Page 63 of Healing the Duke's Desires
“Am I interrupting something?” Sarah asked with a knowing smirk, which made both Alexander and Emily burst into a boisterous chuckle.
“Did Father send you?” Emily wondered.
“Actually, Mother,” Sarah revealed, not taking her eyes off of the ring even for a single moment. “So, it is really true?”
“Yes.” Emily nodded enthusiastically, her happiness palpable. “Alexander has just asked me to be his wife, and I… I said yes, of course.”
Tears of joy welled up in Sarah’s eyes and she rushed forward, enveloping Emily in a warm embrace. “Oh, Emily, I’m so happy for you both. Congratulations!”
After sharing in the joy of the engagement for a little while longer, the trio exchanged a few more pleasantries and heartfelt congratulations. The room was alive with excitement and laughter as they discussed potential wedding plans and the bright future that awaited Emily and Alexander.
As the time came for Alexander to depart, the girls accompanied him to the door. Emily stood by his side, her heart overflowing with love and happiness, and Sarah joined them, a supportive smile on her face. Alexander bid them a fond farewell.
“I shall come tomorrow, as per your father’s instructions,” he promised Emily. He turned to Sarah. “Thank you for being so welcoming.”
Emily appreciated his kindness, as he acknowledged the important role Sarah had always played in Emily’s life. With a final embrace and a parting smile, Alexander stepped out. They watched him mount his horse and wave as he slowly disappeared into the distance. Sarah leaned closer to Emily and wrapped her arm around her sister.
“A happily ever after,” she said.
Emily turned to her, still lost in her reverie. “What did you say?”
“A happily ever after.” Sarah smiled. “That is what you got. That is what you deserve. Now, more so than ever, I believe that life rewards those who are good and kind—like you, Emily.”
Emily wrapped her arms around her sister and pulled her into an embrace. Tears of happiness welled up in her eyes as she held her sister close, feeling the warmth and love that had always been there, now amplified by the beautiful events of the day. She didn’t want to let go, but eventually, she did. The two girls spent the rest of the day talking to their mother in the garden, recounting the events of this morning, as well as the events that had led up to it.
Their father did not join them. Emily knew he needed some time to adjust to everything. Not only that, but there was also the issue of the family’s disgrace. But Emily’s wedding to Alexander would easily rectify that. And thetonwould soon find another victim, another object of their scornful gaze. There had never been a shortage of those.
That night, Emily laid to bed happier than she had ever been. Her heart was finally at peace, and her soul brimming with contentment. The events of the day had unfolded like a beautiful dream, and the reality was even more enchanting.
She traced the delicate ring on her finger, a constant reminder that she was soon to become Alexander’s wife. The love that they had found in each other was a love she had always dreamed of. As she closed her eyes, memories of the day danced through her mind—their tender kisses, Alexander’s heartfelt proposal, the tears of joy and love shared with Sarah. Each memory wrapped her in a warm embrace, like a gentle lullaby that lulled her into a peaceful slumber.
In her dreams, she was surrounded by love and beauty, with visions of a future filled with love, laughter, and the beautiful promise of a lifetime with Alexander. And as she drifted into sleep, her heart whispered a silentthank youto the universe for the love that had graced her life.
Chapter 36
When Alexander wasn’t looking, Emily would occasionally pinch herself, as she had done when she was a little girl, to make sure she wasn’t dreaming. It was two days later, and the two of them strolled hand in hand through the tranquil park. Sarah and Henry were to be their chaperones, but all it took was one knowing look for everyone to understand that it was all right to separate for a short while, relishing the company of their future partner.
As Emily and Alexander ambled through the park, the atmosphere mirrored the burgeoning feelings of love and joy within Emily’s heart. The park, like her emotions, was in the early stages of a beautiful transformation—a transition from the quiet whispers of budding affection to the vibrant bloom of love.
The budding flowers and fresh leaves on the trees symbolized the beginning of their journey, each petal and leaf unfurling in delicate anticipation, much like the tender blossoming of her feelings for Alexander. The air carried a lightness akin to the fluttering of her heart whenever she was with him.
The sunlight filtering through the branches was a metaphor for the happiness that now dappled her days, casting a warm and comforting glow on her burgeoning romance.
The rustle of leaves in the breeze was a playful reminder of the delightful laughter they shared, creating melodious music that accompanied their walk. Just like the intertwining paths in the park, their lives had now intertwined, and they were walking this beautiful journey hand in hand.
“How about a garden ceremony?” Emily told him, as their conversation regarding their upcoming wedding was in full bloom. Their excitement was palpable, only infusing their conversation with even more joy. “You know, surrounded by vibrant hues of nature, a setting that would echo the blooming of the love we share.”
“That sounds lovely.” He smiled, watching her in awe, as her beauty and cheerfulness blended with the backdrop around her.
Emily continued to speak, lost in her reverie. “I imagine us exchanging vows under an arch adorned with flowers of all colors.”
“If that is what you wish, my love,” he assured her, “then that is what you shall have.”
She turned to him with a playful chuckle. “You spoil me, Alexander.”
“No, not really,” he replied, still with that mischievous smile on his face. “I am only allowing you to handle everything regarding the wedding, so you would agree to all my terms later on.”
“What?” She gasped in mock shock, pressing her free hand to her chest for more of a theatrical effect. “What terms?”
