Her voice grew stronger.
“I promise to grow with you. To change with you. To become better with you, not because I must, but because I want to.”
A faint smile touched her lips.
“And I promise to challenge you when you need it, even when you do not want to hear it.”
A quiet ripple of laughter moved through the guests.
“I promise to stand with you when you falter, because everyone falters, and no one should face their darkest moments alone.”
She squeezed his hands.
“And I promise to choose you. Every day. In every season. In every version of our lives. Alexander Kendall, I choose you today. And I will choose you tomorrow.”
Alexander’s vows were less polished. He had written them three times and thrown them away each time. In the end, he spoke from instinct.
“Theodora Dowell, I have spent most of my life believing I did not need anyone,” he said. “I thought strength meant standing alone. Then you came into my life and proved me wrong. You taught me that strength can be shared, that vulnerability is not weakness, and that love… love is not something to fear.”
Theodora blinked rapidly, fighting her tears.
“I promise to protect you,” he continued, “not because you are fragile, but because you are precious. I promise to listen, even when I do not understand. I promise to love you with everything I have, even on the days when you doubt yourself. And I promise that you will never face anything alone again.”
The church was silent. Only the sounds of sniffling and soft crying could be heard until the vicar finally pronounced them husband and wife, Alexander did not hesitate. He lifted Theodora’s veil, cupped her face gently, and kissed her with a reverence that made several guests sigh aloud.
* * *
“Alexander,” Theodora said as Rosalind’s and her mother’s carriage disappeared down the drive, “there is something I need to tell you.”
She felt lightheaded with happiness and there was much to tell him, but one good news story stood out above the rest.
Alexander turned towards her immediately, the now-quiet hall echoed faintly with the remnants of celebration. “What is it?”
“My mother… she secured her own house in Bath,” Theodora said. “Near the Crescent. She moved in last week. That is where they are going to stay.”
Alexander beamed at her. “I am glad Lady Dowell moved and she chose the right first guest as well! Rosalind truly needed this.”
“They both did. Oh, and the best news? She plans to file for legal separation,” Theodora continued. “She met with the solicitor your attorney recommended. She said he was incredibly helpful.”
“He had no choice but to be,” he replied darkly.
Theodora gave him a side-long look.
“I do hope that you did not threaten the poor man.”
Her husband laughed and the sound made her heart and stomach flutter. Theodora reached for his hand, her fingers brushing his.
“Regardless, thank you. Truly. Without your help, she would not have known where to begin.”
“You never have to thank me,” Alexander said gently and looked into her eyes.
Theodora felt her body react instantly.
“I do have to thank you because you did not have to involve yourself,” she insisted.
“I did,” he said, lifting her hand and brushing his thumb over her knuckles, causing her breath to stutter. “Because she is your mother. And because my wife does not have to worry about anything any longer.” He lowered his voice seductively. “From now on, I will handle everything.”
Theodora felt her skin burn with yearning. She leaned forward and kissed him softly. Alexander kissed her back with quiet intensity, his hand settling at the small of her back as though anchoring her to him.
