Hobart had Louisa’s hand in the crook of his arm and was halfway down the aisle when someone yelled the word ‘stop.’
He turned to see Frederick running toward them, out of breath and in his travelling clothes.
Louisa didn’t care. She put out her arms.
“Oh, Father, you came.”
“I did. Did I miss anything?”
“You almost missed walking her down the aisle. Now get to the back, and we’ll start this over,” Hobart said.
Louisa beamed, and Frederick nodded. They went to the entrance of the church and stood until they heard the clap.
Her hand was in the crook of his arm. She looked up at him with a radiant smile.
“You made it.”
“Barely,” Frederick said.” “I’m sorry I’m not dressed. And I probably smell like horses. I travelled through the night.”
“You look handsome to me,” she said.
“Frederick.” Percy nodded.
“Hi there.” he grinned as Louisa joined him, and they turned towards the priest.
“Hi,” she said taking deep breaths. She was nervous. For once, he didn’t think it was because of him. Frederick and this big, fancy wedding caused it. She wanted everything to be perfect. It was already far from perfect, and the priest had yet to say a word.
And memorable. He would probably forget most of it within the year. He would never forget Frederick’s dramatic entrance, and he knew he would never forget Louisa lifting her skirts to wade up to her ankles in the warm ocean water in Sicily.
The priest jarred him out of his thoughts, starting the ceremony. His lovely bride and best friend was breathing normally now. A good sign.
He and the reluctant priest had agreed that Percy could speak after the exchange of vows. Percy had been frustrated by the priest’s unwillingness to go against the church protocol, but Percy had finally persuaded him with a generous donation to the church.
While they were facing each other after their vows had been spoken, Percy shocked Louisa and the rest of the guests by speaking directly to her.
“Louisa. You are my love, the only person who has ever given me unconditional love. Since the day we met, our souls knew we belonged together. Our brains needed to catch up.”
There was laughter from the guests, something Percy had expected.
“I want to thank you for allowing me to be your husband. It is a great privilege, and I will never take it or you for granted. I love you.”
With tears in her eyes, Louisa said, “And I love you.”
THE END
