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“Your father seemed genuinely happy.”
“Oh, he is,” she said, laughing, and then got very serious. “Theo, those things I said, they were horrible. I cannot believe they even came out of my mouth. I am mortified.”
“It’s okay,” I said. “I know why you said it.”
“It’s not okay.” She shook her head. “You are so much more than what I insinuated. I love you. I didn’t believe a single word I said. I felt like someone took over my body that day. My father’s words tumbled out. I know I hurt you. It kills me to know just how badly I hurt you. I’m so sorry.”
“I’m okay,” I assured her. “Yes, it hurt. Yes, I was pissed, but I know those weren’t your words. I know you didn’t feel that way. You’re a good actress, but not that good.”
She laughed and shook her head. “Good. I will make a public statement—”
I stopped her. “No. No more public anything. I don’t give a shit what everyone thinks about our marriage. I only care about you and what you think. I understand you’ve been in this world your whole life. You don’t know any different. I didn’t really get it before, but I do now.”
“I want to be in your world,” she said. “I want to live the way you guys do. I want to be free.”
“I want that as well,” I said, smiling. “I know we will have that.”
We sat in silence for a few minutes, both lost in thought. I couldn’t believe that she had finally come around. It had been a difficult road, but we had finally made it.
“I’m sorry,” she said again. “I’m sorry for everything. I certainly didn’t make it easy for you to love me.”
“It’s okay,” I said, reaching over to take her hand. “We’ve both said some things we didn’t mean. And it has been very easy to love you, which is why the whole interview thing hurt.”
She turned to me, her eyes shining. “I love you, Theo. So much.”
“I love you too,” I said, leaning in to kiss her.
As our lips met, a wave of passion washed over me. It was as if everything that had happened between us had led to this moment. Our love had grown stronger, and the connection between us was undeniable.
I pulled her closer to me, deepening the kiss. She responded with equal fervor, her hands running through my hair. Heat emanated from her body, and it was intoxicating.
“Oh,” she gasped as I pushed her away from me.
“Sorry,” I said and ran a hand through my hair to try and fix the mess. “I would love nothing more than to take you somewhere very private, but your father is here. My parents are here. They would all kick my ass if I dared.”
She laughed and adjusted her bodice. “You’re right. I always forget where I am when I’m with you. They’re going to need to turn the hose on us.”
“That would ruin that pretty dress,” I teased.
It would be easy to stay in the garden the rest of the night, but I didn’t want to totally besmirch her reputation. “We should go in,” I whispered.
Reluctantly, we made our way back to the grand ballroom. The dancing and celebrating was in full swing. As we entered, I leaned in and whispered a few words to Lady Hamilton, who beamed and nodded in response. Moments later, her voice resonated through the room as she made a momentous announcement.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” she began, her voice carrying over the hushed murmurs of the guests. “I am delighted to share that tonight, another match has blossomed into a beautiful proposal. Mr. Theo Ashford and Princess Emilie Hansen are now engaged!”
The room erupted into joyful applause, the sound echoing off the elegant walls. I held Emilie close as everyone cheered us on. Amidst the applause and cheers, I looked up to the second floor and locked eyes with Emilie’s father, who nodded in approval. A sense of relief washed over me as I saw his smile, knowing that he had given us his blessing. Turning my attention to my own parents, I saw their looks of pride and happiness.
“Shall we dance?” I asked her.
“I would love to,” she said, smiling. “My future husband.”
As we swayed to the music, my mind raced with thoughts of our future together. Emilie was everything I had ever wanted in a wife—intelligent, witty, and beautiful. I couldn’t wait to make her mine forever.
As the night continued, we danced, laughed, and celebrated our engagement with friends and family. I couldn’t help but steal glances at Emilie, my heart bursting with love for the incredible woman who had stolen my heart. Even Sophia begrudgingly congratulated us.
I had everything I could ever want. With Emilie by my side, I knew that together, we could conquer anything life threw our way. I couldn’t wait to get started on the rest of our lives together. I was going to push for a quick wedding. Hell, I would marry her tomorrow if it was allowed.
Toward the end of the night, Emilie and I found a quiet moment to sip champagne.
