Chapter 7
Aaron ledhis bride from the family chapel. He’d hastily gone to London and secured the special license the very moment she consented to the union. He wasted no time upon his return taking Emma, Sophia, the nanny, and his butler to the chapel without even changing from his travelingclothes.
He had all he needed: his bride, daughter, and two witnesses along with the minister. There was no reason to delay the wedding and every reason to be hasty about it. It was not until the minister pronounced them husband and wife that he was able to relax. And now, his steps were light, his heart filled with joy, as he led Emma and Sophia from thechaple.
“Are you truly my mama?” Sophia beamed up atEmma.
Emma’s own smile rivaled the sun as she kneeled down to met Sophia’s gaze. “Iam.”
Aaron’s heart nearly burst when Emma took Sophia into her embrace. His daughter would never again ache for a mother’s love. For that reason alone, he believe that he and Emma would come to love each other and they would all have a happy rest of their lives, together as afamily.
“And I always will be, Princess.” She dropped a kiss on Sophia’s head. “Now let us return to the house so that we might celebrate this most joyous of days.” She kissed Sophia then released her from the embrace. “As I recall you have a surprise for yourdaddy.”
Sophia took Emma’s hand and they all continued to the carriage. A newfound pride swelled inside of Aaron as he watched the spring in Sophia’s step and the glow on his wife’s face. He did not quite understand how he’d come to be here, but he did know he wouldn’t wish it any otherway.
Sophia chatted excitedly on the short ride back to the house while Aaron sat beside Emma holding her hand. Once inside, they went to the dining room where he had ordered their wedding breakfast to be served. White and red flowers decorated the doorway, the corners of the room, and the table just as he’dinstructed.
Grinning, he glanced at Emma hopping she would be pleased and the joy in her expression did not disappointhim.
“Do sit, Daddy.” Sophia quickly made her way around the grand mahogany table to find herchair.
Aaron did his daughter’s bidding, moving to take his own seat. A large covered silver platter sat in the middle near the head of the table. He glanced between it and Sophia before reaching out his hand. It must be her surprise for an entire breakfast for three would not fit in it. He took hold of the platter cover’s handle then stilled. “MayI.”
“Please do.” Sophiabeamed.
He lifted the cover to reveal a grand three tired cake frosted white and decorated with ribbons and pink flowers—Sophia’s favorite color. Could it be? He looked to Sophia. “Is this the cake you made withEmma?”
“The very one.” Sophia nodded her head, her eyes brimming with excitement. “Let us try it,Daddy.”
Aaron motioned a servant forward but before he could cut the cake, another servant swept into theroom.
“YourGrace.”
Aaron angled his head toward the footman who’d disturbed their celebration. “Yes.”
“I am sorry to interrupt this most joyous of occasions, however, we have an issue in the foyer that requires your immediateattention.”
Aaron nodded, then rose from his chair exchanging a knowing glance with Emma. Her Uncle and the baron had returned. It seemed they had wed just in time to prevent the men from taking Emma. He forced a worry free continence and turned to Sophia. “I shall return in a moment’s time,Poppet.”
“As will I.” Emma stood, moving toward the door. “We won’t belong.”
Sophia nodded, reached out swiping her finger into the frosting. “Do,hurry.”
When Aaron stepped into the foyer with Emma on his heals he found exactly what he’d expected. The Baron and Emma’s uncle along with aconstable.
Her uncle glared at him, a stack of parchment in his hands before turning to the constable. “That isher.”
The constable stepped forward and bowed. “Your Grace, I am afraid this woman belongs to these men.She will have to leave withthem.”
“But you are mistaken.” Aaron reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved their marriage certificate. With a cocky grin, he handed it to the constable. “She is legally wed to me and therefore will not be goinganywhere.”
The constable drew his brows together, scrutinizing the document. His cheeks colored as he handed it back before turning to the other men. “It seems you have no claim onher.”
“Bullock’s,” Lord Windham exclaimed. “I have a betrothalagreement.”
“There is no crime in breaking a betrothal. Besides, it means nothing when the lady is alreadymarried.”
“That license is a fraud. I demand you return her to me this instant.” Lord Windham’s face burned red. “Baxter do something thisinstant.”
