Dinner was served as soon as the new arrivals were refreshed and presentable. The meal passed with a happy din of chatter and laughter. Jemma and Ben held hands between courses, Jemma’s hand resting on his thigh. They were both exhausted by the time they tumbled into their own beds, but neither fell asleep immediately. It was Jemma’s last night in the chamber she’d had since she left the cradle in her parents' suite. It was the first time Ben would welcome a woman into a bed he claimed as his own. He’d already gained experience before he had known Jemma. But once he’d met her, he’d favored a handful of women away from Bedruthan Steps, Polruan, and Lantic Bay, never wanting word to reach Jemma. He’d made no commitment to her, so he never felt unfaithful. His only guilt came from rarely looking at the women’s faces, so he could imagine he was with Jemma. That would never be an issue again.
Morning came, and they both prepared for the wedding. Ben left with his father and brother, making his way to the church in Lantic Bay. His heart expanded to near bursting when the church doors opened, and Jemma appeared on her father’s arm. Never had he seen a more radiant figure. She’d donned a traditional Indian gown, much like she’d worn the day they met, but far more ornate. Her raven tresses hung over her shoulder, and he recalled how they reminded him of silk whenever he ran his hand over them. He wished they could have an evening wedding, so they would have less time to wait until they retired. He wanted nothing more than to strip his bride and discoverevery inch of her. As she came to stand beside him, her eyes roving over him approvingly, he suspected she shared his wish.
The moment their hands joined, the world fell away, just as it did when they kissed. Father Hope was the only other person who existed to them. They exchanged their vows, meaning each word they spoke, and sealed their pledge with a kiss. This one differed from the others. Tenderness overshadowed the simmering passion. It was a promise of a lifetime together, a family they would build together, a home they would make for themselves, and a love that would endure.
When they opened the church doors, everyone discovered it was snowing. The crips white dusting along with the rich evergreen aroma from the bows decorating the church made it look like they stepped into a fairytale.
The Rowes and Pedricks rode back to Jemma’s family home. The newlyweds rode in a carriage by themselves. The ride was only fifteen minutes, but they made the most of it. Ben lowered the shades on each side and lifted Jemma into his lap.
“I’ve waited for this moment for days, but I’ve dreamed of it for years. I can finally call you wife.” Ben nuzzled her neck as she tangled her fingers in his hair. Seated, she could reach with ease. She angled her head, encouraging him to graze his teeth along her throat before his tongue dipped into the hollow between her collarbones.
“I can finally call you husband.” Jemma shifted and cupped his face before kissing him.
“Happy Christmas, Wife.”
“Happy Christmas, Husband.”
Need exploded between them now they were legally wed and allowed to indulge in their desires. Ben gathered her flowing skirts until he could feel her satiny thighs. He lifted her and guided her legs apart to straddle his lap. The heat from her mons pressed against his breeches, making his cock swell to a nearlypainful fullness within the fabric’s confines. He ran his hands up and down her thighs, his thumbs pressing along the inside of the firm limbs.
“I will not make love to you for the first time in a carriage, Jemma. But I would bring you pleasure again.”
They sank into their kiss, and he swept his fingers along her seam. He groaned as he felt her dew coat his fingers. She was as eager as he, and he fought to maintain his restraint. One day, he would make love to his wife in a carriage, but it wouldn’t be before their wedding breakfast. His fingers dipped into her sheath, his other hand guiding her hips as they naturally undulated against him. His thumb found her pearl and circled it. Her fingers gripped his shoulders through his suit coat.
“I want to touch you too, Ben.” She tried to reach between them, but her skirts were in the way, and her body was pressed flush with his.
“If you do, I shall embarrass myself in front of everyone.” At Jemma’s furrowed brow, he chuckled. “My release shall stain my breeches. I can’t arrive at Rowe House with a puddle on the front of my pants.”
Jemma’s mouth opened in a circle, which widened when she felt Ben’s cock twitch beneath her. She glanced down again, but he increased the pressure as his hand worked her quim. Her head fell back, her hair brushing against his knees. She rode his hand until a tightening began low in her belly. She strained until euphoria burst forth. It began as a sensation lapping at her before cresting into a tsunami. Her head fell forward onto his shoulder as she struggled not to cry out.
“Let me see you, Jem.” Ben whispered against her ear. She straightened as her climax reached its peak and subsided. He kissed her as he continued to work her sheath until she felt the same ecstasy. Ben reveled in her expressions, the feeling of her entrance tightening around his fingers, and the spasms thatwracked her body. They were pulling up to the front steps when he withdrew his hand. She watched him lick his fingers with a wolfish expression. “I shall make a proper meal of you later, Jem.”
“I’d like that.”
“I hope you shall enjoy it far more than just a simple like.”
“Oh,” Jemma giggled and blushed. “I meant I’d like to experience that again. I look forward to being your meal. Can you be mine?”
Ben choked, still surprised by some of the things Jemma said. “We can talk about that later, and you can decide if it’s something you’d like to try once you know what it entails.”
Jemma pressed her lips together, then ran her tongue between them. “I sort of already do. You know I saw the pictures in the book. I’ve also heard maids talking about it, and I overheard some grooms once. They were—uh—rather specific.”
“Are you an eavesdropper, Wife?”
Jemma flushed. “Sometimes.”
“Then it is a good thing I won’t keep secrets from you. Come before your family investigates what’s taking us so long.”
“I think they’re all sensible enough not to intrude on a couple that’s only been married half an hour and is alone.” Nonetheless, Jemma slipped from his lap and straightened her skirts. Ben rapped on the carriage roof, and the door opened. He stepped out first, then helped Jemma down, his hands around her waist despite how easy it would have been for her to climb down the steps. He pressed a quick, hard kiss to her lips before wrapping her arm around his. Their family awaited them in the drawing room, where every set of eyes turned to them as they entered. They both refused to be ashamed of what they’d done. They were finally married, after all.
The wedding breakfast was delicious and tiresome. They exchanged their Christmas gifts along with toasts to the happycouple. Any other year, it would be joyful to have everyone together. But this year, the newlyweds wanted to unwrap their own private presents. Jemma and Ben exchanged sly glances as the meal drew on, course after course. Their families chattered around them merrily, and they joined the conversations. But they wanted nothing more than to be alone. They both had unsatisfied fantasies they wished to explore. When the mealfinallyconcluded, they both wondered what their families would force them to endure next. It was only early afternoon, so it was far too soon for them to retire. As they left the dining room, Jemma drew Ben to the side.
“Let’s go for a walk. I cannot listen anymore, and I’m growing irritable because I can’t be closer to you.”
“I feel the same. We aren’t traveling anywhere today, so this afternoon shall be interminable. We can walk along the clifftop and watch the water.” Ben waggled his eyebrows. Neither would look out to sea, and it would be far too cold to stand there for long. He led her to the drawing room door where they could see the rest of the family gathered. He noticed there were games set up, and the children were already at play. Unfortunately, Jemma’s other cousin, Lydia, hadn’t attended because her older sister expected a baby at any moment. Vinita and Ben’s mother, Anna, sat together. Charlie was on the ground playing with the children, while Steven, Charles, Theo, Raj, and Jemma’s brothers stood near the fireplace talking. The couple looked at one another before walking turning toward the front door.
“Ben?”
“Mother, we’re going for a walk.” Ben’s tone was resolute as he took Jemma’s hand in his. They entwined their fingers and continued their progress. No one appeared inclined to stop them, so they meandered the path to the summerhouse. When they entered, it shocked them to find someone had aired out all the furniture, and a fire already burned in the hearth.
