Her Lord's Claim (The Forbidden Saga #4) - Maggie Ryan Page 0,23

the role of wife to Lord Huntington but promise to fulfill the role of his little one, submitting to his lessons as he teaches you what both these roles require?” Reed asked as he did of every young woman who married these types of men.

Lucy’s answer came slower as she was promising something she was still so unsure she could fulfill. Accepting the truth at last she said, “Yes, I promise to be Lord Huntington’s wife and his… his little one.” She felt her uncertainty evaporate as Lucas’ smile grew, the blue of his eyes darkening with promises of his own as he tightened his hold on her trembling hand. “I accept his right to possess me and teach me all that my roles will entail.”

Lucas’ words enveloped her in a cocoon of love, of warmth, of promise as she listened to his vows. He promised to love and cherish her, to protect her and to guide her. He vowed to be responsible for teaching her what he might require as both his wife and his little one. He pledged to remember that to spare the rod would spoil the child, and accepted the role of disciplinarian should she fail to fulfill her duties in either of her roles. Lucas surprised Reed by making an additional promise, one that was not a conventional part of the ceremony.

“Lucy,” Lucas said, with a slight hitch in his voice, “I give you this promise as well. I promise never to give you, as my wife or as my little one, ever cause to doubt that all I shall teach you comes from my deep and abiding love for you.”

Lucy’s heart stuttered, hearing the words spoken in God’s house, and knew that he would spend his life fulfilling each vow. A tear slid down her cheek.

Turning slightly, Lucas accepted the box Edward passed him. “The night of the ball, I vowed to win your heart, but I want you to know, you have had mine from the moment I saw you teetering on that ladder.”

A soft giggle escaped followed by a gasp when he opened the box and lifted an item from it, allowing it to hang from his fingers. Lucy’s eyes widened as she saw a beautiful gold chain from which a charm dangled. She smiled, seeing it was a tiny cat that appeared to be cradled in the palm of an open hand.

“You shall not wear a ring as I don’t want you to confuse the roles you shall take. Instead, I wish you to wear this close to your heart so that you will know that, as my wife and my little one, you will always and forever remember that you, kitten, are my heart, my life, and forever my love.”

Lucy’s tears of joy began to flow as he lifted his hands to settle the gift around her neck. He fastened it, laying the pendant to rest between her breasts. Lucy’s hand immediately lifted to close around the charm.

“I promise never to remove it,” she said, her joy so intense she had no idea how she was containing it, feeling like she was simply glowing from pure happiness.

Pastor Reed appeared slightly shaken by the intensely spoken vows, as Lucas and Lucy finally returned their attention to him. He said a final prayer and the ceremony was finished with his presentation of Lord and Lady Lucas William Henry Huntington. Lucy signed her name to the license and then squealed as Lucas lifted her off her feet and whirled her around.

“I love you, kitten,” he said as he set her on her feet, one arm pulling her close, his free hand at the back of her head as he bent to kiss her. She was grateful for his support, as his kiss seemed to draw all strength from her. She moaned against him, her body instantly aching for pleasures she had never experienced.

“As I do you, Lord Huntington,” she whispered when he finally released her. The couple accepted Reed’s blessing on their marriage and were congratulated by Edward and Louisa.

“The necklace is a beautiful gesture,” Edward said, his face turning serious. “I believe it is the perfect symbol of not only your claim of possession, but a true symbol of your love for your little one.” Lucas nodded and smiled, watching Louisa finger the small charm as Lucy smiled. The four were soon in the carriage, the tension of the morning no longer lingering in the air. Edward shook his head as Lucas