“It is much easier to write a book with a happily ever after when I am living mine,” Anette admitted. “I took your advice and decided to write what I know.”
The coach came to a stop in front of the chapel and it dipped to the side as the footman exited his perch. Once the door was opened, Caleb exited and assisted her onto the path.
Anette removed her hand and adjusted the sleeves of her silver gown. Her mother had it specially commissioned for her to wear at her wedding.
The door of the chapel opened and a little, fluffy Pomeranian puppy started running down the path towards her. She reached down and scooped it up in her arms.
“Hello,” she greeted as she held the puppy up. “What is your name?”
Roswell’s voice came from the doorway. “That is Mr. Fluffy,” he announced.
Anette looked up in surprise. “This dog is for me?” she asked.
“It is,” Roswell replied as he approached her. “It was supposed to be a surprise but that rascal managed to escape.”
“Oh, Roswell, I love him,” Anette said as Mr. Fluffy strained his body to try to lick her on the face. “He is perfect.”
Roswell looked relieved. “Your father told me that you have always wanted a puppy. I made some inquiries and I was able to secure a Pomeranian puppy in Sussex. I sent a coach to pick it up and they barely arrived this morning.”
Bringing Mr. Fluffy to her chest, Anette asked, “You did all of that for me?”
“I would do anything for you. You must know that,” Roswell said, stepping closer to her.
Anette rose onto her tiptoes and kissed him on the mouth. “Thank you,” she whispered against his lips.
Her father cleared his throat. “You two aren’t married yet or need I remind you of that fact?”
In a low voice, Anette joked, “It isn’t too late to elope to Gretna Green.”
Roswell laughed. “I would marry you anywhere, but the vicar is already inside of the chapel. I think it would be best if we got married here.”
Anette pretended to be put out. “Fine,” she said. “I will marry you now, but I want Mr. Fluffy to watch.”
“I would have it no other way.”
Her mother stepped forward. “Why don’t I hold Mr. Fluffy while you head inside with Roswell?” she suggested.
After she placed a kiss on the squirming puppy’s head, she handed him over to her mother and accepted Roswell’s arm.
“I hope you know that it is too late to back out,” Roswell said as he started leading her up the path.
“I don’t want to back out. If I do, I won’t get Mr. Fluffy, and that is something I can’t risk,” Anette quipped.
“I hope you aren’t marrying me just for the dog,” Roswell said with mirth in his eyes.
Anette’s lips twitched. “Heavens, no,” she replied. “But the dog does sweeten the deal.”
As they arrived at the chapel doors, Roswell came to a stop and turned to face her. “Before we go inside, I just want to tell you that I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
Roswell reached into his jacket pocket and removed a gold band with a ruby fastened to it. “This was my mother’s wedding ring,” he informed her. “She was insistent that you have it once you become my wife.”
“Does this mean your mother remembered you this morning?”
“She did, but more importantly, she gave me her blessing,” Roswell replied, his eyes growing moist. “She may not be able to be here, but she wanted you to know how pleased she is that you are joining our family.”
Anette admired the ring. “It is beautiful, and I would be honored to wear it.”
