“A bit excited, were you?” Jonas smiled, slapping him on the back.
“I have been ready since eight this morning.”
“Eight? Why such a horridly early hour?”
Owen shrugged, grinning. “I find that even renting a home nearby isn’t close enough. I want to be wherever Leah is.”
Jonas rolled his eyes, then turned and left the room, presumably to do as his sisters insisted and get himself ready. But what Jonas did not know was that Owen had a reason to be up early this morning. He only hoped everything went according to plan.
Within the hour, all members of the family loaded into the carriages, heading to the local parish. Owen’s father rode with him, cramming into the tight space with Jonas, Graham and Mr. Thompson, which made for a rather uncomfortable ride.
When they arrived, Owen threw the carriage door open and strode into the church, anxious to take his place at the altar. Close friends and relatives filed through the door, moving far too slow for Owen’s liking. He tapped his fingers against his leg, his gaze darting over the faces, then shifting to the stained-glass windows, then back to the wedding guests. He hadn't anticipated this kind of nervous energy. What did he have to fret over?
His nerves came grinding to a halt when the doors to the church opened, and Leah stood there with a halo of light surrounding her. Owen’s chest tightened as he watched her walk into the church, her blonde hair in a simple chignon, partially covered by her bonnet. His eyes washed over her soft cream-colored dress and pale pink spencer.
She was stunning.
Leah smiled as she walked toward him. He swallowed down a lump that formed in his throat as she glided down the aisle. To him. When she made it to the altar, he took her hand, wanting nothing more than to pull it to his lips for a kiss. But all eyes were watching them, so he thought it best to avoid such temptations for the time being.
The priest began the ceremony, and Owen did his best to pay attention, but his mind was buzzing and he could hardly tell how much time had passed since he arrived at the small white church. After today, he would no longer have to worry if he was intruding upon the Thompson’s hospitality, visiting nearly every day. Starting from this day on, he would get to be with this amazing woman always.
He and Leah shared a smile, then turned back to the priest as he spoke. Before Owen knew it, they were pronounced man and wife.
They turned to the small crowd, and Owen raised his and Leah’s clasped hands in the air before pulling her down the aisle with him. The air was crisp outside, and a carriage awaited to take them to their celebratory breakfast.
“Owen, wait,” Leah said, laughing. She pulled his hand, bringing him to a stop.
“What?”
“Are you not going to kiss me on our wedding day?”
He looked behind her where their friends and family were exiting the church. “Here? In front of everyone?”
Leah lifted her hand, pointing to the carriage. “You must. The mistletoe demands it.”
Owen turned around, and sure enough, just above the carriage door was a sprig of mistletoe. He grinned. “Well, I suppose if tradition requires it.”
They ran over to the carriage door, and when they arrived just below the festive plant, Owen wrapped his arms around Leah’s waist, picking her up off the ground and kissing her. Leah pulled back, smiling as he gently placed her feet on the ground.
He grinned down at her. “Was that satisfactory?”
“Yes.” Leah ran her hand over his cheek. “But I shall require many more before the day is done.”
He kept his grip on her waist, sparing the guests around the door a brief glance. “Do you think we could sneak away before joining everyone at your parent’s house for breakfast?”
Her mouth turned down. “I suppose. Whatever for?”
“Because I wish to show my wife our home. Is that so strange?”
“No. It is rather sweet, actually.”
A smile crept across his lips. “Now let us get you home.” Owen squeezed her hand. “Our home.”
The carriage ride was short, quickly bringing them to Owen’s small rented house. He held his hand out to Leah to help her down.
“Now,” he said, waiting for her to face the house. “I know it isn’t much, but we shan’t be here very long. I plan to have great success in my next shop and purchase you something much more grand.”
Leah’s thumb stroked his hand. “I do not need anything grand. I married you because I love you.”
