The celebration continued well into the evening, with toasts and laughter filling the air. As the clock struck midnight, Nicolas took Emily’s hand, leading her away from the dwindling party.
In the quiet intimacy of their chamber, his lips grazed the tender skin of her shoulder. “My love,” he said, his voice low and seductive, his fingers slowly unfastening the delicate buttons of her gown. “I intend to make this night magical beyond your wildest dreams.”
Her breath caught as she felt the brush of his fingertips against her skin. “Nicolas,” she whispered, “I never dared hope for such happiness.”
“This is but the beginning, my dear. I have a lifetime of wicked delights planned for you.”
Her fingers trembled as she reached for him, tracing the contours of his lean, athletic form.
Their lips met in a passionate kiss, tender yet filled with urgency. He guided her to their bed, laying her down with utmost care. His body covered hers, warm and solid, as he showered her with gentle kisses.
“I have dreamt of this moment,” she confessed.
Nicolas smiled against her skin. “As have I, my love. And now I intend to make those dreams a reality. All. Night. Long.”
His hands traced gentle patterns across her skin, his eyes dark with desire. “Tonight, my love,” he said, his voice low and reverent, “we begin our forever.” Her breath hitched as his lips found hers.
With adoring touches and whispered endearments, they explored each other, their bodies becoming one. Her body trembled with need as he pressed into her, calming her and igniting her soul. And when they reached their peak, he captured her lips in a devastating kiss as they tumbled over the edge together.
As they lay entwined, basking in the afterglow of their lovemaking, Emily felt a profound sense of contentment. She nestled closer to Nicolas, savoring the warmth of his embrace. “I believe we have found our happily ever after.”
“Indeed, we have, my beloved wife.” He pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “And this, my darling, is just the first night of forever.”
Epilogue
Fifteen years later…
* * *
Emily stood before her expansive mahogany wardrobe, her delicate hands folding gowns of various hues and textures. The soft rustle of silk and muslin filled the air as she placed each garment into the large wicker basket at her feet. As the years had passed, life had unfolded in a flurry of seasons, but each morning in their home still brought her a deep sense of peace. Today, however, there was a quiet nostalgia in the air—a reminder of how far she and Nicolas had come, of the life they had built together.
She paused, her fingers lingering on a lavender day dress, the fabric smooth and cool under her touch. Alice will adore this, she thought as she folded the frock. Emily was certain their faithful maid would delight in the gown’s simple elegance.
The floorboards outside her chamber creaked, and before she could turn, Emily felt the familiar presence of the man who had long since claimed her heart. The door swung open, and Nicolas stepped inside, the light from the hallway framing his tall figure. He filled the room with warmth even before his voice reached her ears.
“My love,” he called, his tone carrying that familiar hint of mischief she adored. “Sorting through old gowns, are we?”
She turned to face him, her heart skipping as it always did at the sight of his roguish grin and tousled dark hair. “Nicolas,” she said, her voice filled with delight. “I was not expecting you until this evening.”
He leaned casually against the doorframe, his green eyes twinkling with affection. “Ah, my dear Emily, surely you know by now that I delight in the unexpected.” He took a step closer, his gaze sweeping over her figure, his appreciation evident in the way his eyes lingered.
Emily felt a blush rise to her cheeks as she smoothed the front of her gown. “You have caught me in a rather undignified state.” She gestured to the pile of gowns and the wicker basket at her feet.
Nicolas crossed the room in a few easy strides, his hands reaching out to tuck a loose curl behind her ear. “Nonsense,” he said, his voice warm with affection. “You look as enchanting as ever.” His fingers lingered against her cheek, and she leaned into his touch, the simple gesture filling her with a familiar excitement.
“You flatter me, sir,” she said, though the flutter in her heart betrayed her calm exterior. “But I doubt you hurried home to watch me sort through old dresses.”
Nicolas’s grin widened. “Perhaps I did,” he said, his voice dropping as he stepped closer. “Though I must admit, I am far more interested in what lies beneath those gowns.” His hand brushed her waist, pulling her toward him.
Emily gasped, swatting him playfully on the arm. “Incorrigible as always.” She laughed, but her smile softened as she gazed up at him, the years of love between them clear in every glance, every touch.
“And you love me for it,” he said, pressing a kiss to her cheek, his voice low and tender.
“I do,” she said, her heart swelling with affection. “More than you know.”
They stood together in comfortable silence, wrapped in the warmth of each other’s presence. Emily’s gaze drifted to the ivory silk gown folded beside her, the red rosettes along the bodice catching the sunlight. She ran her fingers over the delicate embroidery, her thoughts wandering back to the day she had worn it—the day that had changed her life forever.
“This gown…brings back such fond memories.” Her voice trembled with the weight of emotion as the memories of their Christmas wedding flooded her mind. “It was the beginning of everything.”
