Page 83 of A Duke Reformed

A sudden wave of emotion washed over her as she made her way to Solomon. Emma took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. She had almost given up on this love. She had convinced herself that love could never be hers, that it was too dangerous, too consuming.

How foolish.

As Emma approached Solomon, she noticed that he was deep in conversation with her father, who was speaking so eagerly.

"... No, that's why this investment is important," she heard her father say. . "The market is still recovering, but with the right investment, we could–"

"Lord Lockhart," Solomon said with a smile. "You don't need to worry about investments or bad markets. As I've said before, we no longer need to focus on money. Emma's family is my family now." He looked at Emma with a soft smile before turning back to her father. "I have more than enough for all of us. Don't worry about investing in someone else's business. Let's work on fixing yours. The Lockhart business."

"It would take a lot of money to revive the family business, Your Grace."

"I think I have that," he answered, reaching for Emma and pulling her close to him. "That is the least of your worries now. Draft the plan for action, we will go over it and execute."

Her father seemed taken aback for a moment, clearly processing Solomon's words. His brow furrowed slightly, but then his expression softened. "I don't know what to say, Your Grace."

"You don't have to say anything," he responded. "But I would have to ask that you excuse me a moment to speak to my wife. I fear we haven't had a conversation since the ceremony this morning."

Howard gave a knowing nod. "Of course. Congratulations."

Emma had not seen her father smile like that before. It was as though all the wrinkles on his face had disappeared and he looked five times younger. She felt tears burn her eyes. Finally, after so many years of ruin, he was finally getting to breathe a sigh of relief.

Solomon turned to Emma, offering her his arm. "Shall we?"

Emma smiled up at him, a warmth blossoming in her chest as she took his arm. They walked toward a quiet corner of the expansive room, the noise of the celebration fading behind them as they left the group to themselves.

Once they were out of earshot from the others, Emma paused and looked up at him, her heart still fluttering from theceremony that had just taken place hours before. "It feels surreal, doesn't it?" she said softly, her voice tinged with awe. "I've dreamed of this day for so long, but now that it's here, I can hardly believe it."

Solomon brushed a lock of hair from her face as he gazed down at her. "Are you all right, my love? It seems like you have been crying," he said, worried.

Emma shook her head slowly with a smile on her face. "Only tears of joy. I'm grateful for you, Solomon. Truly."

Solomon leaned forward to hug her, burying his face in her shoulder. "Is it terrible that I just want us to go travelling, right now? To leave everyone behind, and just... go to a beautiful place where it's only the two of us?" he said into her shoulders. "There's so many places I want to show you."

Emma giggled. "It's almost over."

Solomon pulled back slightly. "Almost over, but not quite. I suppose we can spare a few more moments before we slip away from all the festivities."

Emma nodded, but then, as they approached, she squeezed his hand gently. "I'd like to speak with Dorothy before we leave. I promised her I'd make sure to have a proper talk before everything changes for her. She'll be having her debut next season. There's so much she needs to know."

"Of course, darling, take all the time you need," he answered, leaning back into the embrace.

"So, where are we going first," she asked him, unable to contain her excitement. "I cannot believe you're keeping it a secret."

"I want to surprise you," he answered. "It's not a secret, it's a surprise."

"That makes me even more curious," she said. "Where?"

Solomon chuckled. "Well, if I told you now, it wouldn't be much of a surprise, would it, Ducky?"

"You're impossible," she teased, but her heart was already racing with excitement.

He leaned in closer. "Trust me, Ducky, it'll be worth the wait."

Emma wrapped her arms around his neck. "I suppose I'll just have to be patient," she said, her smile widening. "But you must know, I'll be counting down the days."

"I'll make sure you won't have to wait too long," he promised, taking her hand in his. "You know you can come to me for anything, right, Emma? If anything happens, don't try to fix it yourself. Whatever it is, come to me. My vows to you at the altar were very sincere. I will be everyone and everything you need me to be."

Emma nodded. "I know. I trust you with everything, Solomon."

She didn't need to look around to know the guests would be wondering where they had gone, but she didn't mind. She didn't want this moment to end, but it was time to face the world again, to let the celebrations continue. It was her wedding day after all, and there were memories yet to be made.

Hand in hand, Emma walked beside Solomon, their fingers intertwined as they walked back to rejoin the guests. The warmth of his hand in hers was a constant reminder of how much her life had changed in such a short time.

As they approached the table, she couldn't help but glance up at Solomon, feeling a swell of affection that made her heart flutter. She was ready. Ready to start the next chapter of their life together, to experience the world with him at her side. Ready to travel to new places, discovering new things, and building a future together, filled her with excitement.

There was so much to look forward to.

The End?