Page 116 of How To Tempt A Bodyguard

He didn't bolt.

Florence walked down the aisle alone.

She'd refused her brother's offer to escort her. This wasn't a transaction, a transfer of property from one man to another. She was coming to Matthew of her own free will. On her own two feet.

The room was silent except for the crackle of the fire and the soft rustle of her skirts.

She reached the front. Turned to face him.

Up close, she could see his hands trembling slightly at his sides. Could see the rapid pulse in his throat.

"You are adorable when nervous," she murmured.

His expression turned into a grimace. "Don’t ever describe me as adorable again."

She suppressed a chuckle as the minister cleared his throat. He was an elderly man with kind eyes; a friend of Albert's, apparently, who asked no questions about the unusual nature of the ceremony or the even more unusual nature of the guests.

"Dearly beloved," he began, "we are gathered here today to witness the union of Matthew Munro Carrick and Florence Elizabeth Archer in holy matrimony."

Matthew's real name. No more hiding. No more shame.

The minister continued with the standard words: the exhortations, the explanations, the cautions. Florence barely heard them. Her eyes were fixed on Matthew's face, watching the play of emotions he couldn't quite hide.

Then came the vows.

"Matthew," the minister said, "will you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? Will you love her, comfort her, honour and keep her, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"

Matthew's throat worked. He opened his mouth. Closed it.

The silence stretched.

Florence's heart clenched.

Then he spoke.

"I will."

The minister turned to Florence.

"Florence, will you take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband? Will you love him, comfort him, honour and keep him, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others, for as long as you both shall live?"

"I will."

The words came easily. She'd never meant anything more.

"The rings, please."

Brennan lumbered forward. His massive hands fumbled with two simple gold bands. He placed them in the minister's palm cautiously, then retreated to his seat, his face suspiciously red.

The minister blessed the rings and handed the smaller one to Matthew.

Matthew took Florence's left hand in his. His fingers were calloused, scarred, still healing from the fight. They trembled as he slid the ring onto her finger.

"With this ring, I thee wed." His voice was rough. "With my body, I thee worship. With all my worldly goods, I thee endow."

Florence took the larger ring. Matthew's hand was warm in hers, steadier now. She slid the band onto his finger, watching it settle into place.

"With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship. With all my worldly goods, I thee endow."