love you, and now I can declare it for anyone who might question it.”
His words sliced through her heart. “Is that why you did this? Do you still think I don’t believe you?”
“No,” he said. “And if I ever suspect that you do doubt, I know just how to prove it to you. This—” he waved his hand through the air— “is my way of letting the rest of the world know once and for all how much I love you. That I chose you. And that I will always love you. You weren’t a balm for my grieving heart, you were the piece I didn’t know was always missing.”
Tears pricked the back of Rae’s eyes at his declaration. “I love you.”
“And I love you, too.” He kissed her. “Now, go get changed. The minister will be here shortly.”
In less than fifteen seconds, the ladies had fled the room and were on their way to a dressing room. Of course everyone but Rae was already dressed in their full wedding attire, but they all needed to be in there to fuss over her like ladies do.
The remainder of them went into the drawing room to wait while Simon slipped off to the library to change his suit of clothes. When he was done, he wasn’t surprised at all to find Seth waiting for him on the other side of the door. The pair locked eyes, each had the same question for the other: “Have you asked him yet?”
Being older, Simon could hold the boy’s gaze longer.
“I asked him this morning.”
“And?”
Seth grinned. “You were right. He said yes.”
Simon clapped him on the shoulder. “I suppose it’s my turn, then.”
Now it was Seth’s turn to slap Simon on the back. “He’s in the drawing room.”
“Giles,” Simon said, walking up to his brother.
At some time when Simon had been changing Paul Grimes, a family friend and vicar, had arrived and was greeting the guests and making introductions.
Giles bowed, his lips stretched into a smile that was sure to make his cheeks sore tonight. “Simon.”
“I hear you’ve granted Seth quite an honor this morning.”
“It’s the other way,” Giles corrected.
“I think it goes both ways. A boy needs a papa.” At Giles’ nod of agreement, Simon said, “Do you think you could grant another one this afternoon?”
Giles’ brows grew together. “Pardon?”
“Would you stand up with me during the ceremony?”
Giles’ stunned expression would have made Simon laugh if he hadn’t been so damn nervous to ask. “I-uh-I—”
“Is that a yes?”
The column of Giles’ throat worked. “Of course.”
Simon smiled. He’d wager Giles would have never guessed that coming to London in April would have brought him so many things: a repaired relationship with his mother, a father, a wife, and a son and most surprising even to Simon—a true brother, none of which could possibly be outweighed by having his competency declared and given full rights to his barony—which, just as Simon had assured him—had been granted without question or reservation.
A flurry of commotion came from outside the drawing room, signaling that the ladies were ready to begin.
Mother, Mrs. Hughes, Lady Drakely, and Lucy all filed in and formed a little aisle by the door.
Rae walked up to the door and a round of dramatic gasps from the three youngest girls sounded.
“Henny, you’re radishing,” exclaimed Jane, leading the rest of the room to erupt in laughter. The little girl smacked his leg with her hand. “Isn’t she radishing, Simon?”
Simon scooped her up and kissed her cheek. “She sure is. And she’s all mine.”
Jane heaved another exaggerated sigh. “I suppose I’ll let you have her, then.” She looked to her older sister. “Unless you don’t want him.”
“I do.” Rae walked over to them and smoothed Jane’s hair back. “One day your prince will come. Mine did.”
Afterword
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Coming Soon by Rose Gordon
Gentleman of Honor Series
Secrets of a Viscount—One summer night, Sebastian Gentry, Lord Belgrave hauled the wrong young lady to Gretna Green. When her identity is exposed, the only obvious solution is to get an annulment. Only, just like his elopement plans, things didn’t go as