Chapter 12

Twelve

T he heavy oak door of the parlor closed with a resounding thud, the sound echoing through the room like the toll of a bell, sealing them in. Beatrice and Charlotte’s soft reassurances to Mathew faded into the hallway, leaving only the thick silence between Emily and Nicolas.

Emily stood frozen by the window, fingers clenched at her sides, as if tethering herself to the ground. Every fiber of her being screamed for her to close the distance between them, to feel his arms around her once more. Yet, fear held her back, an invisible wall she was not ready to breach. The very air seemed to crackle with tension, the only sound the fall of his boots against the plush Aubusson carpet as he approached.

“Emily...” Her name fell from his lips, the deep resonance of his voice wrapping around her, pulling her into its warmth even as she resisted. Her heart stuttered in response, betraying the fragile hold she had on her emotions. She willed herself to remain still, unwilling to face him, to see the regret etched upon that achingly handsome face.

She both longed for and feared his apology because she could not be certain what he was sorry for. Her heart would break anew if he shared regret over the time they spent together. But if he had come to declare his love… If he wished to express regret over the callous way he had left her… She pressed her eyelids closed and fought to maintain composure.

He halted a mere foot away, close enough that she could feel the heat radiating off his body, smell the hint of bay rum that always clung to his skin. “Emily, please. Look at me.”

She blew out a measured breath, then turned, slowly, deliberately, lifting her chin in silent defiance even as her treacherous heart hammered against her ribs. His eyes blazed with intensity, the lines of his face drawn in contrition.

“I owe you more than an apology,” he began, his voice thick with emotion. “What I did... leaving you that way... it was unforgivable. I let my fear control me, and in doing so, I hurt the one person I can not live without.”

Her breath hitched, anger and hurt swirling within her. She wanted to cling to her righteous indignation, but his words chipped away at her defenses, leaving her exposed, raw. Emily searched his face, torn between the pain he had caused and the overwhelming love she felt.

She had spent countless nights replaying their last hours together, dissecting every word, every gesture, searching for some glimmer of the affection she had once been so sure he held for her. And now he was here. Standing before her. Declaring his feelings.

Nicolas took a tentative step closer, his hand lifting as if to touch her cheek before falling back to his side. “I was a fool, Emily. A coward. I did what I have always done without realizing how deep my affection for you ran. I disappeared without a farewell, convinced that I was unworthy of you, that I would only bring you pain. But in my haste to protect you, I realize now that I inflicted a far greater wound.”

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes, her vision blurring as a maelstrom of emotions swirled within her breast. The hurt, the anger, the love and longing—all warred for dominance, threatening to overwhelm her.

“Can you ever forgive me?” he whispered, his voice raw with vulnerability. “I know I have no right to ask for your absolution, but I swear to you, on all that I hold dear, that I will spend the rest of my days proving myself worthy of your trust, your affection...your love.”

Emily’s heart constricted painfully, the sincerity in his words, the naked emotion in his gaze chipping away at the walls she had erected around her battered heart.

As if sensing her internal struggle, Nicolas closed the remaining distance between them, his hands gently grasping her trembling fingers. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she instinctively leaned into his proximity, drawn by the magnetism that had always existed between them.

“Emily,” he breathed, his voice a reverent caress. “You have changed me in ways I never thought possible. Your strength, your compassion, your unwavering grace—they have shown me what true love really means. You have become the very center of my world, the beating heart that gives my life purpose and meaning. I am lost to you. Completely and irrevocably in love with you.”

His words washed over her like a soothing balm, easing the ache that had taken root in her soul. In the depths of his gaze, she saw a reflection of her own longing, a yearning for a love that transcended all boundaries.

“I love you, Emily Fairchild.” His voice was soft yet filled with the weight of a million unspoken promises. “I love you with every part of me—more than I thought myself capable of. You are my light, my heart... and I was too blind to see it before… I love you with every fiber of my being, with a passion that burns brighter than the stars themselves. I know I have made mistakes, that I have caused you pain. But I swear to you, I will spend the rest of my life making it right. If you will have me, I promise to cherish you, to support you, to be the man you deserve by your side.”

Emily’s throat constricted, her heart racing as the weight of his declaration settled upon her. She searched his face, seeking the truth behind his words, and found only pure, unadulterated love shining back at her. It was a love that promised healing, that offered a chance at a future she had once thought lost forever.

She closed her eyes, drawing in a shaky breath as she wrestled with the decision that lay before her. To forgive, to give her heart once more, was to risk the very fabric of her being. But to turn away, to deny the love that burned so fiercely between them, would be to condemn herself to a lifetime of regret and longing.

“Emily,” he said, his voice hoarse with emotion. “I know I have no right to ask, but I am still a selfish man. I want you for myself. Today, tomorrow, always. I am asking you to marry me, Emily. I want to spend the rest of my life proving that you made the right choice in loving me. Let me be your partner, your protector, your husband. Let me be the man you deserve.”

Her eyes fluttered open. In the depths of her gaze, he saw a glimmer of the future he so desperately longed for, a future filled with love, laughter, and the promise of forever.

She took a step forward, her hand trembling as she reached out to caress his cheek. The warmth of his skin beneath her fingertips sent a shiver down her spine, igniting a fire within her.

“Nicolas...” Her voice trembled, betraying the storm raging inside her. “I am terrified to trust again, to believe that this—” she gestured between them, her hand trembling “—can be real. What if we fall apart? What if you leave me again?” She averted her gaze for a heartbeat, then continued. “Still, I cannot deny the truth that resides within my heart. I love you with a depth and intensity that frightens me. I have longed for this since the very moment I reached for you, only to find you gone.” She drew in a breath. “My heart shattered at the loss. Still, I do not want to live a life where I wonder what if. I would rather face that fear with you.”

He leaned into her touch, reveling in the softness of her hand. “Let me be your strength, your solace. Together, we can face any obstacle, overcome any fear. I vow I will never leave you again. Never willingly cause you a moment’s pain.”

The walls she had constructed around her heart crumbled in the face of his unwavering devotion. In that moment, she knew that the risk was one worth taking, that the promise of a future with Nicolas outweighed the fears that held her captive.

“Yes.” Tears slipped down her cheeks as she gazed at him. “Yes, Nicolas. I will marry you.”

He gathered her in his arms, his lips finding hers in a kiss that sealed their fate, a promise of a love that would endure through the ages. And as they clung to each other, their hearts beating as one, he knew they had found their home, their haven, in the shelter of each other’s embrace.

The door burst open, and in rushed Beatrice, Charlotte, and Mathew, their faces a mix of surprise and delight. Beatrice was the first to recover, her eyes glinting with amusement. “Well, I see we are just in time for the happy ending,” she quipped, her sharp gaze softening as it landed on Emily and Nicolas.

Charlotte, her blonde curls bouncing with each step, clasped her hands together in delight. “Oh, Emily,” she said, her voice filled with genuine happiness. “I am so thrilled for you both.”

Mathew, his chestnut-brown hair tousled from the excitement, grinned from ear to ear. “Mother, Mr. Winters.” He nodded, his expression filled with a mix of youthful exuberance and sincere affection. “Aunt Beatrice and Aunt Charlotte filled me in. I suppose congratulations are now in order.”

Emily and Nicolas, still wrapped in each other’s embrace, turned to face their impromptu audience. Emily’s cheeks flushed with a becoming pink, her hazel eyes sparkling with a mixture of embarrassment and joy. “I suppose there is no hiding it now,” she said, her voice trembling as she fought to contain her emotions.

Nicolas, his arm still securely around her waist, chuckled. “It seems our secret is out,” he said, his gaze brimming with mirth. “And I am not the least bit ashamed.”

Beatrice stepped forward and enveloped Emily in a fierce hug. “I knew you would bring him up to scratch,” she said, her voice laced with affection. “I am so happy for you, Emily.” Her sharp gaze softened for just a moment as she took in her friend’s radiant expression. “You deserve this, Emily.”

Charlotte approached Nicolas with a warm smile. “Congratulations, Mr. Winters,” she said, her gaze filled with sincerity. “I trust you will make Emily incredibly happy.”

Mathew stepped forward, a mixture of pride and vulnerability in his eyes. He squared his shoulders, his voice steady despite his youth. “Mr. Winters,” he began, his voice carrying a blend of the politeness instilled by his upbringing and the informal cadence of an adolescent eager to assert his position. “I believe a formal introduction is in order. I am Mathew Fairchild, Viscount Gilford.”

Nicolas, understanding the importance of this moment, disentangled himself from Emily’s embrace and turned to face the young lord. He bowed, a gesture of respect and deference, before meeting Mathew’s gaze with a sincere expression. “It is an honor to make your acquaintance, Lord Gilford. I have heard so much about you from your mother, and I must say, her pride in you is well-founded.”

Mathew’s cheeks flushed at the compliment, but he maintained his composure, determined to fulfill his role as the protector of his family. “I appreciate your kind words, Mr. Winters.” His voice remained steady despite the weight of the moment. “However, I must ask about your commitment to my mother. She has been through a great deal, and her happiness is of the utmost importance to me.”

Nicolas nodded, his gaze filled with understanding. He took a step closer to Mathew, his posture open and honest. “Lord Gilford, I assure you that my intentions toward your mother are nothing short of honorable,” he began, his voice filled with conviction. “I have come to realize that Emily is the most extraordinary woman I have ever known, and I am deeply in love with her. I want nothing more than to spend the rest of my life making her happy and cherishing her as she deserves.”

Mathew listened intently, his gaze never wavering from Nicolas’ face. “Mr. Winters,” Mathew said, his voice softening, “I give you my blessing.”

Nicolas lowered himself to one knee, leveling his gaze with Mathew’s. “Lord Gilford, I give you my word. I will protect and love your mother with everything I have.”

With a slow nod, Mathew’s face softened into a smile. “I believe you,” he began, his voice slightly tremulous, “And I welcome you into our family.”

Nicolas reached out to clasp Mathew’s hand, a gesture of gratitude and understanding passing between them. “Thank you, Lord Gilford,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I promise to be not only a devoted husband to your mother, but also a loyal and supportive friend to you.”

Nicolas wrapped an arm around Mathew’s shoulders, pulling him into a warm, fatherly embrace. Emily’s heart swelled with love as she watched them, knowing that this was the family she had always longed for.

As Nicolas and Mathew shared a moment of silent camaraderie, Beatrice and Charlotte exchanged knowing glances, their eyes sparkling with delight at the touching scene unfolding before them. With a gentle clearing of her throat, Beatrice stepped forward, mischief dancing across her features. “Well, now that the formalities are out of the way,” she said, her voice laced with a playful lilt, “perhaps we should give the lovebirds some privacy?”

Charlotte, her soft features alight with understanding, nodded in agreement. “Indeed, Bea,” she said, her voice warm and gentle. “I believe Emily and Mr. Winters have much to discuss.” Turning to Mathew, she said, “Shall we adjourn to our chambers? The hour grows late and morning will bring Christmas Day.”

Mathew offered an agreeable nod. “An excellent suggestion,” he agreed, his youthful face alight with a mix of happiness and a touch of reluctance to leave his mother’s side. With a final glance at her, he allowed Beatrice and Charlotte to guide him from the room.