Chapter Eight

T he dawn’s light guided them from the forest as Gretna Green came into view. Their hearts raced with a mixture of anticipation and relief. The small village, a symbol of freedom and hope, beckoned them with the promise of sanctuary and the start of a new life.

Sebastian rode beside Juliana, his eyes bright with emotion. “We are almost there, my love. Just a little farther, and the life we have dreamed of will begin.”

Her lips curved into a smile as radiant as the dawn itself. “I can scarcely believe it.” She instinctively reached for his hand. “After everything we have endured, to see it now—it feels like a miracle.”

Their horses slowed as they reached the edge of the village, their breath misting in the crisp morning air. With each step closer to the heart of Gretna Green, Juliana felt the weight of their journey lift. The storm, the dangers, the fears—they all faded into the background, replaced by a calm determination that warmed her from within.

Sebastian pointed to a modest building with a weathered sign reading Blacksmith . “There it is. That is where we will make our vows. The place where our forever begins.”

They trotted up to the building and slowed their horses. Dismounting, Sebastian reached up to help Juliana from her horse, his hands steady and sure. As her feet touched the cobblestones, a profound sense of purpose enveloped them.

Juliana turned to face him, her heart swelling with emotion. “I am ready.” She beamed up at him. “Ready to be your wife, to begin this journey with you, no matter what comes.”

He cupped her cheek, gently brushing a stray tear from her skin with his thumb. “And I am ready to be your husband,” he assured her. “To love you, honor you, and stand beside you for all the days of my life.”

Drawing a steadying breath, Sebastian rapped firmly on the blacksmith’s door. The sound reverberated through the still morning air, marking the beginning of a new chapter. The door opened to reveal a sturdy man with kind eyes and a warm smile. “Come in, young ones,” he welcomed them roughly. “You’ve come for the anvil blessing, haven’t you?”

“Indeed, we have,” Juliana answered as Sebastian led her inside.

The blacksmith’s shop was warm and intimate, the glow from the forge wrapping them in a cocoon of light and heat. Juliana and Sebastian stood before the anvil, their hands clasped tightly as the blacksmith began the ceremony. His words were simple yet steeped in tradition, each one carrying the weight of countless unions before theirs.

Sebastian’s voice was steady as he began his vows, though his throat tightened with emotion. “I, Sebastian Harcourt, take you, Juliana Wyndham, to be my lawfully wedded wife. I vow to love you, to cherish you, and to stand by your side through every trial and triumph, from this day forward, until the end of our days.”

Juliana’s voice trembled, but her conviction was unwavering as she repeated the vows. “I, Juliana Wyndham, take you, Sebastian Harcourt, to be my lawfully wedded husband. I promise to love you, honor you, and be your partner and equal in all things, from this moment on, forever and always.”

Their gazes locked, and the world held its breath as they exchanged simple gold bands. The blacksmith declared them husband and wife, and Juliana gave a mischievous grin. “I believe you owe me a kiss.” Her gaze locked with Sebastian’s.

He leaned forward, his lips capturing hers in an outpouring of devotion, passion, and love that had already defied so much.

Juliana clung to his side as Sebastian turned to the blacksmith. “Thank you, sir.” He handed the man a few coins.

Emerging from the blacksmith’s shop, Juliana and Sebastian paused on the cobblestones, her hand securely in his. The storm had passed, and the sun broke through the clouds, bathing the world in bright light as if the heavens themselves blessed their union.

“We did it,” Juliana cried. “You are my husband.”

Sebastian pulled her into his arms, holding her close with a tenderness that spoke of his unwavering commitment. “And you are my wife. We are united, and nothing can tear us apart.”

She pressed against him, hugging his arm. “What is to be done now?”

“Now, wife,” he began before kissing the top of her head, “we will retire to the inn across the street.”

“Oh.” She smiled up at him. “I should like you to complete what we began. To make our union truly binding.” Her cheeks burned at the saucy words, but she was not at all ashamed.

“You tempt me, wife.” Sebastian wrapped his arm around her and led her toward the street. “But first we need baths, food, and rest. I will not have you falling sick from neglect.”

The small inn was cozy and welcoming, its proprietor beaming at the sight of the newlyweds. Within moments, they were shown to a modest but clean room, maids already filling a steaming copper tub.

Sebastian helped Juliana remove her damp cloak, his fingers lingering on her shoulders. “Ladies first.” He gestured toward the tub. “I will see about procuring us some sustenance while you bathe.”

Juliana’s fingers lingered on his arm as he turned to leave. “Do not be long,” she called, her voice husky with promise.

As the door closed behind him, Juliana sank into the warm water with a contented sigh. The events of the past hours washed over her—the daring escape, the perilous journey, the sweet culmination of their love. A thrill of excitement coursed through her at the thought of what was yet to come.

She had just finished wrapping a dressing gown around her when Sebastian returned, a tray laden with bread, cheese, and fruit in his hands. His eyes roamed appreciatively over her form, darkening with desire. A delicious shiver ran through Juliana at his heated gaze.

“Your turn.” She gestured to the bath. “I will set out the food while you wash away the journey’s grime.”

Sebastian set down the tray and approached her, his fingers ghosting along her cheek. “I find myself reluctant to leave your side, even for a moment.”

Juliana leaned into his touch, her heart fluttering at the quiet intensity of his gaze. “The sooner you bathe, my love,” she teased, her voice a soft caress, “the sooner we can begin our life as husband and wife.” A coy smile played at her lips as she trailed her gaze down his body.

With a groan of mock frustration, Sebastian pressed a swift kiss to her forehead before retreating to the bath. Juliana busied herself with arranging the food, stealing glances at her husband as he disrobed and sank into the water. The lean muscles of his back rippled as he moved, and she felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks.

As Sebastian bathed, they spoke in soft voices of their plans for the future—where they might settle, how they would face their families’ inevitable fury. Yet beneath the practical considerations ran an undercurrent of anticipation, each stolen glance and brush of hands intensifying their desire.

At last, Sebastian emerged from the bath. Juliana’s breath caught in her throat at the sight of him, water droplets glistening on his muscular chest. He wrapped a towel around his waist, his eyes never leaving hers as he approached.

“My wife,” he crooned, his voice husky.

Her heart raced as Sebastian drew near. She reached out, her fingers tracing the contours of his damp skin. “My husband,” she replied, savoring the words on her tongue.

He cupped her cheek in his hand, his thumb brushing across her lower lip. “Are you certain, my love? We need not rush—”

Juliana silenced him with a kiss, pouring all her longing and desire into the embrace. When they parted, both breathless, she smiled up at him. “More certain than I have ever been.”

With a groan of barely restrained passion, Sebastian swept her into his arms and carried her to the bed. He laid her down gently, his eyes roaming over her. “My beautiful wife.”

“My handsome husband.” Juliana reached for him, pulling him close as their lips met once more.

As clothes were shed and hands explored newly revealed skin, Juliana marveled at the depth of her feelings for this man. Every touch, every caress kindled a fire within her, each spark drawing them closer to the edge of abandon.

“I love you,” Sebastian murmured against her skin, his voice husky with desire. He trailed kisses down Juliana’s neck, eliciting a soft gasp of pleasure. Her fingers tangled in his damp hair as she arched against him, craving more of his touch.

“And I love you,” she gushed. “With all that I am.”

Their bodies joined as one, moving together in a passionate, primal dance. Juliana marveled at the sensations coursing through her, each caress and kiss igniting sparks of ecstasy. His tender touch conveyed his devotion, even as passion swept over them like a tide.

As they reached the heights of bliss together, her very soul merged with his. They clung to each other in the afterglow, heartbeats gradually slowing as they basked in the warmth of their newfound intimacy.

Sebastian brushed a stray curl from Juliana’s flushed cheek, his eyes filled with wonder and adoration. “My beautiful wife. How did I ever live without you by my side?”

Juliana’s lips curved into a contented smile as she nestled closer to him. “And I without you, my dear husband.”

He pressed a kiss to her temple. “Sleep now, my love.”

As the late morning sun streamed through the window, casting a golden glow over their entwined forms, Juliana felt a profound sense of peace settle over her. She closed her eyes and drifted into a peaceful sleep wrapped in the arms of the man she loved.

Later that afternoon, Juliana glanced toward the horizon. A flicker of apprehension passed through her, but Sebastian’s steady presence grounded her. “It is time to go home,” she said, her voice a mixture of anticipation and resolve.

Sebastian nodded, helping her into their rented carriage before climbing in to sit beside her. “And we will face whatever comes together, as husband and wife.”

The journey back to their estates was quieter than their flight to Gretna Green, a contemplative calm settling over them. Juliana’s thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions—joy, determination, and a touch of fear for what awaited them. Would her family recognize the love that had guided her, or see only defiance?

Sebastian sat beside her as their carriage drove through the village near their estates. His voice was a calm anchor as he spoke. “Whatever trials await us, Juliana, know this: We have already claimed victory. Our love stands unbroken, and that is a triumph no one can take from us.”

She turned to him, her smile full of quiet confidence. “Together, we can overcome anything.”

He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss into her palm. “You can count on that.” As the grand gates of the Wyndham estate came into view, Juliana’s heart raced, her fingers tightening around Sebastian’s. This was the moment of truth—the confrontation they could no longer avoid.

He brushed his thumb against hers in a gesture of solidarity. “Whatever happens,” he assured her, “we shall face it together. Nothing in this world can set us apart. You are my wife. Today, tomorrow, always.”

Juliana nodded, lifting her chin with quiet resolve. “Together,” she echoed. “Always.”

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