AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“As for your other requirement. Have you forgotten about my rather large dowry?”
He blinked, and red tinged the tips of his ears. “I didn’t ask you to marry me because of that.”
She reached over and squeezed his hand.
Another growl rose from the corner.
“For goodness’ sake, Victor, will you please cease that nonsense?” She squeezed Timothy’s hand again. “As I was going to say, I know that. The look in your eyes when you defended me from Victor confirmed it.”
“What look was that?”
“Everything I ever hoped to see. Passion. Love.”
She schooled her face into her most serious expression. “However, it doesn’t change the fact that my funds will do wonders to restore your coffers. I do have my standards, you know. This place needs a woman’s touch. I think I shall start with a fresh coat of paint, and this sofa needs to be reupholstered or replaced. And some brighter paintings, those are so drab—”
He pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly, driving any other thought of redecorating from her head.
Victor growled more loudly.
“Quiet, Victor,” Priscilla and Timothy said in unison, then laughed.
“I love you,” Timothy whispered, pressing his forehead against hers.
“I’ll be sure to remind you of that the next time I throw a boot at your head.”
* * *
Four weeks later,Timothy stood at the front of the church, waiting for the ceremony to begin. His fingers itched to reach for his pocket watch and check the time.
Where was she?
Laurence poked him in the ribs with his elbow.
“Ow,” Timothy said, keeping his voice low.
“I vaguely remember someone telling me it would be over before I knew it. Interestingly, I found my wedding ceremony to be only the beginning.”
“I meant the ceremony, you dolt,” Timothy hissed back.
“As I said . . .” Laurence grinned, then poked him again.
“Will you stop—” The next words screeched to a halt on his tongue as Priscilla entered the nave of the church on her father’s arm. She hadn’t left him at the altar as he feared.
Breath hitched in his throat, and his eyes never left her as she made her way toward him—to become his forever.
And he couldn’t be happier.
Once he’d decided to marry her, his whole life seemed to click into place. When he’d lost his faith in love and refused to succumb to its passions, it was because he’d placed his trust in the wrong woman, and the guilt over taking another man’s life was the price he paid.
But rather than use and trap him, Priscilla had proven time and again she only wished to protect him, even if it meant sacrificing her dreams.
There would be trials and struggles for certain. Harry had expressed his doubts about the match, but had still wished him joy and promised to keep an open mind.
Likewise, Bea had expressed reservations about Timothy’s choice of brides, but confessed that upon witnessing the joy on his face, she would make allowances. Timothy rather thought it had more to do with Priscilla’s interest in Bea’s scientific articles. More than once, as Bea rambled on and on about her latest interest, Priscilla had sent Timothy a discreet wink.
It would appear his bride had a way with people if they gave her half a chance.
When she reached his side, his only thought was that once they were wed, she could have her way withhimas often and in any manner she wished.
