Diana nodded. “I think that you are right.”
Lord Kingsman smiled. “I think on that matter I still will need your assistance, Diana,” he said. “I do not know how to help her to find a husband.”
Diana shrugged. “I think that Grace will find her own husband, without my help or interference!” she said with a grin. “But of course, I will help her in any way that she wants me to.”
“Just promise me you will make sure she is careful,” her father said, a hint of concern returning to his voice. “Love can be unpredictable, and I do not wish to see her hurt.”
“I promise, Father,” she replied, squeezing his hands. “I will help her in any way I can.”
Lord Kingsman sat back in his chair, a peaceful expression on his face. “I think that all will be well,” he said, with a satisfied sigh.
With the weight of their conversation behind them, the three of them - father, daughter, and future son-in-law – sat together, united in love and resolve. As they talked about the future, the memories of Diana’s mother surfaced, and they shared stories that brought laughter and warmth to their hearts.
“She always knew how to bring us together,” Lord Kingsman said with a nostalgic smile. “I remember how she would insist on family dinners, no matter how busy we were.”
Diana laughed, her eyes shining. “And she would insist that the cook made her special roast chicken, insisting it was the secret to our happiness.”
“Indeed, it was,” the marquess agreed, his voice softening. “Your mother had a way of making even the simplest moments feel extraordinary.”
Tristan listened, feeling a sense of belonging as he watched them reminisce. He knew that Diana’s bond with her father was deep, and he respected the love they shared. He felt grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their family, to share in their memories and create new ones together.
As their conversation drew to a natural close, Diana glanced at him shyly. “Tristan, shall we take a walk together outside? Then I will go and speak to Grace, and afterwards we can all have luncheon together.”
Tristan smiled. “Yes, that would be perfect.” He got to his feet and offered her his arm.
They headed out into the gardens, and walked along the path between the flowerbeds, the sweet fragrance of the blooms mingling in the warm morning air. The soft rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze created a serene backdrop, inviting tranquillity and intimacy.
“It is nice to have a moment to ourselves,” Tristan whispered, as they wandered hand in hand, deeper into the garden. The world around them faded as they strolled along the winding paths.
“I have rather lost my sense of where we are,” Tristan said, looking around them. “I never thought I would get lost in a garden.” He glanced around, as if the flowers themselves mightoffer directions. “Though I daresay I could happily wander forever if it means I’m with you.”
Diana smiled, her heart fluttering at his words. “You’re charming as ever, My Lord,” she teased, playfully nudging him with her shoulder. “I hope that you will always remain so, even when we have been married for many years. But I must confess, I know this garden like the back of my hand. If we were to get lost, it would be entirely your fault.”
“Then I shall make it my mission to never lose my way again,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “With you as my guide, how could I ever stray?”
They paused by a particularly vivid patch of roses, their petals unfurling in shades of crimson and blush. Diana leaned down to inhale their sweet scent, the fragrance wrapping around her like a warm embrace. “These remind me of you,” she said softly, glancing back at him with a shy smile. “Strong and bold.”
Tristan stepped closer, his gaze intense. “And you remind me of the sun, illuminating everything around you,” he replied, his voice low and sincere. “I feel like I’ve stepped into a dream since the moment you said yes.”
Diana felt her cheeks flush at his compliment, a warmth spreading through her. “You are too kind,” she murmured, unable to hide her smile. “But I feel the same. It’s as if everything has changed since our engagement. I can’t believe we’re really doing this, after everything we have been through to get here.”
“Neither can I,” Tristan admitted, his expression growing serious. He took a step closer, their bodies almost touching, the air between them charged with unspoken emotions. “But I want you to know how much this means to me. You are my heart, Diana, and I promise to cherish you every day.”
Her breath caught in her throat as she looked into his deep, earnest eyes. “You make me feel cherished already,” she whispered, feeling vulnerable yet safe in his presence. “I never imagined I could be this happy.”
Tristan reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers brushing against her skin. “You deserve all the happiness in the world,” he said softly, his voice a mere whisper. “And I intend to give it to you.”
The moment felt suspended in time, as if the world around them had faded away, leaving only the two of them amidst the blooming flowers. Diana’s heart raced, the tenderness of his touch igniting a warmth within her. “Tristan,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper, “I-”
Before she could finish her thought, he leaned in closer, his gaze steady and filled with longing. “May I?” he asked, seeking her permission, his breath warm against her lips.
With a soft nod, Diana closed the distance, her lips meeting his in a gentle kiss that felt like the culmination of all their unspoken dreams. It was tender and sweet, a promise sealed beneath the open sky. She melted into him, feeling the warmth of hisembrace envelop her as the world around them seemed to bloom anew.
Tristan’s hands found her waist, pulling her closer as he deepened the kiss. She savored the moment. Time itself seemed to stand still, the only sound the soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds. It was as if the garden itself had come alive, celebrating their love with each tender touch.
When they finally pulled away, both breathless and glowing, Diana rested her forehead against his, her heart racing. “I could stay like this forever,” she breathed, feeling a rush of happiness wash over her.
“Me too,” he replied, his voice filled with warmth. “This is where I want to be - right here, with you.”
