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I felt my face warm. “So do you.”
His smile broke into something wonderfully, gloriously unguarded.
I had never seen Alexander Blackwood look less like the Patron of Blackwood Hall…
…and more like the man waiting for me.
* * *
The officiant welcomed our family and friends before inviting us to join our lives together.
Alexander’s hands remained around mine as the ceremony began, his fingers tightening gently around mine.
When the time came to exchange rings, Marcus stepped forward. Somewhere to my left, Charlotte’s heel caught against the marble and her balance dipped. Marcus moved. Half a step, one hand already lifting toward her. Then she caught herself, and he stopped where he stood, his hand falling back to his side.
Marcus turned back toward Winston, untied the rings from the ribbon at his collar, and handed mine to Alexander. Alexander took my left hand and slipped it onto my finger. The ring settled into place. It belonged there.
When it was my turn, Alexander offered me his hand. The gold band slipped easily onto his finger, and for a long, quiet moment, neither of us looked away.
The vows belonged only to us. So they remain there still. Some promises are too sacred to become stories.
When we had finished, the officiant smiled warmly. “It is my great pleasure to present Mr. Alexander Blackwood and Dr. Emilia Blackwood.”
Applause filled the conservatory as Alexander looked at me with wonder. He lifted one hand to my cheek before leaning forward to kiss me.
For the first time in my life, I understood that home had always been more than a place.
It was also a person.
* * *
The reception occupied the adjoining conservatory, where another soaring glass ceiling rose above the winter greenery.
Candlelight moved across the tables, catching in the crystal. Beyond the glass, snow kept falling over Blackwood Hall while laughter and music inside made the winter feel very far away. The quartet had given way to a small orchestra, and couples drifted across the dance floor. Winston accepted entirely too much attention from delighted guests.
Mateo hugged me so tightly my feet nearly left the floor.
“I knew he’d figure it out,” he said, grinning at Alexander before pulling me into another embrace.
Priya waited patiently for her turn before wrapping her arms around me. “I’m so happy for you, Dr. Blackwood.”
I smiled. It was a new experience hearing my name. “So am I.”
A little later, I spotted Priya near the edge of the dance floor talking to Daniel Brooks. He leaned closer to say something over the music, and Priya laughed.
I smiled and looked away before she caught me watching.
Charlotte was already on the dance floor before dinner had even been served. At some point, Georg joined her. I watched him offer his hand with practiced formality, and Charlotte accepted with a smile before he led her into the next dance.
Marcus stood nearby speaking with one of the trustees. His gaze moved toward the dance floor once. Then he returned to his conversation.
Alexander appeared beside me carrying two glasses of champagne. He handed one to me before leaning closer.
“May I steal my wife for a moment?”
The words made me smile. “I think that depends where you’re taking me.”
“There’s one more thing I’d like you to see.”
