His answer was to gather her in his arms and kiss her again.
She was the victor. She had won.
Yes, in the future, there would be demons—his as well as hers. However, together, they could face anything because, miracle of miracles, Leonie loved him.
Leonie and Roman wasted no time finding Lawrence. They discovered him playing ninepins with a group of men and asked him to marry them that very night. After all, no banns needed to be read or special license procured for a couple already married.
Of course he said yes.
They gathered the family from the squire’s party and drove to the church in the wagon, leaving the cart for Briggs to take home.
By now, evening was falling. The church was quiet and dark. Edward and Jane happily lit candles while Dora and Beth helped Leonie tidy up in a corner.
“You should have been married here the first time,” Dora grumbled. “This is the way it should have been.”
Beth shushed her.
Leonie took off the star sapphire and handed it to Lawrence. “We’ll need this blessed.”
“Absolutely,” he agreed. He donned his vestments.
Leonie was surprised at how nervous she was, and yet she felt a great sense of peace. She couldn’t imagine herself married to anyone but Roman. In her short time with him, she’d done more living than she had all the years before in her life.
Dora and Beth stood by Leonie and Roman’s parents took their place beside him. Edward and Jane sat in the front row.
Lawrence opened his prayer book.
The words he spoke were all new to Leonie because, no, she hadn’t remembered them. She was struck by their strength and blessed assurance.
When Roman repeated his vows, he did so with warmth, gentleness, and loving generosity. He promised to love and cherish her “until we are parted by death.”
Holding his hand, she vowed the same. Yes, this was what she wanted for her life. This man, his family, his dreams,herdreams... she could not ask for more.
Lawrence blessed the ring. Roman took it and, holding it over the tip of her ring finger, he said, “With all that I am, and with all that I have, I honor you.” He slid the ring down her finger. Leonie hadn’t realized how much the ring had already become a part of her until it was back in place.
And the moment it was there, she moved right into Roman’s arms.
This, too, was good. Roman held her close as Lawrence pronounced them man and wife.
Of course, there wasn’t a fancy feast. Roman and Leonie didn’t need any of those trappings. They had family around them and that was enough. The family was all teary-eyed with happiness, even Dora. There were hugs all around and Leonie felttrulyblessed.
Leonie and Roman drove his mother and father to their cottage. “That wedding was lovely,” his mother kept saying. “Perfect even.”
Leonie agreed. She sat on the seat beside her husband, as close to him as she could possibly be. She noticed that Catherine and David held hands.
This was how marriage was meant to be. Yes, Roman had received her substantial dowry; however, she had no doubts that he loved her.Her—as imperfect as she was.
Would they have no future trials? Leonie only had to look at Catherine and David to know that they could. Trials came in many forms. She also knew that with Roman by her side, they would weather them.
It was dark by the time they reached Bonhomie. Whiby sent a stable lad with a lantern to take care of the wagon. There were many servants around the estate now. She took pride on how well it was run.
Yarrow opened the front door in welcome.
“Hold it there,” Roman said. Before Leonie knew what he was about, he swung her up in his arms, her skirts sweeping around her with the movement, and carried her over the threshold. She laughingly grabbed hold of him for safety and then held him because she liked the strength in his arms and being this close to him.
“I take it the squire’s party was enjoyable, my lord?” Yarrow observed, a hint of a smile on his face.
“Better than enjoyable,” Roman informed him. “We are to bed for the evening, Yarrow. No need to wait on us,” he said as he carried Leonie up the stairs. “You may do as you wish.”
