Page 89 of A Scot on Duchess Square
They had just walked into the church when Gwenys suddenly tore across the pews. “Papa!”
She lunged into Lord Lowery’s open arms, and the two of them hugged with genuine warmth.
Miranda nodded at Bram. “I was not sure about this, but you were right. Having him here is a good idea. He loves Gwenys andshe loves him. However, I cannot forgive him for allowing her stepmother to make his daughter’s life a misery.”
“Gwenys seems to have forgiven him,” Bram said. “Let them have their moment, for he isn’t likely to ever have this chance again.”
“You are awfully generous for a kidnapper,” she remarked, gently teasing him.
But this father-and-daughter reunion needed to be, for Gwenys was a sentimental girl and would always treasure this moment.
As the small crowd of guests took their seats, the four of them approached the altar.
The vicar conducting the ceremony married Gwenys and Douglas first, which did not surprise Miranda, since she knew Bram wanted them safely wed the soonest. He wanted that done and out of the way because it would leave him free to worry abouttheirwedding vows.
She noticed the discreet glances he cast her way and knew he was worried she would panic and run off when it came their turn.
But she wasn’t going to run from him, not ever. Yes, she had been stubborn, cowardly, and scared until the Parliament incident. But that had been her sign from above.
Hewasher salvation.
Then it was their turn to exchange vows.
Bram took hold of her trembling hand, his touch warm and reassuring.
She heard the vicar say her name and begin the recitation of her promises. To love, honor, and obey her husband.
Bram arched an eyebrow and grinned at her.
She smiled back. “I do.”
Then Bram said a solemn “I do” upon recital of his vows.
“Under the eyes of the Lord, I now pronounce you husband and wife,” the vicar intoned.
Bram kissed her with tenderness and heat, that heat ensuring everyone understood she was his to love.
Perhaps he only meant to makeherunderstand this.
Her friends and his kinsmen cheered and whistled, completely ignoring the solemnity of the moment. But was this not the best reason to cheer?
She had done it, she realized with pounding heart. All her doubts shed, and she was now free to move forward with confidence because she had gone through with the wedding!
She was Bram’s wife now. His duchess.
The realization lifted her spirits, and she was happier than she had ever been in her life.
But a little scared, too.
Perhaps not every doubt had been overcome, but not about him. She was worried about herself. Would she disappoint him?
No, no!This was a joyful day, and Bram was the right man for her.
He sensed her mounting nerves and drew her aside while everyone circled Douglas and Gwenys to congratulate them. “I have something for ye.” He withdrew a small box tied in a pink silk ribbon and handed it to her. “Open it, love.”
She did, and all her fears melted away.
He’d bought her a silver heart necklace like the one that bounder had torn from her neck. This one was engraved.
