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Reverend Charles stood in front of them, his back to the fireplace, Bible in hand. The Smiths and the Watsons took their seats, varied expressions painting their faces, all of which William decided he would not try to interpret. Had they more time they might have waited for banns to be read and for a more proper celebration to be planned. But as it was, the marriage needed to remain quiet, his existence as hushed as possible. He only hoped his bride didn’t begrudge the hastiness of their union. Though since she had been the one to offer the arrangement, he figured she was content. Hoped she was so.
He peeked again at Mrs. Rone. She peered at her folded hands, allowing William a perfect view of her long, black lashes. She looked up and inhaled a quick, delicate breath when their gazes met.
“Have you a ring?”
The reverend’s question struck him. William swallowed a growl beneath an apologetic smile.
Reverend Charles nodded. “None is truly needed. The vows before God are all that really—”
“I have a ring.” Mrs. Rone’s quiet voice came between them, her hand at her neck. “You may use this.”
William reached out and touched his fingers to hers as she prepared to remove the ring from its chain. “You needn’t do that.”
Her dainty mouth slanted up as she reached behind her and unfastened the chain. With the ring in her hand, she met William’s pointed gaze with her own. “I know.” She handed it to the reverend. “Will this be sufficient?”
The reverend took it thoughtfully and nodded. “It will, my dear.”
William’s heart tipped. Knowing what this ring meant to her, how it had pained her at the thought of losing it, he could hardly believe she could wear it again—with him—a man she hardly knew and didn’t love. The scrolled engraving glowed in his memory. Forget not he who loveth thee. Now, this woman would marry him. A man who must keep the truest parts of himself hidden from her. Not of desire, but of necessity.
Lord, forgive me. Help her to forgive me.
The reverend began. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together to join this man and this woman…”
William tried to think, to focus on the words the reverend spoke. He couldn’t. His mind raced. What was he thinking? She was beautiful, no doubt of that. Kind and generous to be sure—
“William?”
He looked at Reverend Charles, feigning grave attentiveness. “Aye?”
“Repeat after me. I, William Fredericks.”
He shifted his feet and met her eyes. “I, William Fredericks…”
“Take thee,” The reverend stopped. “Forgive me, I didn’t ask your full name.”
She licked her lips, barely speaking aloud. “Anna Fairchild Martin Rone.”
The blood in William’s veins halted. His lungs no longer took in air. Anna? Dearest Lord in heaven, was that truly her name? He shook his head to force some circulation back into his brain. He hadn’t heard correctly.
Reverend Charles spoke again, waiting for a response.
In the seconds that followed, William lectured himself. He couldn’t back down, not over a name. That’s all it was. She knew nothing of Anna Muhr and would be nothing like her. Would she? Nay. Show your backbone, Henry.
He raised his head, repeating the words he’d been given. “I, William, take thee, Anna, to be my wedded wife…”
And so they continued. Though to William, ’twas more a dream. Lights and colors. Sounds and scents. Movement and shadows.
All would be over soon. It must.
Then the words, “You may now kiss your bride.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
Kiss?
Anna choked on her breath. She shot a pleading glance to the young reverend. Surely they could forego that part of the ceremony. His bright eyes and smile said otherwise. Her blood charged and she sent a look to her new friends, skillfully avoiding the glance of the man in front of her. Both women exhibited partial grins and raised brows, as if unsure whether to cheer or reassure.
She tapped her toes in her shoes. Well, they were husband and wife now. No turning back time. Forward with courage. She lifted her eyes and her face instantly heated. Her mouth went dry. William looked directly at her, emotions flashing through his eyes faster than she could name them. Angled jaw ticking, his gaze went from her eyes to her mouth then up again. The blue of his gaze turned a deep navy and he cupped the back of her head before he descended, his warm mouth closing over hers.
