Epilogue

C ora strolled into her father’s study. Hayes was at her side. They had their special license and she wanted to marry at Farrington. Hayes hadn’t disagreed. As long as she was his wife, that was all that mattered.

Her father glanced up and smiled when his gaze settled on Hayes, then on her. “I was not expecting either of you. But this is a welcome surprise.”

“Hello, father,” Cora said. “We have news and a request.”

“Is that so?” He turned his attention to Hayes. “What is it?”

He cleared his throat. “I have asked Cora to marry me,” he said. “She’s agreed.”

Her father beamed. She knew this would make him happy. How could it not when he adored Hayes as if he were his own son? Once they wed, he would be his son by marriage. That had to please him a great deal. “I approve,” her father said. “But I suspect that had little to do with this decision.” He folded his hands on this desk. “Since you are not asking for my permission.”

Hayes grinned. “If I have to abduct her and elope to Scotland, I will. Though I’d prefer you allow us to marry here at Farrington. It’s Cora’s wish. She’d like her father at her wedding.”

“I would,” she agreed. “We have a special license. Can you make arrangements with the vicar?”

“Of course,” her father said. “When would you like to wed?”

“Today,” Hayes said. His tone was firm. He had no intention of going one more day where she was not his wife. He’d made that clear on their journey to Farrington.

Her father’s lips twitched. “That’s a bit soon, don’t you think?”

“It’s not soon enough,” Hayes retorted. “I tried to convince her to marry me before we left.” He frowned. “But she insisted we come here. I’m trying to honor her wishes.”

“As you should,” her father said. “If her happiness is your primary goal.”

“It is,” Hayes told him.

Her father studied them both for several moments. Cora did not know what he was hoping to see, but he must have found it. Because after that strained silence, he nodded. “I’ll send for the vicar.”

He stood and left them alone in the study. Hayes pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. When her father’s footsteps echoed down the hall, Hayes reluctantly let go. As if her father couldn’t tell that he had just been kissing her. Cora’s cheeks were heated. Another moment and she would have been swooning in his arms.

“The vicar should be here shortly,” her father said.

Hayes grinned. “Perfect.”

They sat down on the settee in the study and waited. Cora leaned her head on his shoulder as they waited. She was content just to be by his side. When the vicar arrived and realized he was to perform their wedding, he beamed in pleasure. After they were wed, Hayes kissed her again. This time it was a simple kiss. Later, when they were alone, he planned to kiss her more passionately.

“Welcome to the family,” her father said. “I could not have asked for a better man to be my daughter’s husband.”

“I love her,” Hayes said. “I would not have married any woman but her.”

“Well said, son,” her father said. “Well said.”

Cora grinned. She used to hate how much her father doted on Hayes. Now she was grateful for it. They would always be welcomed there. She was so grateful that her father liked her husband. That would make her life easier. Not that it mattered. Even if her father had hated Hayes, she would have married him. Because she loved him and that was all that she needed. He was her everything.