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Rathmore stepped closer, leaning his hand on Damian’s shoulder. “You’ve picked a good one. She’ll make you happy if you let her.”
Those words reverberated in his chest as Raithe stopped in front of him, silently handing Cassandra over to him.
The moment her hand slipped into his, a warmth filled him that he hadn’t expected.
She was about to be his.
A surge of excitement coursed through his veins that he attempted to push back down. Their eyes met and hers held all the uncertainty that he felt. They were round and wide and her lip trembled just the slightest bit.
Damn. As much as he was in turmoil, he hated to see her looking so scared.
Reaching out a hand, he took her gloved fingers into his. She slipped her arm from Balstead’s and placed both her hands in his. “You came.”
The slight wavering in her voice made his heart twist. But he schooled his voice into a lower, harder pitch. He needed to keep his distance. “Of course, I did. I said I would.”
She shook her head. “I know but people don’t always do what they say they will.”
That was the truth. But the words stuck in his throat. Because to say them felt like a comfort he wasn’t certain he could give.
“Are we ready to begin?” The vicar asked.
They both nodded and the ceremony began.
The words cut into him as he promised to love, honor, and cherish her for the rest of his days.
He would.
He’d take care of her for all her days. And that included making certain she had a fund so if anything happened to him, she’d never depend on a man or a marriage again.
Deep in the back of his thoughts, he wondered what drove him to be so committed. Never had it been so important to care for another person.
He squeezed her hands tighter, as she repeated her vows, her voice trembling.
Damian wanted to kiss her.
He needed her to know that she’d be safe in his hands. But somehow, expressing any emotion felt like opening a door. One he wasn’t certain his heart could manage.
And finally, he was able to kiss his bride. Her lips were like warm, sweet summer berries under his and he breathed her in, wishing for more. Which made him jolt away. How was he going to keep his distance?
The small audience broke out in applause and they turned to face the small assembly, but Cassandra’s lips were set in a decided frown.
“Balstead is going to have a wedding breakfast for us.”
She gave a stiff nod, her eyes assessing him with a great deal of uncertainty. “Yes. He mentioned it.”
“Then we’re to go to his other home on the property.”
“I’m very grateful,” she answered, looking over to him. “Thank you.”
They stepped out and immediately slid to the side. “Today is for celebrating. Tomorrow we can discuss our future.”
He felt her still under his arm. “All right.”
He frowned. He wasn’t certain what he wanted to hear from her. Perhaps that she’d like to stay by his side. That he was the future she wanted not just the one that was convenient. But she stood silently by his side as the guests made their way outside.
Chapter Fourteen
Cassandra’s new husband sat across from her in the carriage, his features set in harsh lines. He’d yet to meet her eyes.
