She did not want to be weak where he was concerned, but she had little control in that regard. Love could be a terrible burden. One she did not want to carry and yet could not let go of. How she prayed they would come to be happy together.
“I am not here to hurt you. I have come to apologize,” Graham said.
Phoebe’s eyes widened. Had she heard him right? She angled her head a fraction, her gaze narrowing with distrust. “Apologize?”
“Indeed. I have been unfair to you as well as to myself.”
“Is that so?” she narrowed her eyes in skepticism.
“I never should have pushed you away as I did. You are a strong, kindhearted, and intelligent woman, capable of making your own choices.”
“Indeed I am.” Phoebe notched her chin.
“Most of all, I am sorry for letting my fear get in the way of what lies between us.”
Phoebe’s resolve weakened, her knees threatening to buckle. “What exactly are you referring to?”
He took her hands and rubbed small circles over her skin. “You were right, Phoebe. I was an idiot to fight the feelings I have for you. I let my fears make my decisions with no regard for your own wishes.” He swallowed, his eyes drifting shut for a heartbeat. “I did not mislead you. I do have a son and a scandalous past. Some drawing rooms will be closed to us, and some of our peers will meet you with cool regard. But I was wrong to push you away because of it.”
She wanted to interrupt him, to reiterate that none of that mattered. Phoebe held her tongue instead, pressing her lips together for good measure.
Graham paused, searching her gaze. He squeezed her hands and said, “If you will have me, I promise to do my best by you.”
Phoebe fought the grin overtaking her as her heart lightened. She stared into his eyes, seeing uncertainty and sincerity reflecting back at her. It was more than enough for her. She asked playfully, “Are you proposing to me?”
Graham’s expression faltered. “I am, but I do not suppose I am doing a good job of it. I’m sorry, it seems I do not know the proper way for one to propose to the woman he loves. I never imagined myself proposing to anyone.”
Phoebe laughed. “You have done a perfect job of it.”
Confusion and joy mingled in his gaze. “Will you be my duchess?”
“Yes. Oh, yes, Graham. Nothing would bring me more joy.”
He swept her into his arms, holding her close as happiness overwhelmed her. Phoebe had the sudden relief of believing everything would end well. He may not have declared his undying love, but he had done the next best thing. Graham had given her hope.
She pulled back to gaze at him, and he captured her lips in a passionate kiss. When they drew apart, he cupped her face and stared deep into her eyes. “Phoebe, I love you. I love you with an intensity that scares the hell out of me.”
“I love you, too.” She reached up to stroke his cheek. With her heart full to bursting, she said, “Do not be afraid. I believe in you, in us.”
Graham grinned. “Then I am a lucky man.”
The door burst open, Rebecca, Daphne, Camden, and Alex all spilled into the room. Good cheer reverberated from them as Rebecca and Daphne came to Phoebe’s side. “We have a wedding to prepare for,” Rebecca said.
“I am afraid you will have to come with us,” Camden said to Graham as he nodded at the door.
Phoebe grinned as she watched the men take their leave. The day had indeed taken a turn for the best, and she could not be more pleased. In a few hours’ time, she would marry the man she loved—and he returned her love. Her stomach fluttered at the thought as she returned to her vanity.
Later at the church, Phoebe’s heart soared as she vowed her everlasting love and devotion to Graham, and tears pricked her eyes as he did the same. The wedding was a flurry of emotion—the binding of two souls and overwhelming joy from her and Graham, as well as their guests.
No eye remained dry as they recited their vows and everyone erupted in cheers when they were at last pronounced husband and wife, the Duke and Duchess of Fairfax.
After a long morning of celebration, Phoebe and Graham entered their carriage. They were to make a stop at his country estate before departing for their wedding trip to Paris. It made no difference to her where they went so long as they were together, and she’d told him as much.
Phoebe settled against the soft leather bench, then turned her attention to her husband.
Graham lowered himself next to her. Reaching out his arm, he pulled her close.
She grinned up at him, more than a bit surprised.
