Page 134 of Time to Love the Duke

“Are we ready to go, then?” Her father popped in his head, beaming at her. He looked very dapper in his tuxedo. “Livvy, you look radiant, mi niña. I confess, I had my misgivings about this guy you are marrying in such a hurry, but if he is the reason you look so happy, I approve of him wholeheartedly.”

It surprised her to learn her father had harbored any reservations concerning Dale, for he had been very congenial. In fact, she had thought the two men were getting along very well. But she supposed it was a father’s way to always worry about his daughter.

“You had doubts?” she asked. “They didn’t show while you guys were talking about fishing, whisky, and billiards. Or discussing politics and business.”

Her father shrugged. “I was sizing him up. He seems like a sound guy, but his best recommendation in my eyes is how happy he makes you.”

“He does, dad. You’ll see. You will love him like a son in no time.” She took his proffered arm, and they made their way downstairs.

***

DALE STOOD BY THE MAKESHIFTarbor, surrounded by thousands of orchids and other tropical plants. But he wasn’t looking at any of them. He looked to the end of the aisle created by the arrangement of chairs on either side of a red carpet. She was bound to appear at any moment now. Was she late? It seemed she was running a little late.

“She will be here just in time, Dale. It is still early,” Roys said, reading his mind, as he stood next to him.

The young man had stayed for the wedding, but tomorrow, as they left to embark on their honeymoon, he would travel on to his own time. Dale didn’t know if he would ever see him again, but he hoped their paths would cross in the future.

Just then, Livvy appeared at the end of the aisle, and his heart swelled with a mixture of anticipation and awe. No matter how many times he gazed upon her, she still took his breath away. Soft lace adorned her shoulders, while shimmering beads and intricate embroidery cascaded down the bodice. The skirt billowed with every step, a delicate symphony of silk and lace. Her hair, delicately styled, framed her face like a crown of spun gold, enhancing her lovely features.

But it was his face which held him captive. Her eyes, sparkling with a combination of joy and love, locked with his, conveying a silent promise of devotion. Today, her happiness radiated from her. He vowed silently that he would always try to make her happy.

He wished they could be done with this ceremony and they were alone together in their marital bed. This was all for legality’s sake and the benefit of her family. In their hearts, they were already married. Had been since the day they made those vows in the chapel on his estate.

She walked gracefully on her father’s arm toward him, their gazes never breaking contact. As he reached out to take her hand, he could feel the warmth and tenderness radiating from her touch, solidifying their connection. She was not only his bride but his lifelong companion, his partner, in every joy and every challenge that awaited them.

The notary public performed the ceremony with flair and panache. Thankfully, it wasn’t very long. Bishops took much longer. A few minutes later, he was kissing Livvy to the cheers and applause of her family and a few close friends.

The dinner was intimate and cozy, the food and drinks were excellent. Afterwards, there was even some dancing, and he was able to impress the ladies with his ability to waltz. Apparently, no other man in attendance knew how to, so he was happy to dance with Livvy’s mom and sister, and even her little niece. They were such a warm and loving family. It was amazing how endeared he had become with them in the short time he had known them. And even more amazing perhaps how they had all accepted and taken him into their fold.

Now they were finally alone in their hotel room. The last rays of a golden sunset were sinking into a molten sea. The view from the floor to ceiling glass doors of their high-rise hotel room was breathtaking, but not nearly as entrancing as the woman next to him. Standing in the middle of the room, Livvy turned around so he could unbutton her dress. He couldn’t think of anything else he wanted more than to unwrap her slowly, like the finest gift.

The dress fell in a heavy heap to the floor. He barely had a moment to appreciate her form. Clad in only a small corselet and the briefest of pantalets, she turned and draped her arms over his neck. Pressing her lush form against his rapidly responding body, she nuzzled his neck.

It was all the invitation he needed. He swept her up in his arms and carried her to the massive bed. Intoxicated with need, he tore at his clothing.

Olivia smiled knowingly. “Wait. We will get to that in a minute. But first, I have some news to share with you.”

“Oh?” He had not expected a conversation. It must be serious indeed if it made her pause at a moment like this. He looked at her apprehensively.

She looked suddenly shy, as if she didn’t know how to tell him whatever it was she needed to tell him. Getting up on her knees on top of the bed, she reached out a hand.

His uneasiness grew. Taking her hand, he stepped close to her and cupped her face with his other hand, caressing her cheek with his thumb. “What is it, darling?”

“I... I am... we are going to have a baby.” She let it out in a rush. Her words were so unexpected that it took a moment for the meaning to sink in and his brain to acknowledge them, and another second or two to form a reaction. She looked up at him, a question in her eyes, and suddenly her beloved face was a blur as his eyes became moist and a startled laugh escaped him.

They were going to have a baby? Their love had created the miracle of life! A little person to love. He wanted to say so many things, and yet, nothing came out. He just gave up for the moment and hugged her hard.

“That is wonderful news. Livvy, my love.” He said when he finally could articulate words. “I don’t know what I did to deserve such happiness. How long have you known?”

“A few days. I’ve been wanting to tell you, but I couldn’t find the right moment. I’ve thought of not much else since I found out.”

“You should have told me immediately.”

“I guess I didn’t want to overwhelm you with too many things at once. I mean, you have been through so many changes in the last month, adapting to the way of life in these times, and we had the wedding to get through, and the deal with the estate—”

He stopped her with a tender kiss. “Nothing is more important than this. Just when I thought it wasn’t possible to be happier... I love you so much.”

“Oh, Dale, I love you too.”

And that was the last thing they spoke for a good long time, allowing instead their bodies and spirits to communicate in ways beyond what words could ever express.

THE END