Epilogue

EPILOGUE

Caroline stared at her reflection in the mirror, marveling at the dress she wore. Early morning sun filtered in through the windows, highlighting the subtle blue sheen that had been woven into the white fabric.

It was her wedding day, and as she stared at her reflection, she couldn't believe the woman in front of her.

Her hips had filled out the slightest bit, probably because of how often Luke fed her, her cheeks were rosy, her eyes bright, her hair twisted up in a magnificent chignon that highlighted her cheekbones and her thick hair.

"You look stunning, Caroline," Chloe gushed from behind her.

"Thank you," she breathed, turning a bit. "You think Luke will approve?"

"Of you? I'm fairly certain you could arrive in a sack and he'd be enamored. That man is so smitten…" Chloe sighed. "It's lovely to be so wanted, isn't it?"

"It is," Caroline blushed as she turned away from her reflection. "But that isn't even the best part."

"What's the best part?"

She drew in a trembling breath. "What he'd give me of himself."

Chloe gave her a wide grin. "That is very true. But don't underestimate what you're giving him." And she gave a pointed look at Caroline's stomach.

Caroline nodded as they made their way down the stairs and out to the waiting carriage. It was a short journey to the chapel, the doors open to the early spring air.

A footman helped her from the vehicle, Helmsworth waiting by the doors. He'd agreed to escort Caroline down the aisle.

She knew it was for Chloe's benefit that he'd taken on the task, but Caroline was sincerely grateful. "Thank you, again," she gushed as she slipped her hand onto his arm.

"It's no trouble," he replied, giving her a small smile.

She didn't know why she needed to explain, but somehow, she was purging the past. "My first wedding, no one was there to see me to the altar and I…" She drew in a trembling breath as Chloe touched her shoulder from behind her. "And I want this wedding to be different in every way. Thank you for helping me accomplish that."

Helmsworth covered her fingers tucked in his elbow with his other hand. "Caroline, I don't know that I've ever met a kinder, sweeter woman. Consider me family. If ever you need my assistance, you need only ask."

She blinked at him in surprise even as Chloe stepped around her to kiss her husband's shoulder.

The words sounded sincere as Caroline stared at the duke Chloe had claimed. "Your Grace…"

"Call me Ryker."

From inside, the organ began to play, signaling the wedding was about to start.

Caroline turned to look inside. She was about to marry the man of her heart. Next to her, Ryker turned toward the door, Chloe stepping in behind her.

Caroline had found a whole family. Her hand came to her stomach. Soon to be one more…

She was truly blessed.

Drawing in a deep breath, they started up the stairs and into the chapel.

Her future awaited.

Summoner of Sins

"The Duke Fraternity"

Tammy Andresen