A dream. A wonderful and terrible dream, tempting her with her heart’s greatest desires. Her vision swam as a roar filled her ears.Breathe. His other palm settled on her knee and she blinked down at it.
Not a dream.
Tears streamed down her cheeks and he lifted a thumb to one wet trail. “Say something.”
She reached out through the blur and grasped his hand.
“I love you, Christian. So much it hurts.” A sob broke free and he pulled her into his chest. “I didn’t think you would ever... I mean, look at me. I’m—”
He pressed a finger to her lips. “Is that a yes?”
She managed a nod and he stood, lifting her into his arms with a grin. “Good. How about some breakfast before I show you just how much I love you?”
Epilogue
One month later
Savannah, GA
Samantha swallowed, herfeet rooted in place. Blue sky stretched overhead and clumps of Spanish moss draped from the branches shading the large crowd gathered in front of her. Heat prickled across her skin, a flush rising above her lace neckline.
“I now pronounce you man and wife.”
The words echoed in her ears as the scene around her faded away until only one thing remained.
Christian stood there, clasping her hands in his with a crooked grin across his lips. His formal grey morning coat suited him—better than his navy uniform—and she’d spent the better part of the last half hour trying to keep her eyes above his waistline. Because white breeches clung to him like a second skin, showing every magnificently sculpted part of him.
His boots squeaked as he closed the distance between them and bent his lips to hers. He gave her an entirely appropriate quick kiss and began to pull away. She tightened her fingers around his.
Not so fast.
Samantha lifted onto tiptoes and tugged him back. He winked and drew one hand away to sweep his hat off. When their mouths met, he held the hat in front of them. A few onlookers let out whoops, and a few more released hearty “boos” at being denied the chance to witness. She grinned against the crush of Christian’s lips.
His tongue swept inside her mouth and she stumbled into him, her knees weak.
He let out a soft growl. “Careful, Red. I’m a man, not a saint.”
The pastor coughed behind them.
With a throaty giggle, Samantha broke the kiss. Christian placed one more on her forehead before swooping the hat back on and offering her his elbow. They passed through the throngs of people until they reached the street.
He stopped and turned to her. “Hello, wife.”
“Hello, husband.”
Husband and wife.
A warm blossom bloomed in her chest. She reached up and ran a finger across his lips. “Dare I ask why you’re smiling like that?”
Bending, he plucked a violet sprig of salvia. “Can’t a groom be happy on his wedding day?”
He tucked it into her neckline above the swell of one breast, the color a pretty contrast to the sapphire-blue taffeta gown and its white lace trim. She glanced up at the sun. Already so warm. Thank goodness for the short cap sleeves.
Setting one hand on Christian’s arm, she frowned. “You must be sweltering.”
He only grinned and nodded behind her. Isaac strode toward them, the bright gold buttons of his navy uniform glistening in the sun.
“Many congratulations.” He bowed. “You look stunning, Mrs. Thompson.”
