Page 99 of In Want of a Wife
And everyone was there to see Rafe marry Lily. After years at sea,believing he would be doing the same for many more to come, it was strange to witness a life on land suddenly become a reality.
The back doors of the church opened, and Lily’s stepsister Mary walked down the short aisle to stand opposite him.
He nodded at her, but she only rolled her brown eyes and turned her focus to her mother instead, who was signaling for the girl to adjust the comically large adornment in her hair.
“Good Lord, no wonder Lily was eager to find a husband,” Henry whispered from behind.
Rafe quietly laughed, suddenly overwhelmed at the thought of what was about to happen. He felt the air squeeze from his lungs as Lily stepped into the sun shining through the tall stained-glass windows.
Heaven and all the stars above. Rafe had never been one to pray, but he wished more than anything in that moment that Lily wouldn’t turn and run out.
She was gorgeous.
Her dark brown hair was tied up simply and decorated with small sprays of white flowers. Her dress was light-blue lamé over a silver tissue slip. The short sleeves and hem were trimmed in blue flowers, and the front was secured with a beautiful starburst brooch.
Time stopped, and Rafe was struck watching, waiting as she floated toward him.
“You’re beautiful,” he mouthed.
Lily blushed, glancing down as they stopped before Rafe, and her father gruffly gave her away and sulked off toward the pew to sit beside his wife.
It was torture not touching Lily as the vicar performed the ceremony. She would peek at Rafe from time to time, flashing him a small smile before returning her attention to the vicar. It reminded him of the stolen glances she would take of him as they traveled together in the carriage on their way to Cliffstone.
And then, all at once, they were married.
Lily squeezed his hand while they raced down the church steps as guests showered them with rice before they hopped into the carriage.The sound of her laugh was intoxicating. He would never tire of hearing her so playful, in comparison to the stubborn bluestocking he’d first met that fateful day at Stonehurst.
Who he loved all the same.
“Well, you have done it now, Mrs. Davies,” he said as she settled back into her seat. “You are well and truly married.”
“As I intended.”
He leaned forward, taking her hands in his. “Always a plan, my Lily.”
She arched her brow. “Speaking of plans, would you like to hear mine for how we should spend the remainder of our day?”
“Almost certainly, especially if it involves you without that beautiful dress on, kissing me on a bed, or sofa, a table top… I’m open to suggestions.”
Lily scrunched her nose up and gave a small chuckle. “Always so charming, Husband mine.”
“I am your husband, and I will do whatever you wish for the rest of your days. That is a promise, love.”
With a brief tug, she pulled her hands out of his and settled back into her seat. “Then bring me home.”
“We’ll be late for the wedding breakfast.”
She shrugged. “I was already late for the wedding. I’m sure they can carry on without us for a bit.”
The carriage took the corner, and Rafe drew her toward him, hauling her into his lap. He cupped her face in his hands, realizing then he held his entire world, before he kissed her softly. “I love you now, and forever and a day, Lily. Now, tell me more about these plans. I promise to be a good listener as well.”
EPILOGUE
Venice, Italy
One year later
Lily restedbeneath her parasol on the deck of Rafe’s sailboat. The teal water sloshed against the mooring as the boat gently rose and fell outside of their palazzo.
