Epilogue

Latham Manor ~ Sussex, England Christmas Day, 1825

" T his feels like a dream, Mama ," Katie said, looking at her reflection in the mirror.

" Your papa would have been so proud to see his little girl all grown up and getting married," her mama said, dabbing at her eyes. " You honor me by wearing my dress. With the small touches the modiste made, it looks as if it was made for you." The dress of cream silk gauze had an underdress of creamy white satin, padded at the hem. Pearls and crystals were sewn into intricate designs on the bodice and the cap sleeves. Katie had fallen in love with it when her mother showed it to her.

" I'm honored that you allowed me to wear it, Mama .

" There is one more thing I have for you." Reaching into her reticule, her mother withdrew a small, blue velvet bag. " Your father gave me these sapphire and diamond earrings at our wedding all those years ago. They were your grandmama's—your father's mother. He would want you to have them."

Katie's eyes welled with tears. " It will be as if he is here with me. Thank you." She wanted to say more, but her throat was tight with emotion.

" They're lovely," Paula said in a teary voice. " And they perfectly match the diamond and sapphire bracelet Sebastian gave you."

" Sapphires have always been my favorite stone—probably from having seen you wear these earrings, Mama ."

Her mother hugged her close.

The door opened and the dowager entered, leaning on her cane and carrying a nosegay of red roses. " Good ! I'm not too late. You appear to have something old, something new, and something blue. Would you honor me and wear this as your something borrowed? My darling husband, George , gave me this broach many years ago. I thought it would look beautiful on the silk wrappings of your nosegay." She gave the broach a gentle touch before handing the bouquet to Katie .

" Duchess , it's the most beautiful pin I've ever seen. It was gold with diamonds and pearls, intricately placed to form a heart. Thank you."

Katie swallowed the lump in her throat. She still had trouble believing her life had completely changed in two months. She was so full of happiness, she had to keep pinching herself. Today she would marry a man she adored who adored her. Today was a day full of joy, light, and love. Such a sharp contrast to the dark days of the past year leading up to her kidnapping that it seemed like the ending to a bittersweet fairy tale.

She thought back to a week before when Sebastian escorted her to visit Wendel's gravesite. With tears streaming down her face, she left a bouquet of white roses and prayed for his blessing. When a turtledove landed on his tombstone, she smiled, believing it to be a sign that Wendel had given his blessing.

A heavy knock sounded at the door. " Katie , it's time," Thomas said, poking his head into the room.

Looking at her reflection once more, Katie pinched her cheeks. " I'm ready." And she was ready. Ready to join her life with Sebastian's .

Sebastian felt more nervous than he had in his life. He was marrying the most enchanting and loving woman in front of both of their families and dear friends.

Two months ago, if someone had said he'd be getting married on Christmas Day , he would have laughed at the preposterous notion. And now he couldn't think of anything else he'd rather do than marry Miss Katie Latham .

The small Latham family chapel was decorated in greenery, gypsophila, and red roses. A perfect setting for his beautiful bride.

" Thank you for being here and for being my best man, Nelson ," he whispered, as he kept his eyes on the entrance where his bride would arrive at any moment.

" I wouldn't have missed it for the world," his best friend said.

The door opened and his bride walked into the chapel on the arm of her brother, Thomas .

His breath caught as he watched his bride gracefully float down the aisle. My God , she's beautiful . Her sparkling blue eyes held him captive.

He didn't know how he managed to get through the first part of the ceremony. All he wanted to do was stare at Katie .

" I do," Katie said, bringing him out of his reverie.

" The bride has requested one additional vow be added to the service," the bishop said, his lips twitching.

" Thank you, Your Grace ," Katie said with a regal nod.

Sebastian was curious as to what the additional vow would be.

Katie turned to Sebastian and, in a clear voice, said, " Do you, Sebastian Charles Soren , promise to continue with my fencing lessons and teach me other fighting techniques for as long as I desire to learn?"

He grinned. " I will. I promise."

" Then , by the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife," the bishop said, proudly.

As they made their way to the carriage that would take them to Latham Manor , — Sebastian leaned down and whispered, " I've been thinking about that last vow and there are a few other techniques I'd like to teach you. The first chance we get, let's steal away to our chamber. I can't wait to make you my wife in every way."

Katie gave a slow, seductive smile. " And I can't wait to learn all you have to teach me, dearest husband—as long as you start it with those toe-curling kisses of yours."

Sebastian pulled her close and tucked a dark curl behind her ear. " I promise. Something tells me this may be the shortest wedding breakfast in history."