Chapter 30

Wiliam never thought such a thing was possible. He was holding Rose by the hand. Rose, his wife. Rose, the new Duchess of Montford.

The celebration or their wedding was in full bloom, with laughter and music filling the air. The gardens were adorned with flowers, just like she wanted. The fairy lights were strung above, creating a pathway of light that led towards the center of the happening. The village people mingled together, everyone gathered to witness and celebrate their union.

By his side, Rose stood radiantly, her beauty captivating him all over again. She wore a wedding gown that seemed almost ethereal, the delicate lace and fine silk perfectly complementing her grace and elegance.

The dress hugged her figure in all the right places, flaring out gently at the waist into a flowing skirt that moved with every step she took. Tiny pearls were intricately sewn into the bodice, catching the light and adding a soft shimmer to her appearance.

Her veil, a cascade of sheer fabric, was edged with the same delicate lace as her gown, framing her face like a halo. As she moved, the veil fluttered gently, adding to her angelic presence. Her hair was styled in loose waves, adorned with a wreath of fresh flowers that matched the blooms decorating the gardens.

William couldn't take his eyes off her. The love he felt for Rose was overwhelming, and seeing her in her wedding gown filled him with a deep sense of awe and gratitude. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with happiness and love, and he felt as if he were the most fortunate man in the world.

"Your Grace," he murmured, his voice filled with emotion, "you look absolutely beautiful."

Her smile widened, as she blushed upon his words. He wanted to be the first one to call her that. She squeezed his hand gently. "Thank you, William. Today has been more wonderful than I ever could have imagined."

As they stood together, surrounded by their friends, family, and well-wishers, William felt a profound sense of fulfillment. The journey they had been on, with all its challenges and triumphs, had led to this perfect moment. Rose was not just his wife now, but his partner in every sense of the word. The celebration around them, filled with joy and love, was a testament to the bright future they would share.

As all the guests kept approaching them with their well wishes, William and Rose thankfully accepted them all. Yet, he couldn't wait for the evening, when all the guests would retire to their homes, when Rose would finally become his. The very thought sent thunder bolts through his entire body, awakening every single nerve, every slumbering desire he ever had.

That was when he noticed Rose's Aunt Cora and Henry approaching them. As always, her aunt had a playful glint in her eye, and her brother wore a broad smile. The sight of them added to the warmth of the day, filling him with a sense of belonging and familial love.

"I must say, it has finally happened," Aunt Cora began in a teasing tone, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "It seems you finally decided to accept a man's courtship, Rose. I've been telling you for years, it was about time. It took you long enough!"

Rose blushed, laughing lightly at her aunt's playful chiding. "Aunt Cora, you aways did have a knack for saying exactly what was on your mind," she replied, her voice full of affection.

Henry, who was standing by their aunt, chimed in with a chuckle. "I have to agree with Aunt Cora, Rose. We have all been waiting for the day you'd meet someone who could match your spirit. I know it all didn't start off as a fairy tale, but it certainly ended as one."

"Thank you, Henry," Rose smiled. "That is a nice way of putting it."

"And I am so glad that out of all the men you could have chosen, you chose the duke," Aunt Cora added tenderly.

William felt a surge of pride and gratitude. He smiled warmly at Rose's family, appreciating their acceptance and the love they shared. "I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have won Rose's heart," he said, his voice sincere. "She is truly one of a kind."

Henry was the one to give a mock-serious nod, his eyes sparkling with love for his sister. "Well, Your Grace, you better make sure to keep treating Rose right. She is a treasure, and we won't hesitate to keep reminding you of that."

"Henry!" Rose exclaimed, and William knew that she feared Henry might have crossed the line, but he wanted to assure them all that they could speak their minds freely with him around, especially when it had something to do with Rose or himself.

"There is no need to scold him, Rose," William smiled. "I appreciate the truth. I always have. And you, Henry, are a brave boy. You have proven that to me on more than one occasion. Rose is fortunate to have a brother like you. As for your words, I wouldn't have it any other way," William assured him, his gaze locking with Rose's. "I promise to cherish her always."

Rose's eyes shimmered with emotion as she looked at William, then back at her aunt and brother. "Thank you both for being here and for your support. It means the world to us."

Aunt Cora reached out and gave Rose a quick, affectionate hug. "Of course, dear. This is a day to celebrate love and family. And speaking of celebration, shouldn't we join the dancing?"

Rose laughed, nodding enthusiastically. "Absolutely, Aunt Cora. Let's make the most of this wonderful day."

Aunt Cora took Henry by the hand, while Rose did the same with William. They joined the other dancers in the middle of the garden, enjoying themselves under the blossoming flowers and a million little fairy lights. As the evening wore on and most of the guests had departed, the manor gardens settled into a serene and intimate atmosphere. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the space, casting a warm and inviting light over the remaining revelers. William stood with Rose, enjoying the quiet end to their joyful day.

Just then, a nervous-looking Mr. Hancock appeared, approaching with a hesitant but determined expression. He cleared his throat and addressed Cora, who was standing nearby. "Mrs. Roberts, would you do me the honor of a dance?" he asked politely.

Aunt Cora suddenly looked flustered. She blushed, her eyes widening in surprise. Rose couldn't let out a small laugh, thoroughly amused by her aunt's unexpected reaction. "Aunt Cora," she teased gently, "it looks like you should take your own advice and give the man a chance."

William had to admit that he had never seen Mr. Hancock in such a state of nerves as well. The man had always been a stoic, solemn and confident. Yet now, he appeared as a little boy, wearing his heart on a sleeve. William immediately understood what was happening. He knew that feeling all too well.

Aunt Cora's flustered demeanor softened as she met Rose's warm and encouraging gaze. She nodded and took Mr. Hancock's outstretched hand, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor. The sight of the typically composed Cora being led in a dance by the equally reserved Mr. Hancock brought a smile to William's face.

"Did you ever think that such a thing would be possible?" Rose mused, as they both gazed on in the direction of the dancing couple.

"No," William admitted, wrapping his arm around Rose's waist and pulling her closer to him. "Then again, I never thought this would be possible either," he said, gesturing at the two of them.

"No?" she echoed, blushing. "Why not?"

He smiled. "Just… look at you. You shine, Rose. You… you have made me happier than I ever thought possible. I believed I was destined to be isolated, hated, and scorned forever. And perhaps I deserved it. But then, you came into my life and changed everything."

Rose looked up at him, her eyes shining with affection. She squeezed his hand gently, feeling the depth of his emotions and the sincerity of his words. "William, you deserved happiness all along. I'm just glad I could help you see that."

He smiled, leaning down to kiss her forehead. He couldn't wait a moment longer. "Thank you, my love. For everything." He paused, then asked softly, "Are you ready to leave the party for the night?"

Rose nodded, a contented smile spreading across her face as she understood what he wanted. "Yes, I am. Let's go."

***

Rose thought she would be stiff. She thought her body would be afraid of what was to come, taking into account what she had heard of that infamous first time a woman gave herself to a man. Yet, she felt no fear, no stiffness of limbs. Instead, she melted into William's arms, knowing that was exactly where she belonged.

The moment he closed the door to his chamber, he wrapped his arms around her and started to kiss her passionately. She reciprocated in the same manner, feeling those same flames incite her. There was no more time to waste. The right moment had finally come. There would be no more interruptions.

"You taste divine," she heard him say as he pulled away for only a moment, then his tongue crashed inside of her mouth once again.

His skilled fingers unhooked, moved, slid buttons, relieving them of their duty. Moments later, her heavy gown pooled at her feet. She was freed from everything that was keeping her away from him, and now she stood before him, just herself, with nothing to offer but her heart and soul.

"I love you so much," she whispered, as she felt his lips on her neck. She knew that she had fallen under his spell the moment she opened her eyes in this place, the moment she knew that he had saved her.

His teeth gently nipped her throat, a sensation that sent shivers down her spine. Heat exploded somewhere inside of her, her hands flying towards him in a frantic desire to keep him close to her, closer than he had ever been before. She surprised even herself with the desire she felt for him. It consumed her completely, body, mind and soul. She didn't even try to fight it. Why would she?

He slowly guided her back to the bed, taking off his own clothes in the process. She helped him; her hands not really certain what they were doing, but they were on him and that was all that mattered. His hands clasped around her waist, lifting her onto the bed as he leaned over her.

She inhaled sharply, taking in the sight of him. Just like hers, his own body was marred with scars, but that only made him more beautiful in her eyes. Her fingertips traced the lines of his chest, his nipples, his muscles. Everything about him was breathtakingly beautiful, and it was all hers. She couldn't believe that.

All those weeks of waiting were utter torture. Now, they were free to love each other and claim each other. She could feel his fingers trailing down her breast, her stomach, all the way down to her most intimate place, which throbbed with need.

"Oh, William…" she moaned softly, biting her lower lip. He liked that. He smiled as he gazed at her lovingly.

"Should I stop?" she heard him tease her.

"No, never…" she moaned again, grabbing his wrist and keeping it in place where it was.

His fingers caressed her softly at first, sliding between her wet folds. She felt as if her insides were on fire, yearning for more. So much more. As if he were able to listen to her most private thoughts, he started to touch her with more pressure, creating more friction. He stroked firmly, sliding just a little inside of her as his mouth gently sucked on her nipple. She thought that she would come undone immediately, but every time she was close, he would soften the pressure, pulling her back. He must have known how much she was enjoying all of that.

Deciding not to torture her again, his finger started to move faster and faster, pressing exactly that right spot that made her insides tremble harder and harder, until she felt as if someone had pushed her into an abyss and she was falling endlessly.

No description could have prepared her for that sensation. It was something she had to experience for herself. His fingers continued to swirl over her wet, swollen bud and she knew that was the bliss she was expecting to feel. Her heart was pounding inside her ears. Her entire body was awash in sensation, so many that she would not be able to describe them all.

Then he pulled his hand away, pressing his nose to hers. "You are so wet, Rose… so ready for me…"

His words made her feel hungry for him again. Ravenous.

"Take me," she dared to say.

His dark eyes widened upon hearing her words, and his lips crashed against hers without any warning. The desire she felt was so profound that she doubted she would ever come back to the surface. It didn't matter. As long as she was with him, it didn't matter where she was.

While he was still kissing her, she could feel the tip of his manhood press against her wet folds, separating them, slowly allowing himself access to her velvet heat. His lips stole any words that she might have bestowed upon him. He stole all of her breaths. Everything she had was his, as he claimed her slowly, thrusting each time a little deeper.

That was when he broke the kiss, choosing to lock eyes instead. She could see herself in the reflection in his eyes, and that was all she needed to know. He was so beautiful, so handsome. And that man was her husband, forever more. She couldn't look away from him even if she wanted to.

His hips kept moving into her as she jerked her body against his, her desires completely taking over. Her legs were wrapped around him, keeping him close. His hand slid into her hair, gripping at it, clutching a fistful. He didn't want to let her go, just like she didn't want to let go of him.

It was beyond anything she could have imagined. The moment when her body relax, it exploded into a million little stars, with his eyes drinking in the sight of her. She clutched at him desperately as a tidal wave of pleasure took hold of her. A moment later, she felt his body do the same. He lunged into her deeply, and froze on a low groan, his eyes still locked with hers.

They remained like that for a few moments. Then he slid to the side, wrapping his arms around her and breathing heavily.

"Are you all right, my love?" he asked tenderly. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

She felt overwhelmed by love for this man. She caressed his cheek, turning his face to look at her. "You could never hurt me, my love. You were and always will be my savior. I love you…"

He kissed her tenderly, lovingly. She withdrew, lying down on his chest and closing her eyes. She didn't know when she fell asleep. All she knew was that she did so listening to the steady beating of his heart, which belonged to her.