Epilogue

EPILOGUE

" T oday is the day, my love."

Gabriel whispered to Evelina, his heart brimming with joy and anticipation as they stood hand in hand at the altar, ready to exchange vows and begin life together as one at last.

The sun bathed the garden in a warm glow, birds chirping happily in the background, as though nature itself was celebrating the long-due occasion.

Evelina's eyes sparkled with happiness, her smile alone lighting up the entire venue as she gazed lovingly at him, her voice filled with emotion as she said, "My love, my heart is full knowing that I get to spend forever by your side. I love you, I promise to love and cherish you always."

Ah…

Could I truly be deserving of this perfect woman?

It did not matter. For the fact that she chose him, he was ready to spend the rest of his life, loving her fiercely, standing by her and protecting her with all that he was.

Salty drops tinged at the corner of his in his eyes as he squeezed her hand gently in his. He was not a man ever moved to tears, yet faced with the weight of this momentous occasion, he'd found himself struggling.

The hitch in the back of his throat had started at first breath the moment Evelina stepped into gardens of the Dunmore estate, a vision of mind-blowing beauty. Her gown shimmered in the sunlight, every step she took exuding such perfection in a near blinding manner.

The dress was a masterpiece, featuring a high empire waist, accentuating her figure and flowing gracefully to the floor in a cascade of fine silk. The neckline was modest yet alluring, adorned with delicate lace that framed her collarbones beautifully.

The sleeves were puffed at the shoulders, a signature style of recent fashion, adding a touch of romanticism. To complete the ensemble, she had on gloves and most importantly, the family heirloom pearl necklace he'd gifted to her weeks before, adding a final touch of refinement to her stunning attire.

Gabriel took in each detail as she walked towards him, wanting to forever have a vivid picture of the moment in his mind, his heart swelling with love. Despite her drawing proximity causing the hitch to expand, he couldn't tear his gaze away, captivated by her and the love that shone in her eyes.

In that moment, surrounded by the joy of friends and family, he felt like the luckiest man alive to have such a stunning and radiant bride by his side.

The day went by with the two exchanging continuous glances and shared locked gazes. They exchanged their vows, the words carrying the depth of their love and commitment.

Finally, they sealed it all with a tender kiss, the cheers and applause enveloping them, a chorus of love and support that echoed the beginning of their shared journey, now forever intertwined as one.

In that moment, Gabriel knew, happiness filling him at the realization.

Loneliness would never be a close friend again.

"But, my love, we really must return for the breakfast," Evelina said with a scolding glint in her eye, "We should not keep everyone waiting!"

Yet, she was met with a mischievous grin, "Oh, but a few more moments won't make a difference. We only just stepped out the carriage. Let's savor this time just between us. It's our day after all."

"No, no," she shook her head, walking through the familiar hall in direction of the stairs, "I am expected to freshen up and get into a change of clothes. I have servants waiting for me up-"

She gasped as her new husband suddenly reached out for her hand, pulling her back towards him.

"Gabriel!"

He smiled, intertwining his fingers in hers, "And what if I told you they would understand our absence?"

Evelina chuckled, feeling a flush light up her cheeks, "You are incorrigible." Sighting a moment of escape, she leaped away from him, holding up the hem of her dress as she scurried for the stairs.

"Really, my love?" Her husband's laughter echoed behind her for a moment.

Evelina's joint giggles shifted to a gasp as she turned right as he swiftly caught her, gently pressing her against the nearest wall. Their eyes locked, the air between them charging instantly.

"I have you now, my dear. No more excuses. You're cornered," Gabriel whispered, his breaths hot and heavy.

Evelina's cheeks were on fire, yet she raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips, "Oh, really? And what do you plan to do now that you have me trapped?"

Her heart rate sped up as he responded by taking a step closer, leaving barely any space between them. Her eyes shut, a small gasp leaving her lips when she felt his fingers gently hike up her chin.

"Expecting a kiss, are we, dear duchess?" His voice was filled with a playful yet intense undertone.

Evelina felt her cheeks flush a deeper shade of crimson, as she opened her eyes to meet his, her heart racing at the magnetic pull of his gaze.

"Yes," she whispered, her voice barely above a breath.

A group of house servants hurried past, their gasps and giggles blending into the background as Evelina's attention remained solely on her husband; the world around them fading away in his presence.

The duke chuckled softly, a twinkle in his eye, before swiftly lifting her off her feet. A surprised yelp escaped her lips, her hands instinctively wrapping around his neck for support.

"Gabriel!"

As he held her close, his gaze bore into hers with a fiery intensity, his smile ever promising, "I'll certainly do more than just kiss you, my love."

Evelina's laughter bubbled up, a mix of excitement and delight dancing in her eyes, her breath catching at the anticipation of what was to come.

In one fluid motion, Gabriel hoisted her higher in his arms, her laughter ringing through the air as he playfully announced, "Off we go!"

Their journey up the stairs was filled with shared laughter and stolen kisses, and as they finally reached their destination, their lips met in a sweet, tender kiss, sealing their love and the promise of a happily ever after.

The End?