As though Marvella sensed the impending hilarity, she pinned Ellie’s fiancé with a firm look. “Carter, you know exactly what I’m talking about. I trust that your mother and father have taught you this very secret. Although calling it a secret really isn’t the right word.”
“Marvella.” The Judge gave her a stern look, a single brow raised. “I believe Carter is entitled to kiss his fiancée before receiving your chastisement.”
Marvella sniffed. “I’m notchastising,but advising, Milton. I just want them to...” She pursed her lips, gave her husband a nod, then turned to Carter. “Go ahead, if you must.” Her lips twitched. “Kiss her.”
Carter rose and drew Ellie up with him, pulling her into his arms and kissing her gently. Ellie wrapped her arms around his neck, not caring that they had an audience. Carter made her feel such joy that she could hardly contain herself.
The kiss ended almost as soon as it had begun, but Ellie had no desire to leave Carter’s arms. She pulled back justenough to meet his gaze. “I love you, Carter. I felt it coming on gradually, and it terrified me. So many things weren’t what they needed to be. Not the least of all, me. But now, by God’s grace, I will be a good wife to you.”
“And I’m seeking God’s direction to be a good husband to you. We’ll have our share of arguments and troubles, I’m sure. However, like Mrs. Ashbury pointed out, if we put God at the center of our lives, there shouldn’t be anything we can’t overcome.”
“Agreed.” Ellie stretched up on tiptoe, and Carter, seeing what she was doing, bent his lips to hers. She kissed him, not caring that it was a brazen thing to do in front of her father and the others.
She could have remained there in his arms, but Sir Theophilus was jumping up against her skirt. She broke her hold on Carter and reached down to pick up the little dog. “You, sir, have very poor timing.”
The others laughed as Ellie took a seat with the dog in her lap. “However, I have come to enjoy your company.” She scratched the pup under the chin and then let him bounce back to Marvella.
“Well, you two have many things to discuss.” Marvella picked up Sir Theophilus and snuggled him close. “Wedding plans are not easy to master, but I’m sure I speak for the Judge when I say that we are at your disposal. Carter’s mother will want to be a part of the planning as well.”
“Mother already managed weddings for my two sisters.” Carter took a seat beside Ellie. “She told me she would abide by whatever we decided.”
Marvella put on her best regal look. “Well, it will take at least six months to plan out a grand wedding. Of course, thatwill put us into the winter months, which can completely alter even the tiniest of details. My roses, for example, won’t be available for your bouquet, and the wedding carriages will have to be enclosed.”
“I don’t believe I want to wait six months.” Ellie looked to Carter. “Do you?”
He shook his head. “Not on your life.”
“Well, you need to find a place to live.” Marvella was not to be deterred. “That is always of the utmost concern.”
Carter grinned. “Father is gifting me land for my birthday. I kind of figured we’d build our own house. Ellie can plan out what she wants that way.”
Marvella inclined her head. “But again, that will take time.”
Father piped up. “We’re about to move into that very large Hennessy house. I see no reason you two newlyweds couldn’t live there until you figure out what you want and build your own house.”
What a wonderful idea! Ellie squeezed Carter’s hand. “How would that suit you, Carter? We could have the entire west wing to ourselves.”
“Sounds accommodating.” He smiled. “As long as you’re there, I can be happy.”
Ellie gave a firm nod. “I really don’t have much interest in waiting long at all. As you know, I’m a woman who likes to get things accomplished.”
“What are you suggesting, Ellie?” Carter’s expression and tone betrayed his amusement.
“Well, it’s just that the roses are in full bloom in Marvella’s garden. It would be the perfect spot in which to get married. And the Judge is right here. Perhaps he could marryus right away.” She looked to the Judge and smiled. “Is that possible, Judge Ashbury?”
“More than possible. I’d be honored to unite the two of you.”
“Oh, this is so very exciting!” Marvella clapped. “I can put it all together immediately. Just tell me what you would like and who you want here. I’ll send my staff out with the invitations and get Cook a list of foods for the wedding breakfast.”
Ellie laughed. “I thought I might be able to count on you, Mrs. Ashbury.” She looked back to the Judge. “When might you have a free day, Judge?”
“I have nothing on the docket for Monday the eighteenth. Would that be soon enough?”
Returning her gaze to Carter’s blue eyes, so full of love, Ellie smiled. “Well? What say you?”
“I say a week from Monday sounds perfect.”
“I’ll figure out all of the particulars with Mrs. Ashbury and let you know the details.” Ellie turned back to the gathering. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to find a wedding dress.”
