Page 55 of A Rogue to Cherish

Chapter Twenty

Three days later, they were married in the flower garden at Evan and Felicity’s house, surrounded by the same people who’d been in the sitting room as well as Grant’s parents. Lars and his wife Bettina were also there, as were her Aunt Mairid, and her friends Martha and Laurel, who kept staring at Miles Johnstone and blushing furiously.

With an empire waist, long sleeves, and a square neckline, her wedding dress was simple and elegant. Wren wore a pearl necklace and matching earrings, gifts from Grant’s mother.

Although trembling, Wren managed to hold the bouquet handed to her by Felicity. “I am so very pleased for you and Grant,” she said, hugging Wren. “Make each other happy.”

Wren wondered if she’d faint from an inability to breathe. She took shallow breaths, but it seemed as if not enough air entered her lungs.

As she walked past the guests on Lars’ arm, she looked forward. Grant stood next to the vicar. Her handsome soon-to-be husband’s hair was damp, the ends curling on his collar. His gray ensemble molded to his body, showcasing his wide shoulders and powerful thighs. That he was to be hers was hard to grasp.

A jolt of panic struck, and Wren hesitated. Then their gazes met, and she found herself lost in his eyes and everyone disappeared until there was only him. Her breathing instantly calmed.

Upon coming to stand next to him, he took her hand in his and leaned to speak into her ear. “Calm down, little dove. Remember, I love you.”

Wren took a deep breath, and then she looked to the vicar.

The vicar spoke in low tones, and they repeated the vows he gave them, Grant with assuredness, while Wren’s voice cracked with emotion.

When the vicar asked for rings, gold bands were produced and slipped onto each other’s fingers. Wren was pleasantly surprised that hers fit perfectly. When pronounced husband and wife, Grant pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. She was sure her cheeks were bright red when he released her, but she didn’t care. She was Grant Murray’s wife.

It was the happiest moment of her life.

There was a loud sniff and Wren turned to find her aunt looking up to the sky. She followed the woman’s line of sight, noting rays of sun streaming from the clouds and she felt her family’s presence. They’d come to wish her well.

*

Everyone moved insideto the dining room, which had been decorated with large vases of fresh flowers. The wedding meal was resplendent; meats, vegetables, breads, cheeses, and pies of every variety were served by the efficient staff. Wren had expected not to have an appetite, but the opposite was true. Every dish that was presented was more tempting than the last and she tasted a bit of each.

The sun had fallen by the time they’d finished the meal and toasts were made.

“It is time for you to leave the festivities,” Aunt Mairid informed Wren. “Go on upstairs.” Her aunt hugged her tightly. When they pulled back, tears slid down her aunt’s face. “Your mother would be so very happy today.”

“Good night,” Lars and his wife chorused, and then they and her aunt left to travel back to town.

Across the room, Grant laughed at something someone said, then sensing her gaze, he turned and immediately walked to where she stood at the bottom of the stairs. Without a word, he lifted her into his arms and carried her up the stairs while the guests cheered and clapped below.

*

Once inside avery masculine bedchamber, he lowered her to stand. Wren wasn’t sure what to do. Thankfully Grant took over, first pulling her against him, his mouth covering hers with soft kisses.

“You were resplendent today, Mrs. Murray,” he whispered in her ear. “I cannot wait to make you mine.”

The feel of his warm lips over hers, pressing on the corners of hers, then traveling down the side of her neck, his tongue licking circles. A soft moan erupted as she clung to him.

Trailing a path to her shoulder then back up to nibble on her ear sent tendrils of desire through Wren. It was so very nice, these new sensations that stirred within her, then up and down her body.

His mouth never leaving her body, moving provocatively to her throat, Grant managed to untie the laces that held her dress in place. In a haze, she noted the dress slipping off her shoulders, past her hips, and falling to the floor. She should have been shocked, or at least worried about the gown, but all she was fully aware of was that she wanted to be taken by this man.

Finally, he stepped back. There was a curve to his lips as he slid his coat off, then his vest, and finally he unbuttoned and removed his shirt. When his hands went to the waistband of his trousers, Wren stared in astonishment. She’d seen him naked before and knew he had a beautiful body, but tonight, it was so very different, because he was her husband and now his body belonged to her. With hungry eyes, she watched closely as he bent and quickly did away with his stockings, then finally removed his trousers.

Wren swallowed, her gaze pinned to his aroused member. That she had definitely not seen before.

“You caused this,” he said, taking himself in hand. “I am aroused at the thought of being with you.”

Sleek and graceful, moving as she imagined a panther after prey moved, he closed the distance, and taking hold of the hem of her chemise, pulled it off, over her head. Grant’s sharp intake of breath was followed by him sliding both hands down her sides. “You are perfection.”

Wren was aware men preferred full breasts like hers, a slender waist, and soft rounded hips. Her body seemed to please Grant, and she was dizzy with happiness.