Page 90 of A Raven Repents

“Yes there is.” He wrapped his arms around her and held her for a long moment. “I’m afraid I must beg your forgiveness, once again.”

“I’m your mother. You’ll always have my forgiveness. But I’m here to celebrate your happy marriage. It is happy, isn’t it?”

He nodded. “More than I ever could have hoped for. And at least in part because of you.”

“Mrs. Henderson!” Christina left her seat to come and join them.

“What have I said about calling me that? Especially on this day. You are Mrs. Henderson today.”

She took his mother’s hands and bussed her cheek. “Thank you for coming, Julia.”

“This was your doing?” he asked.

“Yes.” Christina looked at him defiantly. “We’ve been corresponding regularly for a while now, and you hadn’t bothered to invite her.”

“Ganging up on me, are you?”

“Only when you’re being extra stubborn.” His mother patted his cheek. “Do you mind if I sit here?”

He had wondered why the chair to his left was empty. He helped her to sit, and settled in beside her. “I’m glad you’re here, Mother.”

“Mrs. Henderson,” Ash said from behind them. “I’ve taken the liberty of filling a plate for you.”

“That’s very kind of you, Ash. Thank you.”

That was supposed to be Giles’ job. “Always showing me up, aren’t you?”

“You were preoccupied with other things. That’s all.”

Christina gasped beside him. “Is that fish and chips?”

“You weren’t the only one with a surprise,” Giles said, reveling in her excitement.

“Arthur’s?”

“Of course. Only the best for our wedding celebration.”

She gave an excited little squeal and clapped her hands. “Stay here with your mother. I’ll bring you some.”

Ash placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t get too comfortable. We’ll all be expecting a speech from you when we’ve finished eating.”

He sighed.

“Don’t worry. I’ll go first, and ease you into it.” Ash gave his shoulder another squeeze before walking around to his own seat.

Christina sat down with their plate. Apparently they were sharing. She broke off a small piece of fish and held it to his lips. Somehow, eating it from her fingers always made it taste even better.

As the meal began to wind down, Ash got to his feet and a hush fell around the table.

“I’d like to make a toast. Giles and Christina have been through trials that most of us can only imagine. And somehow, they’ve emerged, perhaps not unscathed, but instead, stronger. I’ve watched the love between them grow. I’ve watched it withstand and overcome tragedy that could crumble the heartiest of relationships, and fell the strongest of men. I am proud to call Giles my partner and my friend, and am grateful to have Christina join our incredible family.” He raised his glass. “To Giles and Christina.”

Giles met his wife’s loving gaze as their names were called out around the table. He pushed down his nervousness and got to his feet. There was no reason for his apprehension. These were the people who loved him most. She stood beside him, holding his hand and giving him her strength, as she always did.

“I won’t lie, much of these past months has been difficult for me. And I have not always acted with grace or kindness. In fact, I’ve probably spent more time shouting and cursing. There may even have been a few outright temper tantrums.”

“He’s not wrong there,” Michael called from down the table.

Giles chuckled. “I’ve also repented, and groveled, and begged forgiveness from everyone around me. And somehow, despite my wretched behavior, I’ve been gifted it.” He wrapped his arm around Christina’s shoulders. “Especially from this amazing woman. She put up with more than a wife should ever have to, and for some reason, she loves me anyway.”