With one last lingering look, he turned and left the room, closing the door softly behind him. Emily sank back against the pillows, a blissful smile playing across her lips as she hummed a joyful tune. Her heart was so full of love and happiness that she thought it might burst from her chest.
As she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts were filled with visions of her future with Nicolas, of the life they would build together, and of the endless love they would share. For the first time in years, she knew she had found her true home, not in a place, but in the arms of the man who had captured her heart and made her believe in the power of second chances.
Tomorrow would bring the joy of Christmas morning, the warmth of family, and the promise of new beginnings. And soon after, there would be the reading of the banns, the vows exchanged, and the life she had scarcely dared to hope for. Her heart soared with the certainty that love had, indeed, conquered all.
Fourteen
Emily awoke with a contented smile, her heart fluttering as memories of the previous night filled her mind—Nicolas’s tender words, his warm embrace, and the promise of their future together. Today felt like a promise in itself, a fresh start wrapped in the beauty of the season.
Christmas’s past had held a bittersweet ache, a reminder of all she had lost. But this year... this year, it was a symbol of all she had found. Love, hope, and a future that sparkled like the snow outside her window.
Eager to join her family downstairs, she dressed with hurried excitement. As she descended the grand staircase, the familiar scents of cinnamon and pine wafted through the house, accompanied by the joyful sound of laughter echoing from the parlor. The air itself seemed to hum with the festive energy of Christmas morning.
She paused in the doorway, taking in the sight before her. Mathew sat cross-legged by the tree, his face alight with boyish excitement as he examined a brightly wrapped package. Beatrice and Charlotte huddled together on the settee, whispering and giggling like schoolgirls. And there, standing tall and handsome by the fireplace, was Nicolas.
His gaze found hers the moment she entered the doorway, his smile spreading like sunshine over her heart. “Merry Christmas, my love,” he said, crossing the room in long, graceful strides, his presence filling the space between them. He took her hand, pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles.
Emily’s cheeks flushed. “Merry Christmas, Nicolas.”
“Mother,” Mathew called, breaking the spell between them. “Come see what Father Christmas has brought.”
Mathew’s wide-eyed grin was contagious, his excitement infectious as he tugged her toward the tree. Seeing him so carefree, his laughter ringing out, warmed her very soul. It was as though the final piece of her world had clicked into place, with Nicolas now beside them.
Emily allowed herself to be pulled into the room, swept up in the joy and excitement of Christmas morning. As presents were exchanged and exclaimed over, she could not help but marvel at how different this Christmas was from the last. Gone was the loneliness and sorrow that had plagued her for so long. In its place was a warmth and contentment she had scarcely dared to hope for.
As the morning wore on, the group gathered around the fireplace, sipping chocolate and sharing stories. Nicolas’s laughter filled the room, his eyes twinkling as he recounted his mischievous schoolboy antics. Mathew was enthralled, hanging on every word, and Emily delighted in the sight.
Nicolas had seamlessly slipped into this role—not as a replacement for Mathew’s father, but as someone who could share in their lives, in their joy and laughter, as well as their sorrows.
“You should have seen the look on old Finch’s face when he realized his wig was missing.” Nicolas chuckled. “He searched the entire dormitory, never once thinking to look up at the chandelier where we had hung it.”
Mathew howled with laughter, nearly spilling his chocolate. “Did you get caught?”
Nicolas winked. “Never.”
Beatrice shook her head, a fond smile playing on her lips. “I shudder to think what mischief you will inspire in our young Mathew. Though I daresay a bit of harmless fun never hurt anyone.”
Charlotte laughed. “Indeed. I believe a touch of mischief is essential for a well-rounded education.”
Emily shook her head, unable to suppress her own smile.
“Only the best kind, I assure you,” Nicolas said with a merry grin as he squeezed Emily’s hand in tender reassurance.
A sudden commotion at the door drew everyone’s attention. The butler entered, looking somewhat flustered.
“My apologies for the interruption,” he announced, “but Lord and Lady Quinton, his and her grace, the Duke and Duchess of Langley, and Viscount Brantford have arrived. They are accompanied by... a vicar, ma’am.”
Emily’s heart raced, her gaze meeting Nicolas’s. The air in the parlor seemed to crackle with anticipation and bewilderment.
“Show them in,” Emily said, rising to her feet.
As the unexpected guests entered, Emily’s gaze fell upon the vicar standing amongst them, his hand holding what appeared to be a special license. Her breath caught, the air around her stilling. Could it be? Her eyes darted to Nicolas, finding the same blend of shock and excitement mirrored in his expression. The realization struck her like a wave, her heart leaping with joy.
Lord Quinton cleared his throat. “Well, my boy,” he addressed Nicolas, “we could wait no longer to have Lady Fairchild join the family. What say you to a Christmas wedding?”
A collective gasp filled the room, followed by an eruption of excited chatter. Emily felt her cheeks flush as she looked at Nicolas, who was already striding toward her, his face alight with joy.
“My darling,” he said, taking her hands in his, “shall we oblige them?”
