Page 60
She froze, her breath suspended and her gaze locked with his.
“Wife?”
“I rather botched that, didn’t I?” Aston gave her a boyish, lopsided grin. “I cannot promise you a life of luxury and extravagance, Chasity. But I can offer you one of comfort and happiness along with my enduring adoration and devotion.”
He fished around in his coat pocket and pulled out a small royal blue velvet box. Opening the lid, he exposed a stunning oval sapphire and diamond engagement ring.
“Oh, Aston.” She blinked rapidly against the moisture misting her eyes. “It’s simply stunning.”
He lifted her chin with his forefinger, his brown eyes so full of love that tears filled hers. “Marry me, Chasity. I am only complete when I am with you. I cannot conceive another day, let alone a lifetime, without you. I love you beyond words, beyond everything.”
“Yes. Oh, yes.” She held her hand out, and Aston slipped the ring on. “Yes, I will marry you.”
“It’s a trifle large, but I’ll have it sized, my darling.” He took her mouth in a reverent kiss, and Chasity had no doubt this man was her soul mate.
She still grasped the other letter, and it crackled when he tightened his embrace.
Glancing down, Aston saw the rectangle and shook his head. “You’ve not read your other letter. Why don’t you read it while I see to Roi, and then we can go to dinner?”
“Perfect.” She turned it over and scrunched her forehead. “It’s from Mrs. Shepherd. She’s the proprietress at the foundling home where I was raised.” Settling onto a chair near a lamp, she used her thumbnail to break the wax seal.
Aston had just opened the door when she cried out.
“Chasity?” He rushed back to her and knelt before her. “Darling, what is it?”
Chasity couldn’t get the words past her tongue. She shook her head and thrust the letter at him.
Aston rapidly read the short letter. Sitting back on his heels, he whistled as he passed it back to her unsteady hand. “Your father is alive, and your grandfather was a duke?”
All sorts of emotions churned in her stomach: joy, fear, uncertainty, leeriness, excitement, anticipation, and wariness.
“I never considered that my parents wanted me. I’ve always assumed I was an unwelcome by-blow. Something to be ashamed of. To learn my parents were married, and my father didn’t know about me…” She sucked in a ragged breath. “And this man…” she skimmed the letter again. “This Martin Oxley-Norton wants to meet me.”
“Do you want to meet him?” Aston gently asked.
Chasity slowly nodded.
“I think I do. He has suffered too these many years.” She grasped Aston’s hand, needing his unwavering strength. “But only if you go with me, Aston. I don’t think I’m brave enough to meet him alone.”
“You are the bravest woman I know, and I am positive you would do fine on your own. But I’d like to meet my future father-in-law.”
Aston scooted onto the settee and drew her into his arms.
She nestled into his side and rested her head on his chest, one hand wrapped around his trim waist. He smelled like soap and starch and Aston.
“You write to him and pick a day and time,” Aston said into her hair. “Just not tomorrow afternoon. Uncle Conley’s funeral is at four.”
Tilting her head back, Chasity cupped his face with her palm.
“This has been the most extraordinary day. I’m to marry the love of my life, the keeper of my heart. What’s more, my father is alive and wants to meet me. I’m practically giddy with excitement and anticipation.” She gave a rueful shake of her head. “And to think yesterday I believed my world had been turned upside down, and I had no future.”
“Now your future is with me, my love,” Aston murmured into her hair.
Stretching, she kissed him. “God has blessed me so.”
“And me as well.” He caressed her cheek, then rested his chin atop her head. “Chasity, I’d rather not wait until my period of mourning for Uncle Conley is over for us to marry. I want to make you my wife as soon as possible if you have no objections.”
No objections whatsoever.
