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Elizabeth looked into Robert’s eyes, and a single tear fell. “I pledge the same to you, Robbie, my love.” She turned to Ash and kissed him. “I pledge my heart and life to you, Ash.” She shook her head with a laugh. “Blasted tears. You’d think that I’d be stronger than this.”
“You mean just like you were on that New Year’s Day when you made us swim in the ice-cold pond? You stayed in while Ash and I yelped as soon as the water was at our waists and hurried to the shore.” A crooked smile pulled at Robert’s lips. “Lizzie, we’re all strong here. What’s in our hearts for each other isn’t a weakness. It’s a gift. Just remember, love”—Robert gently tilted her chin until she met his gaze—“we’re making our own paths and decisions.”
“You’re right,” she said, biting her lip.
Ash cleared his throat. Never had his heart been this full of all the bounty that lay ahead for the three of them. They had promised themselves to each other, their hearts, and their futures. “From this day forward, I shall only love you both and will vow to keep myself only for you.”
Both Robert and Elizabeth promised the same.
“It’s time,” Robert said. He took Lizzie's hand in his and she took Ash’s in hers and they made their way to the dowager bedroom, the biggest room in the house.
When Robert opened the door, the soft sound of Elizabeth’s surprise floated through the air. There were fresh flowers and a bottle of wine with three glasses on the table.
“You did all this?” she asked in wonder as she twirled around the room.
“I did, but it was Ash’s idea that we make this as special as we could for you.”
“You spoil me, but I love you both with all my heart for it.” She smiled, then pointed to several small pots with seedlings next to the window. “I have something for both of you. I thought we could plant these as a way to remember our day.”
Ash strolled over to the seedlings. “What are these?”
Elizabeth took Robert’s hand and led him to Ash’s side. She pointed to the first pot. “That’s from the maple where we promised to be best friends forever.” Next, she pointed to the middle pot. “The oak where we shared our first kisses.” She blushed prettily as she waved a hand at the third pot. “This is from the elm outside the Dowager House. This will be our forever tree.”
How fitting that she tried to memorialize their futures together with these saplings. Elizabeth loved everything about Wickford, including its trees, pastures, and all the wonderful beauty of nature.
Ash took her in his arms. Reverently, he kissed the tear that stood suspended on her cheek. “Leave it to you to find a beautiful way to remember our happy day.”
She smiled up at him. She had transformed into a beautiful woman as the years slipped by. Gone were her freckles and her stick-straight body. Instead, with her golden blond hair and porcelain blue eyes, she’d become a beauty with curves that never ended. Her face could have rivaled Helen of Troy’s visage.
Ash smiled at Robert and pulled him close so that the three of them were in each other’s embrace. Robert had gone from a gangly lad to a man in a short time. With his black-as-sin hair and deep blue eyes, every person stopped and stared at his beauty. It didn’t make any difference if a man or woman. They all stared, including Ash.
Even Ash had changed. He was no longer a boy but a man who belonged to Robert and Elizabeth.
Robert pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. “We’ll plant the trees at Overton Hall. That’s where we should live.”
Ash raised a skeptical brow.
“I don’t have everything worked out yet, but I will,” Robert said earnestly.
“You never break a promise.” Ash smiled at his lover. “Perhaps you can hire me as your land steward.”
Robert had always looked out for them. Even when they were in trouble for staying out too late on a summer eve, it had been Robert who had rationally explained to their parents how they’d lost track of time. Their elders always accepted his reasons.
“I don’t want to wait. I’m nervous enough as it is.” Elizabeth’s bold gaze met theirs. “Let’s make love.”
The thrum of desire roared through Ash’s body. When his gaze caught Robert’s, he had to feel the same thing. Robbie’s breeches had tented, revealing the outline of his erect cock.
Robert smiled shyly. “We can save the wine and the food for….”
“For afterward,” Elizabeth suggested, then shifted her gaze to him. “Ash?”
He cleared his throat struggling for something witty to say. He was normally the charming one, Robert the stoic, honorable one. And their precious Lizzie was like a wildflower. She bloomed wherever her heart took her. That’s why they were so perfect for one another.
Elizabeth took his hand and squeezed. “I’m as nervous as you. But it’s just us. We’ve seen each other’s bodies and pleasured each other. It’s time for more, don’t you think?”
“Are you sure, Lizzie?” He never wanted her to regret being with the two of them.
“You are mine,” she answered softly. “Just as Robbie is mine…and yours.” She leaned near and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “If you’re not ready, then there’s no need to rush these things.”
