Page 78 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Gabriel’s eyes widened with mischief as he pulled Gemma in close.
Their lips touched and sparks flowed about in Gemma’s belly. It was perfect. The kiss lasted longer than she expected but there were no complaints on her end. They kissed as the crowd clapped.
Gemma finally pulled away from Gabriel with a huge grin plastered to both of their faces. Gazing at one another with love.
They walked back down the aisle, hand in hand, as their close friends and family cheered them on. Gemma felt very much like the Duchess she now was as she walked with Gabriel. It was surreal to think that he was now her husband.
After the wedding ceremony there was an intimate wedding breakfast in the dining hall at Ashbourne Estate, consisting of bread, hot rolls, ham, and eggs. The wedding cake was in the middle with drinking chocolate at the end of the table.
Gemma was overwhelmed with all the congratulations, but happy that the breakfast only consisted of herself, Gabriel, Hugh, and Felicity.
“Did you hear about Lord Langley?” Felicity spoke as they ate breakfast.
“What about Alastair?” Gabriel asked, rolling his eyes, still jealous anytime he heard the name.
“He found his match in a wealthy heiress and is betrothed to her,” Felicity whispered.
Gemma’s mouth fell open. Happy that Alastair had found love with another, especially after hearing that he was only interested in her for her dowry.
“Oh, and Earl Sagewood has vanished,” Felicity told everyone. “Leaving Lady Vivienne to have gone to stay with her mother’s cousin in Bath.”
Gemma was surprised by this. She knew that she and Vivienne would never be close, but Vivienne was her half-sister. She just hoped for the best for Vivienne who had already been through enough.
***
“Your Grace,” Mrs. Harrow said, interrupting the discussion.
“Yes, Mrs. Harrow?” Gabriel asked, confused on why the housekeeper would be interrupting his wedding celebration.
“I have a letter for you from your father. It was the last one he left me. He told me to give it to you on your wedding day.”
Gabriel gulped. He thought the previous letter would be the last one from his father, but alas there was one more. Gabriel’s stomach tightened at the thought. He took the letter from Mrs. Harrow and read it out loud.
“My dearest Gabriel, congratulations on your wedding. I am so proud of you and happy for you on this most glorious of days. I hope that Lady Gemma is by your side on this magnificent day. I have one last gift for you, my son.
I have left a secret trust for you, there is enough money for you to live off of for the rest of your life. I know that with me gone things have probably been hard. But I am hoping that these funds will help. Again, congratulations and I love you dearly.
Love, your father.”
Gabriel teared up as he read his father’s last words to him. His father had left behind enough money to restore their dilapidated estate and he also knew that Gabriel would find love with Gemma. It warmed Gabriel’s heart that he had a wedding gift from his father.
“Are you okay my love?” Gemma asked, putting a hand on Gabriel’s arm.
“I am more than okay. I just married the love of my life, and my father is here in spirit. There is nothing that could make today any better.”
Hugh cleared his throat. “There is one thing that could make this day even more special.”
Gabriel raised an eyebrow, unsure of where this was going.
“Felicity and I wanted to wait to tell you, but it feels like the right time now,” Hugh said.
Hugh grabbed Felicity’s hand and a big ring sparkled on her finger. “We are engaged!”
Gabriel’s mouth fell open at the news. Other grooms may have been upset for an engagement to be announced at their wedding, but Gabriel was overjoyed.
“Seems congratulations are in order,” Gabriel said as he shook Hugh’s hand.
Gemma squealed as she stood up and made her way around the table. She pulled Felicity into her arms. “Congratulations. I am so happy for you.”
