband and wife, she was more than ready for Noah to kiss her.
“My darling wife, I love you,” Noah said, leaning down to take her lips in a searing kiss that seemed to go on and on.
The vicar cleared his throat, and the congregation chuckled. “My lord, if you and your bride would please follow me to sign the registry.”
The happy couple, along with Robertson and Olivia, followed the vicar so their marriage could be recorded in the parish registry.
When they exited the chapel, they found that many of the tenants had gone outside to wish them happy. Both she and Noah had decided that they didn’t want a large wedding breakfast and opted for just their friends to be invited back to the manor—Miles and Emma, Lord and Lady Fleming, and Robertson and Olivia.
On the carriage ride back to the manor, Bett could hardly believe her good fortune. She no longer had to worry about living under Peter’s strict rules and could manage her own household as she saw fit.
“Are you happy, my love?” Noah asked.
Bett squeezed his hand. “So very happy. I’ve never known such joy.”
“I’m so glad. I want to make sure each and every day from now on will be a joyous one.”
“All I need is you, my darling.”
Epilogue
13 months later
Harrison Manor, Christmastide
After tea, Bett struggled tostand up from the sofa.
Noah held out his hand. “Here, let me help you, my darling,” he said, pulling her up.
