“It’s often hard to see what is in front of us,” Cam said. “I was the same with Em.”
Samantha wore a cloak of ivory velvet, and beneath, her dress was rose satin. Her hair hung in long ringlets, and on that a simple wreath of flowers sat. No veil, so he could see her smile. It filled her entire face as she found him.
“And there it is,” Dev said.
“What?” Cam asked.
“The smile when they see each other. Warwick has a sappy look on his face.”
“It suits him,” Cam said. “The last of us to wed a Raven.”
“Aye, it does.”
“Yes, well, let’s get on with it. We have a feast to eat,” Cam said.
The children managed to refrain from further carnage until they reached the altar. Then their parents took them in hand.
“Aunty Sam looks like a princess, Uncle Warwick,” Merry said, taking his hand.
“She does, Merry, as do you.” He kissed his niece and then Lilly led her to a seat.
“Hello.” He turned to stand at Samantha’s side. “Merry thinks you look like a princess, and I have to agree.”
Her fingers brushed his. “Are you my prince then?”
“If you’ll have me.”
“Always.”
The service was completed with plenty of noise and shrieks from the children. Loud barking outside the door suggested Hep and the others had arrived to find Wolf.
“You may kiss the bride.”
“I hate this part,” Luke muttered.
“I used to too,” Warwick said. “But no longer.” He leaned down to press his mouth to his wife’s. His wife. His love, his life.
The guests cheered loudly. Then he took Samantha’s hand in his, settling her small fingers between his, and walked down the aisle.
“Only the Sinclair and Raven families could have such an unorthodox wedding,” Zach Deville said, smiling.
The guests all went back to the castle and were treated to a lavish feast in the huge ballroom. After speeches and dancing, they slowly retreated to their rooms, and children were put to bed until only the older members of their family were left.
The adults sat and talked, happy to just be together. His family, Warwick thought, looking down the huge table.
“Happy?” He kissed his wife.
“I feel about to burst with it. Once I hated this place and believed it would always be filled with memories of what was but no more.” Her lips pressed to his briefly. “Now it is filled with the promise of what is.”
“I love you,” he said for her ears alone.
“Your Grace, Mrs. Radcliff is here wishing to speak with you outside.”
Warwick glanced to the door where the butler was standing with James.
“Show her in,” James said.
“She wishes for you all to come outside, Your Grace.” The butler seemed uncomfortable. “She has requested that all the family join her.”
