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“Hey,” Matthew warned, and she laughed.
“Where is he now, anyway?” she asked, looking around.
“I believe he’s already snuck inside,” Matthew responded. “Shirking his esquire duties, no doubt.”
Winnie smiled, staring ahead of them as the house came into view. “Do you mind if I drive tonight?”
Matthew sighed. “We don’t really have another option now. At least not until Minnie gets out of the shop. Your emerald steed will have to do.”
“Oh, didn’t you hear?” she asked, looking up at him. “I turned that one in.”
He peered down at her in surprise. “Did you?”
She nodded, then motioned up ahead to where her new car was parked on the drive. A minivan as round and as red as could be sat proudly in front of them.
“I like to call her, Minnie 2.0,” Winnie said.
Matthew let out a burst of laughter, stopping to face her as he wrapped his arms around her waist. “Who am I even dating right now? First you’re a damsel in distress, now you’re driving a people carrier. What’s next for you, jousting?”
She laughed. “No, I think I’d prefer being a damsel to anything. I quite like being rescued by you. Although next time, I expect you to speed things up a bit.”
He laughed. “You have changed, Miss Knox…in some ways more than others.”
She stared into his eyes, her heart swirling with warmth and love for the man in front of her. “The biggest change is how much happier I am now. And it’s all thanks to you.” She looked to the side with a shrug. “And of course, to England.”
He grinned, leaning down to kiss her before pulling back. “Well, the happiness looks good on you.” He paused. “As did that medieval dress. You know…I wouldn’t mind if you put that on again.”
She gave him a saucy smile. “Oh? Well, maybe I will, if you promise to win another tournament for me.”
“Then you shall have thy wish, my fair Lady Winifred,” he said, putting on his ancient accent. “Anything you so desire is yours, so long as thou dost promise to share thy love with me forevermore.”
She stared into his eyes. “I dost promise.”
He looked to the side, then whispered, “‘I dost promise?’ I don’t think that’s right.”
“Hey, at least I’m trying.”
“I mean, they speak more accurately on A Knight’s Tale,” he teased again.
She swatted his chest. “You just can’t help but correct me, can you?”
“’Tis a curse that I take great pleasure in,” he said with an air of feigned pride. “But forgive me. I shall give it up if I must.” He smiled, dropping his knightly façade as he continued. “Because nothing makes me happier than winning Winnie’s hand…and her love.”
“Well, that you have, sir,” she said. “But I think I’ll stick to speaking like this from now on, if you don’t mind.”
“Whatever suits your fancy,” he said with a wink.
Then he leaned down for another kiss that Winnie heartily returned.
EPILOGUE
One Week Later
Matthew
Well, lads. It’s official.
Finn
