Page 67 of Healing the Duke's Desires
“I only ever wanted what I thought was best for you and Sarah. My actions were driven by love and the desire to see you both happy and secure. But now, I understand that sometimes, love can be expressed in ways we do not fully comprehend at the time.”
“I know that our family’s finances drove you to your decisions,” Emily pointed out. “You were only trying to do what was best for us all.”
“Yes.” he smiled. “I am beyond grateful that your husband-to-be and I have found mutually beneficial ground in that respect. He has agreed to help us in ways I could not have even imagined. He is truly a good man, and to think that I almost kept you two apart… I am so truly sorry.”
Emily nodded, touched by her father’s sincerity and willingness to open up. “Thank you, Father. I appreciate your honesty and your love. We all learn and grow, and what matters is that we’ve come to understand and support each other now.”
He smiled gently, reaching out to hold her hands. “Yes, my dear. Love is a journey, and I’m grateful that we’re on this journey together.”
Moved by their heartfelt conversation, Emily embraced her father in a warm, tender hug. It was a hug that symbolized the mending of their relationship, a bridge between the past and the future, a gesture of forgiveness, love, and understanding.
In that embrace, she knew they both felt a sense of healing and closure, the weight of misunderstandings and past grievances lifting off their shoulders. It was a cathartic moment, a coming together of hearts that had been distant for too long.
“I love you, Father,” Emily whispered against his chest, just like she did when she was a little girl.
He replied softly, his voice filled with overwhelming emotion. “I love you, too, my dearest Emily.” He caressed her cheek, as he gazed into her eyes. Then he smiled. “Are you ready?”
She smiled back, nodding, more certain than ever before. “I’m ready.”
Her father’s hand extended toward her, and Emily took it with a warm, loving smile. It was a symbolic gesture, a passing of the torch from father to husband, and a moment of profound significance.
Hand in hand, Emily and her father walked together, side by side, toward the grand hall where their friends and family had gathered. The guests, seated in anticipation of the wedding ceremony, watched with admiration as the bride and her father made their way down the aisle.
As they walked, Emily felt a surge of emotions—excitement, love, and a deep sense of connection with her father. It was a beautiful transition, from the protective care of her father to the loving partnership she was about to enter into with Alexander.
There, at the end of the aisle, stood her future husband. His eyes sparkled with love and anticipation, fixed on the vision of beauty before him. He looked dashing in a well-fitted black tailcoat, complemented by a crisp white shirt and a silver-gray waistcoat adorned with intricate patterns.
The black trousers completed the ensemble, and a silk cravat added a touch of refinement to his appearance. His hair, neatly styled, framed his chiseled features, and a subtle yet confident smile played on his lips. In that moment, he looked every bit the dashing groom, eager to unite with his beloved and embark on a lifetime of happiness together.
Their gathering was small, but Emily could not have imagined it any other way. All the people she held close to her heart were here. She did not need unknown people of theton. All she needed were these joyful faces, which made this special day even more memorable.
When they reached the end of the aisle, Lord Ashfordshire paused, holding Emily’s hands gently within his own. He looked at her, his daughter, his eyes glistening with pride and a touch of wistfulness. Emily could see the love and affection he held for her, a love that had guided her throughout her life.
He took a deep breath, swallowing the emotions that threatened to overcome him. “Emily,” he began, his voice choked with emotion, “you have been the light of my life since the day you were born. Watching you grow into the remarkable woman you are today has been my greatest joy.”
Emily’s eyes brimmed with tears of love and gratitude. She squeezed her father’s hands, the unspoken words of love passing between them.
“I have always wanted the very best for you, my darling,” he continued, his voice steadying. “And today, I believe you have found that. Alexander is a good man, and I can see the love you both share.”
Emily nodded, her tears now freely flowing. “Thank you, Father. Your love has shaped me, and your blessing means the world to me.”
With a tender smile, he leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on Emily’s forehead, his love for her palpable in that simple gesture. “May your life with Alexander be filled with love, happiness, and countless beautiful moments. I am so proud of you, Emily.”
He turned to Alexander, taking his hand and placing it within Emily’s. “Take care of her, Alexander. Love her as deeply and truly as I know you can.”
Alexander nodded, his gratitude and determination evident in his eyes. “I will, Lord Ashfordshire. I love Emily more than words can express, and I will cherish her for the rest of my days.”
In that tender moment, the torch was passed, and a father gave away his daughter to the man she loved. The love and bond between them remained unbreakable, and as they stood together, Emily knew she was stepping into a new life, supported by the love and blessing of her father.
Epilogue
The joyful celebration of their love had concluded, and Emily and Alexander found themselves in the tranquility of their shared bed chamber. The soft glow of candlelight danced across the room, creating a warm, intimate ambiance, and they were both eager for this moment, to finally be alone with each other, after everything that had happened.
Emily, still in her exquisite wedding gown, felt a mix of exhilaration and contentment. She looked at Alexander, knowing her eyes reflected the depth of her love for him. He gently reached for her hand, guiding her closer to himself, pressing her hands to his chest so she was able to feel the steady heartbeat of his soul right underneath the palms of her hands. She knew this heart was beating just for her, forthem.
“Today has been utterly magical,” she whispered, lifting one of her hands to caress his cheek.
“It truly has,” Alexander agreed, a tender smile gracing his lips. She couldn’t take her eyes off of him. He was so dashingly handsome, and he was all hers. “I’ve never felt more blessed than I do now, to call you mine.”
