“Yes, miss.”
“As it’s my future they’re discussing, I don’t think they’ll mind my popping in.” She reached for the door and jerked slightly when it opened without her pushing on it. She stared at the man who it appeared was striving to take his leave. “Mr. Lassiter.”
“Miss Trewlove.”
“What in heaven’s name are you doing here?”
Matthew appeared in the doorway, edged passed Lassiter, and settled a hand on her waist. “He’s my solicitor. I wanted to get the settlement agreed to as I intend to get a special license and marry you as quickly as possible.”
“Your solicitor.” Turning into Matthew, she wound her arms around his neck. “You wouldn’t also happen to go by the name anonymous, would you?”
“I have many clients, Miss Trewlove,” Mr. Lassiter said.
“I’m sure you do.”
“It’s all right, Lassiter. A man shouldn’t keep secrets from his betrothed.”
“You got their blessings?”
“I did. Each and every one of them.”
She gave him her sauciest smile. “Matthew Sommersby, are there any other names you go by that I should know about?”
“The man who will always love you.”
Rising up on her toes, she captured his mouth, not caring one whit that they had an audience.
Three weeks later, Fancy stood in the vestibule beside Beast, waiting rather impatiently as her brothers and brother-by-marriage escorted their wives to their places on the first pew, where her mother was already seated. Fancy was excited, thrilled, anticipating the day, anticipating life. The church was packed to the rafters.
“You don’t have to do this, you know,” Beast said quietly, with teasing lacing his voice.
With a small laugh, she looked up at him. “Oh yes, I do. I love him so much, Beast. I’ve never been happier.”
“That much is obvious, sweetheart.”
Her brothers strode back up the aisle, all so handsome and confident, not at all intimidated by those filling the pews: the earls, marquesses, dukes, countesses, marchionesses, duchesses. But then why should they be when their family was slowly expanding to include so many of them? When they reached her, they each gave her a hug and a peck on the cheek.
“Ready?” Mick asked.
She smiled brightly. “Absolutely.”
“No doubts?” Aiden asked.
“None whatsoever.”
“You’ve not known him long.” Finn, who had met his love when he was barely a man, gave voice to his worries.
“I’ve known him long enough.”
Beast, having already said his piece, merely gave her a nod and a warm smile.
“Can we get going?” she asked. “I’m anxious to begin the remainder of my life.”
Mick offered his arm, and she took it. Then he gave a signal and the organist began playing her favorite waltz. It wasn’t traditional, but it was special to her and Matthew.
Mick started leading her down the aisle, her other brothers following. Out of the corners of her eyes she was aware of people standing, but her entire focus was on the man at the altar waiting for her. It brought tears to her eyes to see so much love reflected in the green of his. He was so frightfully handsome in his gray trousers, white waistcoat, and navy coat. When they were near enough, he winked at her.
“Who gives this woman away?” echoed through the church.
