Caught in the Storm of a Duke's - Abby Ayles Page 0,98

large, glittering sapphire. It was so beautiful—and so familiar.

“Grandmother’s engagement ring.”

Stephen nodded. “Your mother and father gave it to me. I have no family heirloom of mine as they all were buried with Abigail. When I first asked you to marry me, it was done without a ring. I told your parents of my plan to do it properly this time, and I was given this.”

He paused to bring it out of the box.

“Judith, you know how happy you make me. I want to be this happy for the rest of my life, but I hope to make you even happier. You said your answer will always be yes. Well, I am asking again. Do me this honor, the greatest honor. Marry me.”

“Oh, Stephen! Yes … every day, forever, yes!”

He grinned, that kind that always pulled at her heart strings. Then, he slipped the ring on to her finger. It was a perfect fit.

“I love you,” she said as he rose to his feet, taking her into his arms.

“I love you too, Judith. With all my heart.”

Hers trembled as those words washed over her. It was the first time they were saying it to each other.

Without warning, he pulled her in for a chaste kiss. Their audience immediately went wild with laughter and applause.

It was beyond special. It was perfect.

Chapter 37

Five weeks of preparations later, Judith stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection.

It was finally the day of the wedding and she had plenty of emotions warring inside of her.

She was elated, beyond words. She was also afraid; afraid that she could be making the wrong decision marrying Stephen. Her mother had said it was merely cold feet, as the fear had begun to set in two weeks before.

Aunty Tia claimed it was perfectly normal for every bride to feel that way in the days leading to their wedding and especially on the wedding day.

Judith was not certain she was comfortable with the feeling.

She knew she loved Stephen, she wanted to be with him for the rest of her life. He cared for her deeply and she for him. They were meant to be together, and they would be happy, together.

Why would she have cause to fear that this would turn out to be a mistake, after all?

Beyond being afraid, she was jittery and nervous.

She had decided to have the wedding in Charleveaux, in the fields with beautiful flowers everywhere and sunlight shining down upon them.

Outside, people awaited, those who had come to wish her well, family and friends alike. What if she fell on her face, or forgot the words to her vows?

She drew in a deep, long breath and exhaled. Just then, Amy appeared by her side.

“Having those wearisome thoughts again, are you?”

“I can’t help it, Amy. Am I certain this is what I want to do? What about my adventure?”

Amy chuckled as she began to make sure everything about Judith was perfect once again. “I hear marriage is a great adventure of its own. You shouldn’t worry so much, my lady. The duke loves you.”

“I know he does. I just never imagined myself with a man like him.”

She had always believed she would marry a gentleman who was of a similar age, no more than three years older. He would be blonde, with bright eyes, and the kind of smile that would make ladies swoon.

He would also be bright and charming and would know all the right words to woo a lady with.

Stephen was none of that, but she had fallen in love with him regardless.

“Yes … you always wanted a rake.”

“No, I did not.”

This time, Amy giggled. “My lady, I’ll have you know that the charming young gentlemen with honey-laced tongues and bright eyes are often the men who are no good for you. We both know it was love at first sight with the duke. I remember that night, you could not stop staring.”

Judith grew warm as her face turned red. “I was simply curious.”

“After all this time, you still call it curiosity. You fool no one, My lady, certainly not me. We both know you want this with all your heart, so I pray thee, do not let the worry ruin your happiness. You have someone special to share life with. Sometimes, I envy you. I shall be so lonely when you leave.”

Judith immediately felt bad, even though she knew it was not Amy’s intention. She had been so caught up in her lowly thoughts, she had not remembered to count