THREE MONTHS LATER
“She looks like an angel.”
Ernest stood beside Aaron at the altar of St. George’s, watching Louise process down the aisle on George’s arm. Morning light streamed through stained glass windows, casting jeweled patterns across her cream silk gown. The dress had belonged to Aaron’s mother, carefully preserved and altered by Cecilia’s skilled seamstress. Pearls adorned Louise’s copper hair, which caught fire in the colored light.
Aaron’s throat tightened. Three months of planning had led to this moment, yet nothing had prepared him for the sight of Louise walking toward him, her green eyes finding his across the crowded church. Every doubt, every fear, every moment of cowardice fell away, leaving only certainty.
This woman was his future. His redemption. His everything.
George guided his sister with careful formality. When they reached the altar, he lifted Louise’s hand and placed it in Aaron’s with deliberate care.
“Take care of her,” George said quietly, his voice thick with emotion.
“Always.” Aaron wrapped his fingers around Louise’s, feeling her tremble slightly through her gloves.
The ceremony passed in a blur of ancient words and promises that felt newly minted. Aaron heard himself speaking vows he had memorized, but all his attention focused on Louise’s face, on the tears that sparkled but didn’t fall, on the smile that gradually bloomed as they moved through the ritual that would bind them forever.
When the vicar pronounced them man and wife, Aaron lifted Louise’s veil with hands that shook only slightly. Their kiss was brief, appropriate for the setting, but her fingers tightened on his, promising more later.
They turned to face their guests as the Duke and Duchess of Calborough.
The wedding breakfast at Calborough House overflowed with joy that seemed to brighten even the formal dining room. Cecilia had outdone herself with the preparations. Hothouseflowers cascaded from every surface, their perfume mixing with the aroma of Cook’s finest efforts. The room hummed with conversation and laughter, a sound Aaron had never thought to hear in his ancestral home.
“Your Grace.” The Duchess of Raynesford approached with her husband Duncan, both beaming with genuine pleasure. “Or should I say, Your Graces? How delightful to see you both so happy.”
Louise clasped Catherine’s hands warmly. “Thank you for coming. I know travel from Scotland is arduous this time of year.”
“We wouldn’t have missed it.” Duncan shook Aaron’s hand with the firm grip of a military man. “You look like a different person entirely. Happiness suits you.”
Aaron caught Louise’s eye across their small circle, unable to suppress his smile. “I have excellent reason to be happy.”
They moved through their guests with practiced grace, accepting congratulations, deflecting gentle teasing from Cecilia’s friends, ensuring everyone felt welcomed and appreciated. Yet Aaron remained acutely aware of Louise beside him, the way her silk dress whispered when she moved, the light touch of her hand on his arm, the scent of orange blossoms in her hair.
George approached during a lull, Emily at his side with Buttercup trailing behind despite strict instructions to keep the dog in the garden.
“Buttercup wanted to congratulate you,” Emily announced, as if this explained everything.
The massive dog flopped at Louise’s feet with a contented sigh, clearly exhausted from the excitement. His tail thumped against the expensive carpet, but Aaron found he didn’t care in the slightest.
“Thank you both.” George’s expression turned serious as he addressed Aaron and Louise together. “For everything. For saving me from myself, for protecting Emily when I failed to, for giving us all a second chance.”
Aaron gripped his brother-in-law’s shoulder. “Family protects family.”
“Yes, well.” George cleared his throat, visibly fighting emotion. “I want you to know I’ll never put my sisters in danger again. I’ve learned my lesson thoroughly.”
“We know,” Louise said softly, embracing her brother.
“Actually, on that subject.” Cecilia joined their group, resplendent in lavender silk. “George has kindly invited me to take up residence at Sulton House.”
Louise’s eyes widened. “But Aunt Cecilia, you’re always welcome here. This is your home.”
“My dear child, newlyweds need privacy.” Cecilia’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Besides, someone needs to keep George from backsliding into bad habits, and Emily has grown quite attached to me. Haven’t you, darling?”
Emily nodded enthusiastically. “Lady Merrow is teaching me Italian! And Buttercup loves the garden at our house because he can dig wherever he wants.”
Aaron caught the glance between George and Cecilia, recognizing a conspiracy when he saw one. They had arranged this between them, giving him and Louise space to begin their marriage without the weight of extended family, however beloved.
“If you’re certain,” Aaron said carefully.
