Page 77 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Gabriel nodded.
“I know this has all been so hard on you, but I am here for you, my love.”
“And I thank you for that.” Her voice choked on the response, and she launched herself at Gabriel, throwing her arms around his shoulders. Gabriel held onto her for dear life. She could feel him wanting to put all of his love into their embrace. His love for Gemma was true, and he only wanted her to be happy.
Gemma pulled back a bit and connected their mouths.
The kiss was full of love and appreciation. Gemma wanted Gabriel to feel just how connected she was to him, how grateful she was for all that he had done for her since they met. He may have taken her virtue before marriage, but she did not regret a single moment they spent together.
Gabriel was the love of her life, and she could not wait to marry him in the coming months. He was her soulmate, and she put all of that into their shared kiss.
As they held one another, Gemma reflected on their time together. From their childhood to their first kiss, to their first intimate moment, to his proposal. They had their ups and downs but now they were filled with nothing but love for one another. The wedding could not come soon enough.
Epilogue
The dress was perfect, and Gemma could not wait for Gabriel to see her in her wedding gown.
It was a shade of pure white and had long sleeves that covered her arms. The neckline was low and showed her ample cleavage with the high waist hugging her tight under her breasts, making them more prominent.
Gemma felt very much the Duchess she was about to become in the dress.
“How are you feeling?” Felicity asked Gemma.
Felicity was wearing a light blue dress that Gemma had picked out for her.
“I cannot wait to marry Gabriel,” Gemma confessed.
Gemma felt on top of the world. She was about to marry the love of her life. A man who had stood by her side when she was at her lowest. A man who loved her for her and not what she could offer him. Their relationship had had its lows and its highs but today they would be joined together forever.
“Are you ready?” Felicity asked. “It’s almost time.”
Gemma beamed at her friend's words. She was more than ready to marry Gabriel.
Felicity and Gemma stood outside the ballroom door as they waited for the music to start that would signal for them to enter the ceremony.
At the telltale sign of the slow beat, Felicity turned toward Gemma.
“Gemma, I am so happy for you, and I am very thankful that I get to spend this day with you,” Felicity said from her heart.
Gemma’s heart grew at her dearest friend's words. She was about to marry the love of her life and her best friend was going to be there with her as were Gabriel’s closest friends and family.
“Thank you, Felicity. I am so glad you are here,” Gemma said.
The beat picked up and the doors opened. Felicity made her way down the aisle as the doors shut behind her.
Gemma took in a deep breath as she straightened out her gown. She was about to walk down the aisle toward her betrothed.
The doors opened once more, and it was time for Gemma to walk down the aisle. She looked around and recognized every face. It felt good for Gemma to be surrounded by those who cared deeply for her on her wedding day.
As she walked down the aisle, she looked up and saw Gabriel standing at the altar. He was wearing a black jacket and looked handsome as ever. His brown hair was slicked back, and Gemma could not help but smile widely.
This man was about to become her husband and she could not wait. Her gait sped up as she walked toward him quickly and eagerly. Gemma wanted nothing more than for the wedding to be over so that they could be together forever.
As Gemma reached Gabriel, he took her hand in his and they stared into each other’s eyes. Fire shot up her spine at the feeling of his hand in hers. It was clear that they were fated to be together.
The priest started the ceremony, but Gemma was so focused on Gabriel that she barely registered most of what was going on. Their eyes never broke eye contact as the ceremony commenced.
“You may now kiss your bride,” the priest said.
