Page 102 of Duchess By Accident
His muscles tightened at her touch, his eyes igniting as she brushed his skin with the tips of her fingers. “Careful Little thief, you have a wedding to get to.”
“Natalie, there you are!” Emily’s voice rang out as she sprinted down the hallway, Melody beside her.
“Stormy!” Melody yelled at the same time. “That was really naughty! You cannot steal people’s hats!”
They drew level with them, Emily clutching at her side and breathing heavily. Her husband, Luke appeared a moment later, and moved to hold her while she recovered.
The spaniel whimpered softly and then wriggled to get to Melody. Adrian kept a firm, but gentle grip on him. Natalie was pleased to see that Melody was at least dressed for the wedding.
“You look lovely.” Natalie said, gesturing to Melody while she waited for Emily to catch her breath.
“Thank you!” Melody spun around. “So do you.”
“Thank you.” Natalie smiled at her daughter. “Will you help your father put Stormy back in the kennels? And make sure he gets to the church on time. You know how easily distracted he is.”
“I will.” Melody tugged on Adrian’s sleeve. “Honestly, Stormy, I am really rather disappointed in you.”
Natalie watched as her husband and daughter disappeared out of sight, a smile on her face.
“Peter needs you.” Emily managed to gasp. “He is an absolute wreck. He is convinced his fiancée will leave him.”
“I tried to talk to him, but I think he needs his best man.” Emily’s husband shook his head.
Natalie sighed. “He was always too dramatic for his own good.”
“As though you are the height of sophistication and poise.” Emily teased.
Natalie stuck her tongue out. “You will get everyone to the church.”
“This is hardly our first wedding, Natalie.” Emily hugged her. “Now go.”
Natalie did as she was told, and headed to the church. The cool air was welcome as she half walked, half ran to meet her brother. When she arrived, she was out of breath, but thankfully not sweating.
She found her twin pacing in the tiny room off to the side of the altar. He looked up when she entered, his face white as a sheet.
“What if she does not come?” he asked, his voice strangled.
“Then I will hunt her down and beat some sense into her.” Natalie replied, and poured her brother a cup of water. “Have a drink.”
“This is just water.” Peter wrinkled his nose.
“Water is a drink.” Natalie arched an eyebrow at him.
He looked sullenly into the full cup. “What if this is a mistake?”
“The water?” She canted her head towards him.
“The wedding!” he exclaimed.
“Why would it be a mistake?” she asked.
“It is the rest of our lives. What if I am wrong?” Peter’s eyes were wide.
Natalie sighed “Peter, you love her do you not?”
“Of course I do.” Peter touched his chest. “I love her with all my heart.”
“And she loves you. There can be no other reason she would wish to marry into our madhouse.” Natalie smiled. “She will be here. I promise.”
