Epilogue

Her wedding day was everything Rebecca could have hoped for. Even the months leading up to it were wonderful because Henry did everything in his power to make her happy. From his proposal to ensuring the witchcraft rumours were stamped out, he did it all just for her. She couldn’t have a more perfect man than her husband.

She glanced around the room, seeing everyone she loved gather to witness her beautiful day. Even Alice was smiling, although she hadn’t been impressed when she learned Henry wished to court her best friend. A little jealousy had undoubtedly been involved, but she had slowly come around to the idea, even agreeing to move with her to Dorchester Place so they could continue to help people.

Rebecca was adamant about continuing her work because it was part of her life, and Henry didn’t want to stop her. They were currently building a shop and consultation rooms that Alice would primarily run. She refused to leave Rebecca’s side, saying her life had been bound with hers, so giving Alice her own space seemed the best thing to do.

Looking further, she smiled at Tommy. He was a year old now and very active. Rebecca was amazed that he was quietly sitting on his mother’s lap and not making a fuss. Mrs and Mr Cruikshanks sat beside them, holding hands and looking every bit the loving couple they were. The pair married last summer and moved not too far from Dorchester Place.

Her mother caught her attention, subtly waving and blowing a kiss. Her grandmother did the same, also wriggling her eyebrows as she gestured at Henry. Rebecca agreed that her husband was terribly handsome, and he would become all hers.

It was startling to know that at any moment now, they would be declared man and wife, and she would become the Duchess of Dorset. Rebecca never expected to get married, let alone become an aristocrat by marriage.

Fortunately, Rebecca didn’t have to put up with Mr Bartlett as their vicar because he was long gone. One of the husbands of his lovers caught him with his wife and threatened to end his life. The vicar barely escaped and was said to be in another country.

Lady Ruth was disciplined by her parents after learning what she did and how Henry wished to punish her. They had promised never to allow their daughter to bother them again in exchange for Henry’s silence. Even the witchcraft rumours faded into nothing, with many wondering how anyone could have believed them.

“My love,” Henry whispered, drawing her attention.

Rebecca turned to him, surprised when she saw him holding a ring. She wasn’t aware that they would exchange rings during the ceremony. She already had a beautiful engagement ring. The new vicar took it and blessed it before handing it back to Henry. Unwavering love shone from his eyes as he took her hand and recited after the vicar.

“With this ring I thee wed,” he began, slowly sliding it onto her finger, “with my body I thee worship, and with all my worldly goods I thee endow. In the Name of the Father, and the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.”

Rebecca’s hand trembled slightly in his, smiling at him as though the sun rose and set on his head. It was a bit of a blur afterwards because she could only stare into his beautiful pale blue eyes. After signing the registry, Henry surprised her by pulling her into one of the church rooms.

“I’ve organized a little refreshment before we meet our guests,” he said, holding her around the waist. “A little champagne, fruit, cold meat and cheese.”

“This is wonderful, Henry,” she said, resting her head on his shoulder. “I was worried we wouldn’t have any time together until after the wedding feast.”

“I thought ahead because I didn’t want to share my beautiful wife right after our wedding,” he explained. “These last few months have been rather tumultuous, but now we’re officially married, so no one can dictate how we should spend our time together.”

Many people also disapproved of their relationship, but Henry didn’t care. He was true to his word about protecting her because she had never felt safer.

“Come here, my wife,” he said, surprising her as he sat down and drew her onto his lap.

“Henry!” she cried, blushing profusely. “Someone could come in and see us.”

“And?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “You’re my wife, and I’m your husband. Didn’t I just promise to worship you with my body?”

He had a point there. “Ye-es, but we’re in a public building,” she pointed out.

“But a private room,” he countered. “Is it so wrong to have my wife near me and tell her how much I love her? How I adore everything about her? And how I’m looking forward to our first official kiss?”

Rebecca’s blush deepened. “Our first kiss? Now?”

“Can you think of a better time?” he asked, squeezing her waist gently. “No one is around, and we have at least half an hour before they look for us. I’d like to kiss you and then feed you. And kiss you again.”

Rebecca chuckled, although she felt like she was on fire. “Well, I suppose since we’re married—”

She didn’t complete her sentence because he unexpectedly claimed her lips, making her forget whatever she was about to say. This was nothing like their first kiss. That had been brief and light. This one made her toes curl and her mind swirl, but it was just as wonderful.

“A strawberry, my love?” he asked once he drew away.

She couldn’t even remember what a strawberry was at that point, but she nodded anyway. Henry fed her the juicy, sweet fruit, even wiping her mouth when the juice messed the corner.

“I can do that myself,” she protested.

“Yes, but humour me,” Henry insisted. “I just want to worship and take care of you, so just enjoy it, yes?”

Rebecca smiled, rubbing her nose against his. “As long as I get to do the same thing.”

He grinned, sitting back. “Feed me, my love. All that I am and have is yours.”

Rebecca loved the sound of that.

THE END?