Deep in her core, Ashley knew it didn’t matter where she lived or who she pretended to be. All that mattered was the kind of person she was. She was Ashley Bennett, and she accepted her past, embraced this better version of herself, the woman in love with a man who was more than six hundred years older than she. A man she loved so deeply that she was willing to sacrifice her heart for his happiness. Somehow, she’d found the strength to let him go.
“I will never let you go. You are the other half of my soul. And you may not believe I would change my mind, but I know in my heart I do not need children. I only need you. Now say you will marry me.”
She looked into his eyes, saw the love for her reflected within, and felt peace flow through her.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Christian swung her around. “I will love you for the rest of my days. Together we will be our own family.”
He captured her mouth, bruising her lips, claiming her as his tongue traced her lips and met hers in a dance as old as time. Their souls joined, the light banishing the darkness. Ashley had come home.
Couldher life get any better? Today she was getting married, and tomorrow was Christmas Eve. She stood in the chamber letting the girls dry her off after her bath. Never in a million years was this how she would’ve imagined her wedding. Of course, she’d never thought of her wedding at all, but it certainly wouldn’t have taken place in medieval England in a castle.
Anna had given her herbs to put in her bath, and Elizabeth had given her some lotion. Ashley begged for the recipe, and Elizabeth laughed, saying it was one of Aunt Pittypat’s—the sisters had figured out how to replicate it with what they had on hand, and would share it with her.
For the first time in her life she had sisters, or would soon have. Ashley choked back a sob at the thought. Women she barely knew felt like family, and they were all here to see her marry Christian.
There hadn’t been time to have a new dress made. They wanted to marry while everyone was here. With a critical eye, she looked at her dresses. Any of them would do, so which one should she wear? The sound of the door opening made her almost drop her cup of wine. All six women came in, their hands full.
“You don’t think we’d let you get ready without us, did you?” Charlotte said.
“We’ve all brought something.” Lucy smiled.
Melinda added, “You know, something borrowed, something blue.”
Ashley willed herself not to cry. “I don’t know what to say. You all have been so kind to me.”
Anna held up a pair of shoes. “I think we’re the same size, and these would look so pretty on you.”
Elizabeth held up a dress. “When we were leaving, I packed this. Not for Christian’s other bride. I didn’t know why I did, but now I do. It should fit if you’d like to wear it.”
The dress was exquisite, pale velvet, covered in pearls and other semiprecious stones.
“It’s the most beautiful dress I’ve ever seen,” Ashley said.
Jennifer held up a pair of earrings. “I bought these at the last market day. The emeralds will match your eyes.”
Lucy handed Ashley a bundle wrapped in fabric. “Go on, open it. I finished it late last night.”
Ashley sat on the bed and opened the bundle. Inside was the most beautifully crocheted cape. It was a soft gray wool, thick and heavy. It looked like something she would have paid thousands for back in New York. She pulled it over her head and hugged it tight. She’d never been a crier, but the past few days? Nonstop tears. Of sadness and joy.
“Thank you, Lucy. I think it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever owned.”
Charlotte handed her an embroidered handkerchief. “Don’t cry. Your face will get all red, and Christian will wonder what we’ve been doing to you.”
Ashley dipped it in the cold water and blotted her face and eyes.
“I’ve come to realize that home isn’t a place. Home is made up of the ones you love. They are your home no matter where or when you are.” She blew her nose. “It isn’t just Christian. I know it’s only been a short while, but I consider all of you family. You have made me feel like I belong. I can never thank you enough.”
“Now you’re making all of us cry,” Anna said as everyone wiped their eyes.
Charlotte took something out of her pocket and held up a necklace. “I want you to have this.”
Ashley shook her head. “Charlotte, I can’t. That’s Aunt Pittypat’s necklace. The one you guys were talking about.”
“Then borrow it for the ceremony. I know she would be so happy you’re wearing it.”
Ashley nodded and let Charlotte put it over her head.
