Bradford smiled, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “I’m thinking how lucky I am to have found you,” he replied.
Her cheeks flushed pink. No one had ever looked at her the way Bradford did, with such sincerity and adoration. She realized then that she belonged to him. Her heart and soul were irrefutably his.
Propriety cautioned against voicing the words on the tip of her tongue, but her heart would not be silenced. “I love you,” she whispered.
Bradford’s face lit up. He pulled her closer and brought his lips to hers in a lingering, passionate kiss. When they finally parted, breathless, he murmured against her mouth, “I love you too, my darling Skye. More than you could ever know.” He took her hand and held it against his bare chest. “Marry me, my darling Skye.”
Skye’s heart soared at his words. She had never expected to find a love like this. She smiled up at the man who had seen and accepted her, imperfections and all, then said, “Yes, Bradford,” her voice filled with joy and certainty. “I will marry you.”
“I am taking you straight to Scotland and making you my marchioness the moment the roads are cleared.” He rolled her onto her back, settling between her thighs as he trailed kisses across her cheek before murmuring, “You have made me the happiest of men.”
Smiling, Skye wrapped her arms around his neck and tilted her hips up to welcome him. “And you, my love, have made all of my dreams come true.”
Bradford slowly thrust into her warm, inviting depths, and as they moved together, time seemed to stand still. No doubts, no fears, no regrets—just pure, unconditional love.
They had both been handed a second chance at love, and there was no longer any doubt it was real. They were meant to be, and they knew it. Nothing could keep them from embracing the joy fate had placed in their path.
Sated, they settled back into each other’s arms, both silently contemplating how profoundly their lives had changed in such a short time. The future, once shrouded in loneliness, now seemed bright with promise—a chance to heal old wounds and build a new life together.
Eight
The brilliant morning sun glinted off the fresh blanket of snow as Bradford loaded the last of their luggage into the carriage. He turned to see Skye silhouetted in the doorway of the Rosewood Inn, her cloak wrapped tightly against the chill.
“I shall miss this place,” she said wistfully, gazing back at the cozy interior.
Bradford stepped toward her, taking her gloved hand in his. “As will I, my dear. But our next adventure awaits.”
Skye gifted him a radiant smile that made his heart skip. How he loved making her happy.
After bidding a warm farewell to the kindly innkeeper, they settled into the plush carriage interior. As the horses began their steady trot down the snow-lined road, Skye snuggled against Bradford, laying her head on his shoulder.
“Just imagine, my love,” she said dreamily as she watched the winter landscape roll by. “We shall soon be husband and wife.”
Bradford pressed a kiss to her forehead, breathing in her floral scent. “I can hardly wait to make you my bride. But I intend to savor every moment of this journey with you.”
Skye sighed contentedly. “As do I, my darling. As do I.”
The carriage rumbled on through the frosted countryside, the newly betrothed couple reveling in their closeness. Both were filled with joy for the future that lay ahead, but also with gratitude for this magical time together. For now, they had eyes only for each other, and for the beauty of a world made new by snow.
They travelled hard, spending their time together talking and planning for the future as well as sharing passionate kisses and caresses. All the while, the carriage rolled through the snow-covered countryside, bringing them ever closer to their destination. When at last the village of Gretna Green came into view, Skye pressed her face against the window, eyes alight.
“Oh Bradford, look!” she exclaimed. “It’s simply enchanting.”
Bradford gazed out at the quaint village nestled amongst the rolling hills. Wisps of smoke curled from stone chimneys, lending an inviting feel to the buildings. Fresh snow glittered under the winter sun.
“It certainly has its charms,” he agreed, squeezing her hand.
The carriage rumbled down the main thoroughfare, passing shops and inns decorated with holly wreaths for the season. Villagers bundled in woolens nodded warm greetings. The atmosphere was one of warmth and welcome.
When they pulled up before the Black Horse Inn, Bradford handed Skye down from the carriage, then turned to take in the view. Beyond the village, the rugged Scottish landscape stretched as far as the eye could see.
“What do you think, my dear?” Bradford asked, slipping an arm around her waist.
“It’s absolutely perfect,” she breathed. She turned sparkling eyes up to his. “I can not think of a more perfect place for our wedding.”
Bradford brushed his lips against her temple. “Neither can I, my love.”
Arm in arm, they entered the cozy inn, ready to begin this next chapter of their adventure together.
