In a few purposeful strides, he closed the distance between them. “I wanted to leave, but I couldn’t. I love you, Elinor.”
“But I thought you said that love complicates marriages?”
“It does, but I am willing to take that chance. With you,” he said, his voice filled with resolve. “Assuming you feel the same.”
Elinor stared up at him in disbelief, her heart pounding. “Does this mean you forgive me for lying to you?”
“It does, assuming we will always be honest with one another from here on out,” Alden replied.
“I can agree to that.”
Alden stepped closer, causing her to tilt her head to look up at him. “Then I propose we change our agreement,” he said. “I want a real marriage, one where I can kiss you whenever I want.”
Elinor felt excitement build up inside of her. “I want that, as well.”
“Then there is only one thing we need to do,” Alden responded, leaning in towards her. “We must kiss on it.”
“I am not opposed to that?—”
She had barely uttered her words when Alden’s lips met hers. His kiss was both gentle and fierce, a blend of vulnerability and strength. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her in close, and she surrendered to his touch. How she loved this man. He made her feel safe, loved, and as their lips touched, she tasted forever.
Alden broke the kiss but remained close, his warm breath on her skin. “You don’t know how long I have waited to kiss you like that.”
“Why stop now?” she asked with a coy smile.
He chuckled. “I think the grooms need to get back to work.”
“You are probably right,” Elinor said. “Thank you for staying with me.”
Alden returned her smile. “I don’t think I was capable of leaving you.”
“I love you,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion.
“I know, and I love you with my whole heart,” Alden said. “Although, I will now have the unfortunate task of introducing you to my family.”
Elinor bobbed her head. “I would like to meet them.”
“No, trust me, you don’t,” he teased. “They will no doubt love you, just as I do, but I do not seek out their approval. I made my choice, and I know it is the right one.”
“I was so scared that I lost you forever,” she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alden brought his hand up and cupped her right cheek. “I was angry, but I was also scared. I am not scared anymore.”
Elinor felt tears pricking in the back of her eyes. “I am not scared either.”
“Good, because we have a lifetime together,” Alden said, taking a step back and dropping his hand. “And our new beginning starts now.”
As Alden reached for her hand, a bright smile spread across her face. She was happy- far happier than she had ever been. She had a marriage that she had always dreamed of. One that would be filled with love.
This may have started as a ruse, but it ended with a prize that she hadn’t anticipated: Alden. For he was far better than any horse farm.
Epilogue
Two weeks later…
Alden stood in front of Skye’s stall and offered her an apple. The horse eyed him cautiously, her ears flicking back and forth, before finally accepting the proffered treat with a gentle nudge.
He brought his hand up and rubbed the horse’s neck, feeling the softness of her coat beneath his fingers. “Why don’t you like me, Skye?” he asked.
