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Her eyes met mine, and there was a vulnerability in her gaze that I hadn’t seen before. She took a deep breath. “I’ve been closed off for so long, Theo. I’ve been so focused on just getting through my sister’s marriage, I never thought about a life that included love. Now, I’ve been thrust into a life of duty. With all my new responsibilities, I didn’t think there was room for anything else.”
I nodded. “I get it, Emilie. But if we’re going to make this work, if we’re going to find a way to balance honor and love, then you need to be open to the possibility of a real marriage.”
She looked at me, her expression softening. “I’ve been learning, Theo. Learning how to be open to it. I can’t promise that it will be easy, but I’m willing to try.”
A smile crept across my face, relief flooding through me. “That’s all I needed to know, Emilie.”
As we stood there, the tension that had once hung between us began to dissipate. The road ahead would obviously be filled with challenges, but it felt like there was a chance. In that moment, I felt a renewed sense of hope and determination.
I took Emilie’s hand, and together, we walked back toward the main building.
“You’re a stubborn man, Theo Ashford.”
I grinned. “You’re a stubborn woman.”
Emilie chuckled, and for the first time in a long time, it felt like the sound wasn’t forced. “Touché.”
We walked in comfortable silence for a few moments before Emilie spoke up again. “I have to admit, I didn’t expect you to be so understanding about all of this. I thought you would be angry or resentful toward me.”
I squeezed her hand reassuringly. “Emilie, I may not have known you for long, but I know you well enough to see that you’re not doing this to hurt me. You have a duty to your family, and I respect that.”
Emilie’s eyes softened as she looked up at me. “Theo, I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything,” I replied, pulling her into a gentle embrace. “Just know that I’m here for you, and I always will be. Marriage means partnership to me. You are going to have a huge weight on your shoulders. If I’m going to be your husband, then I need you to let me help you shoulder that burden. We’re supposed to be a team.”
“I appreciate that.”
As we continued to walk, the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the estate. We passed by the rose garden, and Emilie paused to inhale the sweet fragrance of the flowers.
“Does this mean I can talk to you again?” I asked with a faint smile.
“I hope you will,” she replied.
30
EMILIE
The day’s meetings at the property had come to an end, and Theo and I decided to take a well-deserved break for dinner. Scotland was known for its culinary delights, and I relished the opportunity to savor some of the local dishes with Theo.
The driver pulled to a stop in front of a rustic restaurant. We asked him to take us somewhere great and this was where we ended up. It seemed a little rundown, but I was going to trust the local.
“Are you sure about this?” Theo whispered in my ear.
I laughed. “Sure. I think.”
As we settled into the cozy restaurant, the tantalizing scents of Scottish cuisine filled the air. The menu was filled with tempting options, and I couldn’t resist the urge to try something new. Usually, when we visited, my mother’s private chef followed.
“Feeling brave?” I asked.
“I’m sure they have Pepto Bismol here, right,” he said, laughing.
I glanced at Theo, a smile playing at my lips. “I’ve heard they make a mean haggis here. Care to give it a try?”
Theo chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “Why not? When in Scotland, right?”
We ordered a haggis dish to share and a selection of other traditional Scottish fare. As we waited for our food, the conversation flowed effortlessly, and it was a welcome change from the tension that had plagued us the last couple of days.
Theo began to share stories from his childhood, tales of growing up in a close-knit family with siblings who were as different as night and day. His anecdotes were filled with laughter and warmth, and I found myself drawn into his world.
