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She fretted they would grow impatient and leave, but both seemed content to wait for Shelby. The thick slices of gingerbread and constant supply of fresh tea she provided no doubt helped her cause.

Mrs. Beale had been delighted when Roxina asked her to bear witness, clapping her hands in excitement and declaring it an honor. Roxina couldn’t help but smile at the woman’s enthusiasm, grateful for her kindness and friendship.

Roxina had busied herself with preparations, desperate to keep her hands occupied and her mind from wandering into worry.

Dash remained faithfully by her side, sensing the tension and excitement thrumming through her. She stroked his soft ears absently as she rehearsed the vows she would soon speak. A mixture of nerves and anticipation made her heart race, but each thought of Shelby filled her with a sense of calm and certainty.

Now the moment was upon her.

She and Shelby stood on one side of Mitchel’s bed, Mrs. Beale and Mrs. Pritchard on the other, and Reverend Pritchard and Dash officiating at the foot.

Reverend Pritchard cleared his throat, his voice deep and steady as he began the ceremony.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy Matrimony; which is an honorable estate, instituted by God in the time of man’s innocency…”

His words wove through the room with solemn reverence, blessing their union and calling upon God to watch over them as man and wife.

Her focus fixed solely on Shelby, whose solemn gray gaze never wavered from hers, Roxina barely heard the formal phrases.

When it came time to exchange vows, Shelby’s deep voice resonated with such conviction that her heart swelled with emotion. “I do.”

In turn, she promised to honor and love him for as long as they both lived, her voice soft but firm.

Reverend Pritchard smiled, pronounced them husband and wife, and a soft cheer erupted from the gathered witnesses.

Dash woofed in approval, causing everyone to laugh.

The words echoed through Roxina’s mind like a bell tolling in a dream. “I now pronounce you man and wife.”

I am Shelby’s wife.

Wait until her friends in the Ladies of Opportunity heard.

Roxina had won her secret stake after all—not just won but carried off the stakes and cleaned the house. A complete triumph, to be sure.

She barely heard Mrs. Beale, Reverend Pritchard, and Mrs. Pritchard as they offered their well-wishes, their voices blending into a hazy blur.

The moment seemed surreal, suspending her between reality and a wonderful, impossible dream. Yet it was true.

Roxina had just become Mrs. Shelby Tellinger.

Her hands trembled as she smoothed the soft folds of her gown—a stunning Mazarin blue creation that she had humbly confessed to sewing herself.

Mrs. Pritchard had marveled at it, and even Mrs. Beale’s eyes had widened with admiration.

Roxina met Shelby’s hot, hooded gaze, unable to contain the soft, giddy smile that tugged at her lips. She could scarcely believe this remarkable man was now her husband.

And tonight…

“Congratulations, Roxina. I hope you will be very happy with Shelby.” Mitchel’s voice, weak and raspy, pulled her attention to where he lay, pale and gaunt, on the narrow bed. The effort to remain awake through the brief ceremony had drained him, and his eyes already fluttered closed again.

Her heart twisted with a pang of pity, softened by compassion. She’d wanted him to be strong enough to see her married, to know she would be safe and loved when he was gone.

Standing at his bedside, sadness welled within her as she took in his slack features and the faint, contented smile softening his face. Despite the years of pain and the memories that lingered, she felt only pity now—no resentment, no bitterness.

Satisfaction glimmered in his tired eyes, almost as if knowing she was married and secure brought him some peace.

Relief and gratitude mingled in her chest as she watched him struggle to stay awake, his breathing shallow but peaceful.