Page 55 of Keeper of Secrets

She rose from her bed, stretching as Aunt Mildred opened her door.“Are you finally up?”

Chloe blushed.Ryker had stayed in her room until just before midnight, and then she’d struggled to sleep without his warmth wrapped about her.“I’m up.”

“Good, Caroline will be here soon.”

Caroline would be attending the wedding and had agreed to help Chloe get ready.Truly, it would be nice just to have a distraction.She wasn’t exactly nervous—more excited—but conversation was definitely in order.

And Aunt Mildred was wonderful, but she’d surely only tell stories about Ryker.Which just made Chloe wish to hurry the time along so she could be by his side again.

Once they’d wed, they’d have a small breakfast and then leave for Ryker’s closest country estate.He said it would only be a day’s ride, which was why he’d chosen it, but they’d be away from London and its bustle.

And they’d both feel safer out of the eye of the Order of the Righteous.

Chloe shivered.She’d known so many good religious men.But the Righteous Order was not that.She supposed good and bad could be found on both sides of any dichotomy.

Still, she’d be glad to leave London behind.Though, she’d miss her new friend, Caroline.

She took a quick bath and then began to dress, putting on her chemise, corset, petticoats, stockings, and shoes.She left her dress for later, as her maid tended to her hair.

Caroline arrived, sweeping into the room, smiling brightly.“It’s finally here!”

Chloe rose, embracing her friend, another pang filling her chest.“Tell me you’re going to visit me soon.”

“As soon as the season is over,” Caroline promised.

Chloe hugged her tighter.

“But for now, let’s get you married.”

The rest of the morning flew by in a rush, and before Chloe knew it, they were leaving for the church.

She could hardly keep still as the carriage arrived.A footman helped her exit, Mildred and Caroline just behind her as she swept up the large granite stairs.The door to the church opened and an usher welcomed her into the vestibule.

She peeked through the next set of double doors where Ryker stood at the front of the church looking relaxed and so handsome, he stole her breath.

All her nerves vanished to see him.She looked down at the pale pink gown she’d chosen for the day and touched her hair to make certain it was all still in place.

He caught sight of her then, their eyes locking.Even from the distance that separated them, she felt his gaze warm, watched his shoulders soften.

The music began and Chloe found herself floating down the aisle.The rest of the ceremony passed in a happy of haze of love and joy, but the feelings were etched on her heart.

This man was hers.Forever.

He leaned down and kissed her lips, the vicar pronouncing them husband and wife.Ryker’s arm was strong around her as they made their way back down the aisle.Today was the first day of the rest of their lives.

They stopped outside the doors of the church to greet their guests.

Aunt Mildred kissed them both as Caroline gushed over her again.A few relatives of Ryker’s paid their respects.

And then a dark blond man came down the steps, whistling as he walked.His devil-may-care attitude tickled at her memory.

“You,” Ryker said, his voice dropping low.

“Me,” the man answered with a one-sided grin.“Duke of Ironheart, at your service.”

“Ironheart… doesn’t ring a bell.”

“Scottish title,” Ironheart waved his hand, dismissing Ryker’s words.

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