“Oh,” she murmured. “I should have known.”
“But do not fret, my dear. This shall make a wonderful story to tell our children one day.”
Henrietta’s eyes became moist with unshed tears. “That sounds perfect.”
“You know where I stand,” he started, “but I can’t help but wonder if you feel the same about me.”
She smiled. “I love you.”
“You do?” Charles asked. “I had hoped that was the case, but I couldn’t say for certain.”
“You never gave up on me, no matter what transpired,” she said. “How could I not love you?”
“And I promise that I never will give up on you.”
“I know that,” she replied. “You are the most kind-hearted man that I know, and I do not want to live another day without you in my life.”
“Shall we go and be married, then?”
Henrietta shook her head. “I’m afraid there is one more thing that we need to do before we go back into that chapel.”
“Which is?”
“We need to seal our words with a kiss.”
Needing no further invitation, Charles removed his hand from her cheek and leaned closer. Henrietta’s lips parted with a sharp intake of breath before he pressed his mouth to hers, softly but firmly. Then he moved one arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him.
He had meant for it to be a chaste kiss, but he found himself completely undone by her touch. He was consumed by the softness of her mouth, the gentleness of the caress, and the taste of her lips was far more than he bargained for, causing him to forget everything that was going on around him. Never had a kiss caused such a reaction in him before, and he found himself never wanting this moment to end.
The sound of someone loudly clearing their throat drew his attention. He broke the kiss and turned his head to see Lord Finsbury standing a few feet back. By the stern look on the viscount’s face, he didn’t appear pleased about what he was seeing.
Lord Finsbury crossed his arms over his chest. “I hope this means that there is to be a wedding, or will I need to challenge you to a duel?”
“A duel is not necessary,” Charles replied. “Henrietta has agreed to be my wife… again.”
Lord Finsbury nodded approvingly. “Excellent,” he responded. “I will go inform the others.”
Charles held out his hand for Henrietta. “Shall we, love?”
She accepted his hand. “We shall.”
As they started towards the entrance of the chapel, he remarked, “Before we go inside, I want to say one more thing.”
“Which is?”
“Once we are wed, I intend to never let you go,” he murmured.
“I would want it no other way.”
Sitting in a coach, Henrietta didn’t feel much different now that she was married, but she knew that her whole life had changed for the better.
“Any regrets, love?” Charles asked as he slipped his arm over her shoulder.
“None.”
Charles smiled. “I am pleased to hear that because what’s done is done. Our futures are now intertwined.”
“That sounds wonderful.”
