Page 67 of Charlotte's Kisses
“Whatever you wish. If we stay here, I shall make sure your stepmother is kept in her place.” He cringed. “Never mind, I cannot keep her in hell. But I will prevent her from interfering.”
Charlotte pursed her lips. “I would like for my father and Alexander to be at our wedding, and I would like to stand up to her myself. Following the ceremony, we can leave for Brighton.”
“Perfect,” he said, knowing full well, that he would step in and berate the she-devil if she did anything to ruin Charlotte’s special day.
“Will we be staying at your family’s inn?”
“Yes. ’Tis quite elegant. You will love my mother, and she will absolutely adore you.”
“Will I meet your sister?”
“Yes. I have not a doubt, the two of you will become the best of friends. I will warn you, being raised on the coast makes one a bit freer spirited than being raised on an estate outside of London. She is warm and generous, although a bit wild. You will also meet my cousin Ethan and his wife. They are quite delightful, and we shall have fun touring the seaside with them.”
Charlotte wriggled about on his lap. Which was slightly problematic since he was desperately trying not to become aroused.
“I cannot wait to see the ocean,” she said.
“It will be too cold for sea bathing, but I find walking on the beach to be quite enjoyable. Now, could I finish the most important part of my proposal?”
She clamped her palm over her mouth, her expectant gaze willing him to continue.
“I love you, Charlotte Beckett, my sparkling Firefly, with my entire heart and soul. You have turned the drab colors in my life into brilliant shades.”
She dropped her hand. “I love you too, Hugh Fletcher, for making my drab life thrilling. And for encouraging me to believe in myself. You make me feel brave. Like I can take on the world.”
“I believe you were already brave before you met me.” He planted a chaste kiss on the tip of her nose. “However, let us just say, we complement each other.”
“I like that.” She slid a palm to his crotch.
His cock instantly awakened. Unfortunately, he must keep the promise he had made to her father. He allowed himself a moment of passionate kissing before reluctantly moving her hand.
“Please, do not tempt me. It will kill me, but we must wait until we are husband and wife. I promised your father.”
She sighed. “Fine. But then we must marry tomorrow.”
He chuckled. “We will not yet have the banns.”
“Then we shall apply for the banns tomorrow and marry the day they are posted.”
“Whatever you wish, my beautiful fiance´e. Forever and ever, I shall give you the world,” he said, his heart thumping wildly and his once angry soul ensconced in joy.
Chapter twenty-eight
Charlotte could hardly believeher good fortune. She had just married the most handsome man in the world with her father and brother by her side. The morning was so magnificent that she could not find it in herself to care that Lady Chesterhill pouted the entire wedding ceremony.
After a delightful luncheon, Papa presented Charlotte with an ornate birdcage containing two lovebirds. The male was various shades of blue and green with a yellow dot on his head. The female had a brilliant green body, a yellow neck, and an orange head, making her resemble half a rainbow.
Charlotte bounced on her toes with excitement. “Papa, they are lovely.”
“You were so forlorn when your others escaped that I thought they would be the perfect wedding present.”
Escapedher big toe. But more importantly, he had noticed she was heartbroken over Romeo and Juliet. Up until this moment, he had seemed oblivious.
“I shall name them Rosalind and Orlando,” Charlotte declared.
“They are beautiful.” Emily reached a finger into the cage to pat Orlando’s yellow feathers. “This entire morning was wonderful. Thank you for inviting me, Charlie.”
“I am delighted you traveled back to Chesterhill Manor to join us,” Charlotte said with utmost sincerity. Emily had proven to be a compassionate friend, and she made Alexander happy.
