Page 76 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

“That’s because she spoils him, dear. I’m sure after being with him all afternoon, Mother will be more than happy to retire to her bedchambers and allow you to be his mother once more.”

The two drift into easy conversation as we continue to roll down the street. Thankfully, we stop soon after at Saint George’s. Confused, I look at the building, then back at Teresa and Joseph. They both smile at me as my friend dabs at her eyes, already tearing up. Could it be he’s using the same church because it was already prepared?

As we step out onto the street, Father makes his way down and takes my arm in his. “You two go on and find a seat,” he says to them. “I wish to speak to my daughter a moment.”

Joseph steps forward, a growl hovering at the back of his throat. “If you ruin this day-”

My father holds up a hand. “Then I shall cast myself before the mercy of Norhaven himself. I mean her no ill will.”

When he nods and leaves, my body trembles at being left alone like a lamb to the slaughter. Only, Father doesn’t yell. He doesn’t scream. He doesn’t even chide.

Tears form in his eyes as he looks me up and down. “You look just like your mother.”

“Harriet?”

“No,” he murmurs. “Your real mother. Tabitha. She was a gentle soul. Kindness and love. Your eyes are hers. So is your ready smile. I never shared her with you because it was too painful. Still is. She died birthing you, and in her death, gave me the greatest gift a father could have. The bond between us broke, and I was mad, nearly feral. Harriet… she found me. Convinced me it was love. I… I couldn’t break another bond. I just didn’t think I’d survive.”

Tears sting my eyes, but I refuse to let them fall. Not when today is a happy occasion.

“It was my selfishness that caused you pain,” he whispers. “Will you ever forgive me?”

“Father,” I sob out. “There is nothing to forgive. So long as you do me this one favor.”

“Name it, child. Anything. I have not denied you before, and I will not stop now.”

“Take me to my husband. Take me to Charles.”

“With a light heart and even lighter feet, my child.”

My soul sings as I loop my arm with my father’s, and the outer church doors open. We come to the main area, and I stop and draw in a deep breath before those inner doors fling open.

Stunned, I stand there, unable to move, unable to think, and unable to breathe. This is not at all what Henhaven and I discussed. Not one rose is visible as I look at the pews.

Instead, peonies of all shapes, sizes, and colors fill the space. Green ribbon, oddly enough a similar shade to my eyes, winds its way down to meet at the top of each pew end as it connects with the small posies of myrtle and ivy. Tall candelabras line the aisle with tapered beeswax candles, giving the space a warm glow.

How did he accomplish all this? Bewildered, I look up at the man as he waits down the aisle, his brother behind him. Though I had many doubts before of the veracity of his love for me, mostly put there by Harriet’s screeching, I don’t doubt it now. Only a man who truly loves me would do something like this.

Off to the side, Penelope slides toward me, a small posy of peonies, myrtle, and ivy gathered in her hand. She gives it to me, a bright smile on her lips. “Well met, sister,” she says, tears shining in her eyes. “‘Twas a long time coming, but we are finally the family we were always meant to be.”

Letting go of my father’s arm, I throw myself into her, hugging her close. I kiss her cheek before standing back at the end, flowers clutched in my hand.

Time to finally become a Barrington.

Chapter 39

Charles

I watch Cynthia as she walks arm in arm with her father. Though he promised to behave, I still study him, ensuring he says nothing untoward that can spoil this day for her. Though my brother and I are still at odds, he stands beside me, just as poised, just as ready to do what needs to be done if it comes to it. For that, I can forgive him at least a little.

Zounds, but she’s a vision as she walks to me, soft green hugging her curves and showing off the pale expanse of her neck. Soon, it will bear my mark for all to see. My wife in every single way.

She stands in front of me, tears in her eyes. They’re not of sorrow. That, I can tell. She’s the happiest I’ve ever seen her. In that moment, I vow to make up for all the time I’ve left her waiting, all the heartache I’ve put her through in the name of duty and honor. Never more will she ever have to doubt the enormity of my feelings.

I gather her hands in mine as her father slips away. The vows tumble from my lips in rote recitation as I stare at the wonder in front of me. Her lips tremble as she repeats them. Her eyes darken just a bit as she shifts.

Her heat is indeed imminent. Though not strong, I smell her arousal as it drips off of her. As much as I wish to give her everything her heart desires, I cannot take a chance of her going into heat at a wedding breakfast. We will, of course, have a far more intimate affair after it is concluded.

My eyes never leave hers as we both vow to honor and cherish each other in front of most of the Ton. Henhaven is not in attendance, but then, I didn’t expect him to be.