“This is Sophia Lennox, Graham’s precious daughter.”
The girl politely curtsied, and Isobel squealed, rushing forward to embrace the child. She forgot her duties for a moment, then she returned to the task minutes later.
“Catherine’s darlings are Robert, Mary, Anne, and Thomas,” she stated, gesturing to each child. “And Margaret’s lovely children are James, Rufus, and Eleanor.”
Richard smiled at them and said earnestly, “It is an honor to meet you all. I was not aware I would be acquainted with such lovely and handsome faces; otherwise, I would have brought gifts. Next time, I will be more prepared.”
His promise seemed acceptable to the children who cheered happily.
Brunch progressed smoothly, and with every passing moment, Richard felt more and more welcome – likely more than he had ever felt in his life.
Isobel’s family was as rowdy as he had expected it, but for some reason, it made every interaction even more heart-warming than the last. They were so kind, so open, and it was such a stark difference from how Gregory had raised his children.
When the question about how they had met was raised again, Richard told the story of their fated meeting – with Isobel’s permission. It was rather interesting, recounting events from his own perspective, and he realized once again that he had been truly in love with Isobel from the start.
Her siblings were quite surprised to hear about her twin sister Valerie, even more so when they heard how Gregory had tried to use her, requesting that she effectively risk her own life to catch the one who had poisoned Valerie.
“That selfish bastard,” Graham seethed. “I want his name. I am going to bury him alive.”
“Under the oak tree in the backyard?” Sophia perked up as she asked, undoubtedly used to her father’s threats.
Graham’s wife, Joan, leveled him with an unimpressed stare, and he tried to placate her by stating that getting rid of offenders to his family was a necessary evil.
“I do not particularly care for him or his dealings anymore. We will never have anything to do with each other, anyway,” Isobel told her siblings.
“Were you disappointed? By the sort of person he turned out to be?” Margaret questioned gently.
“I was,” Isobel admitted honestly. “But I quickly realized that there was no need to have any expectations of him at all. I had gotten greedy and believed I could have it all because I missed father and mother dearly. I thought I could ease my feelings a tad by seeking his acknowledgement, but I eventually realized he had nothing I wanted. I already have everything I could ever need right here.”
Catherine cooed at her and reached over to squeeze her hand, making Isobel blush and smile.
“I am happy that I could also eventually remind you of just how wonderful you are. I fully intend to do so every day of our lives.” Richard blurted out.
Isobel stared at him for a moment, a blush taking over her face with a grin afterwards.
“I will hold you to that.”
Margaret raised her glass in his direction and told him earnestly,
“As will we. Welcome to the family, Your Grace.”
Isobel was not breathing properly.
She had taken to pacing within her room, trying to will herself to calm down, but it seemed that with every passing moment, her throat was growing tighter and tighter. She was trying not to panic and cry, because she did not think the situation called for such tears, but nothing else seemed to be working.
“You will wear a hole into the floor at this rate,” Graham told her from where he stood by the door.
“That is the least of my worries presently.” Isobel shot back.
“You must be the snarkiest bride I have ever met – not that I make it a point of duty to meet brides. What troubles you, sister? Why do you look so pale on a day when you are meant to radiate utter joy?” her brother murmured, walking forward to hold her hands.
Isobel focused on the warmth of his hands as she said quietly, “I am simply in disbelief. I never thought – did not expect that such love would find me. But it has, and now, I worry I might be unworthy. I also miss my mother and father greatly. Mother tried her best to hide it, but she was always worried about me finding a husband. And now that I have, she is not here to witness my union. Neither is father, who had always said I would make a beautiful bride. It feels as though there is a hole in mychest, and no matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to draw enough breath. I am happy and heartbroken, and I do not know what to do, brother.”
Graham quickly pulled her into his embrace, and she inhaled deeply, his familiar scent soothing some of the frayed nerves within her. Then he gently patted her back, much like their father used to do when she was younger and the tears threatened to spill once more.
“Father was right. You are a beautiful bride. One of the most beautiful I have ever seen. And mother is undoubtedly relieved, knowing that you are to be wed in a few moments. You and I know that she is watching over you closely – there isn’t much else she would want to do anyway. As for wondering if you are worthy… Isobel, your father never told you this, but that day when he had found you at the monastery and brought you home, he was gravely upset because he could not understand how someone could leave a beautiful child behind like that. Especially one who was clearly born to be loved. I might not wholly trust your groom, but I trust the words he has said. That man understands that you are to be loved – utterly and wholly, and I think that is commendable. You are worthy of love, Isobel. Gregory Wightman may not have understood that, and he can go to hell for all we care. You, my darling sister, are loved greatly and you forever will be.”
Graham’s words felt as though they sank into her skin to soothe the deepest parts of her discomfort, and before she knew it, she could breathe easier again.
