Page 37 of The Hunt for Mr. October
Elwood decided that, no matter what occurred this day, he would leave with his head held high, and know that he had finally lived—because he knew what he’d been scorning for so many years.
True love.
It wasn’t just a spark of passion, but an enduring change to his entire way of thinking. It was knowing that he had found the one person he could ever dare to stay with until death separated them, and then believed with all of his heart that they would be together forever in the twinkling stars in the glorious heavens.
His mouth curved in a smile, because if he would have spoken aloud, he knew how besotted he would sound, but neither did he care. His entire demeanor had changed.
The fine hairs on the back of his neck began to lift, as if in preparation for something.
His heart started to pound, and he returned his focus in front of him. He blinked, and then held his breath, wondering if he was actually beholding something real, or a dream borne of his imagination.
He slowly rose to his feet, and as Meliah started to move closer to him in her ivory gown and veil, he realized that she was truly there.
He waited for her to approach him. It seemed as if the minutes ticked by endlessly as he waited for her to stand before him. He could almost hear the collective intake of breath all around them, the crowd slowly starting to move in closer to overhear the exchange…
“Was it true?”
For a moment, he was at a loss, but then his rational mind took over. “Every. Word.”
“Why didn’t you tell me that before now?”
He gave a one-sided shrug. “I suppose I just didn’t know how.”
She tilted her head to the side. “What changed?”
He dared to take a step closer. And then another, until he could reach out and cup the side of her face. “You.” He smiled slightly. “It was difficult to put into words what I feel about you. It’s like the tide crashing over the rocks, or a ship pitching on the sea. It’s turbulent, but there’s also nothing to compare it to. All I can hope to say is that I love you.”
She gave a sob and without warning, she threw herself into his arms and pressed her lips against his.
The deafening sound of cheers went up all around them, but they ignored them all. Elwood kissed her back with all the adoration he felt toward her, and she returned the embrace in kind with every ounce of passion she possessed.
When they parted, he glanced down at her. “I think we are making a stir in society, and most definitely a scandal.”
“How wonderful,” she returned with a broad smile on her face. “At least that way everyone will know that the hunt for Mr. October has concluded andIhave captured him.”
EPILOGUE
November 1
“Are we nearly there?”
“Patience, my dear.”
Meliah was anxious to find out what her husband had in store for her for their honeymoon. It was quite irregular that anyone might actually choose All Saints Day as the day for their marriage, but they had both agreed it was rather ironic in how it suited them, and that surely there was a bit of divine intervention involved in bringing them together.
The ceremony that morning had been simple, yet elegant. She had been nervous that something might happen that would ruin their special day, but both sides of their family seemed quite pleased with the union. Although it might take some time for the rest of society to come around to the fact an earl had married a weaver’s daughter, her husband didn’t seem to mind, and she had assured him time and again that she didn’t care for balls and soirees, that as long as they had each other she was content.
As the carriage rolled to a halt, Meliah wished to remove the blindfold that Elwood had placed over her the moment they hadleft London. What shedidenjoy was the pleasurable experience he’d given her on the way to their destination. It was the first time they had been intimate in some time and she had been yearning for his expert touch.
He certainly didn’t fail her expectations. But thus far, he never had.
Her body heated just thinking of the next few days to pass. He vowed that neither of them would often leave the bedchamber and she was looking forward to it. He claimed that it was because he needed an heir as soon as possible, but she knew it was merely because he wanted to keep her alone. She had no complaints.
Once she was on the ground, his deep voice rumbled, “Are you ready to see your new home, my lady?”
It was still so strange for Meliah to think of herself with a title, but from the moment she had said, “I will,” she had become Lady Meliah Tyburne, the Countess of Belmont. “You know the answer to that,” she sighed impatiently.
He chuckled, but then he removed the covering around her eyes. She blinked to allow her eyes to adjust to the light, and then she glanced at him with a sparkle in her green eyes. “Belmont Hall. I daresay I’ve missed it greatly.”
“I’m happy to hear that.” He put his arm around her. “I hope we might make more wonderful memories here to cherish.” He paused. “Of course, since are the mistress here, you are welcome to decorate it however you wish, or if you prefer?—”
She silenced him with a kiss. “Iloveyou, and Ilovethis wonderful house just as it was the day you brought me here and I stepped over the threshold. Now, take me to bed, my lord.”
Arching a dark brow, he reached down and lifted her into his arms. “Anything for you, heart of my heart.”
As he strode through the front door, he kicked it shut behind them.
