Chapter 23
Samantha’s stomach was filled with butterflies as she walked down the aisle on her brother’s arm. She watched with bated breath when he was asked, “Who gives this bride’s hand in marriage?”
He smiled down at her and whispered, “Are you sure?”
She laughed softly and nodded. “Yes.”
“I do,” he said, giving her hand a final squeeze before passing her to Trent.
Standing there, looking at the priest, unexpected fear burst to life inside her.
She closed her eyes. It’s not like last time.
It’s not like last time. A strong hand rested on her shoulder.
When she met his gaze, Trent looked so concerned.
His love was obvious. It really wasn’t like the last time.
He wasn’t Norman. He was Trent, and he loved her.
The priest began speaking, but Trent held up a hand to stop him. He sniffed his disapproval, but Trent ignored him. “Are you alright?”
She nodded as a grateful tear ran down her cheek.
“If you don’t want to go through with this, or if you’re not ready, we can walk out of here right now.”
She looked around at the people who were waiting, and at the priest, who still looked perturbed by their interruption.
“I don’t care about any of that,” he said. “I only care about you.”
She held his hands. “Trent Gibson, there is nothing in the world I want more than to marry you, right here, right now, with all these wonderful people watching.”
His smile was filled with love and pride. He nodded for the priest to continue.
As she looked into his eyes, the fear dissipated. This was her choice, and she was choosing a life with him. A life filled with love and happiness.
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and in the face of this congregation, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony…”
It all faded into the background until he said, “If any man can shew any just cause, why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else hereafter forever hold his peace.”
She looked at Simon, but he gave no objection, only a smile.
The priest continued and eventually came to their vows.
“I, Trent Gibson, take thee, Samantha Allister, to my wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse: for richer, for poorer; in sickness and in health; to love and to cherish, till death us do part, according to God’s holy law; and thereto I give thee my troth.”
His eyes never left hers. His smile was filled with such happiness. And then it was her turn.
“I, Samantha Allister…”
After it was blessed, Trent slid the ring onto her finger. His hands trembled slightly, but there was no question of his conviction.
“With this ring I thee wed; with my body I thee honour…”
Of that, she had no doubt.
She just wanted him to kiss her, already. But the priest droned on and on with prayer after prayer. They knelt and they stood, and they prayed some more.
But finally, the priest spoke the words she’d been waiting for. “You may now kiss your bride.”
His lips were warm and soft, but the kiss was chaste as he pressed them against hers. A perfect gentleman.
* * *
Trent couldn’t stop smiling. She was officially his wife. He had managed to steal a few more, brief kisses, but now they were surrounded by people watching them.
When they entered The Raven’s Den, it was once again set up for a celebration. This was how it had been on his first visit, only that time it was for Ash’s wedding.
The setting was casual. Everyone gathered around a long table after helping themselves to hors d'oeuvres and cake from a sideboard.
A barman served drinks and they each had a glass of champagne.
It felt strange to be at the head of the table, but Ash had insisted upon it.
This time, Samantha sat at his right hand, and Ash at his left.
When most everyone had finished eating, Ash stood and tapped a knife against his glass to gain their attention.
“I’d like to say a few words, if you’ll all permit me to.”
Maggie clapped her hands and giggled where she sat, across the table from him. He chuckled and gave her an indulgent smile.
“Trent wasn’t given an easy start in life. But despite that, he’s grown into a young man who I am proud to call my brother.”
Samantha slipped her hand into his, offering her support. She probably knew the words would make him emotional.
“But first, I’d like to recognize Samantha.” Pink filled her cheeks. “A woman who carries more strength and courage in her little finger than I will ever possess in a lifetime.” He raised his glass. “To Samantha.”
Her name echoed around the table, and she squeezed his hand, looking for support. She didn’t like being singled out. He raised his glass with the others but brought her hand to his lips and then whispered in her ear. “He’s right, you are strong, but I’m here with you, just in case.”
“Now, for my brother. Not only is he raising my perfect little niece.” Maggie giggled and nodded, her body swaying as she swung her feet.
“But he manages my entire estate, with grace and compassion. He embodies integrity and empathy, and I believe that will make him a kind, protective, and faithful husband. I am grateful to have him in my life.” He raised his glass. “To my brother, Trent.”
An echoing cheer rounded the table, and as nervousness fluttered in his stomach, Samantha whispered, “I’m here with you, too.”
It was Trent’s turn. He got to his feet and let out a sigh. “The truth is, I don’t quite know what to say. The level of my gratitude is difficult to put into words. There aren’t many men who would provide so generously for their illegitimate brother.”
“Uh-uh,” Ash interrupted. “If you really need a word to go in front of brother, there are plenty to choose from. Little brother, kid brother, slightly less handsome brother.” Laughter broke out around the table.
“Ash has only known me for a short time, but he’s never wavered in his loyalty and his confidence.
He welcomed me, not only as his brother, but into this incredible family.
All of you accepted me, even when I thought I was undeserving.
” He urged her to stand beside him. “As for being a protective and faithful husband, I’d better be.
If I’m not, there will be men lined up to kill me if Allister doesn’t finish the job. ”
“Oh, I’ll finish the job,” Allister said.
There was a smattering of laughter, but everyone knew he wasn’t joking.
“Fortunately for me, it won’t be hard to avoid that fate.
I love this woman, with all my heart. But I am grateful that she will always have the protection and affection of everyone here.
” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against his side.
“To the family I never imagined I could have.”
“To family!” the rest of them cheered around the table.
Allister stood and raised his glass. “To the bride and groom. May they find a lifetime of happiness!”
“To the bride and groom!”
Trent leaned down and kissed her, and cheers and clapping filled the room.
Soon, came the thing he was most dreading. Their first dance. Samantha had given him a few more lessons, at least, but now they’d have an audience.
“You’ll be fine,” Samantha said as he settled his hands into place. “How was it you described the color of my eyes to Ash?”
“I don’t remember my exact words, but to me, they are the color of stormy skies, especially in summer, just before they unleash a deluge of rain.”
She giggled. “I’m not sure that’s a good thing.”
“It is. It’s beautiful, but also powerful, just like you.”
She moved with him, graceful and confident, trusting him not to step on her feet. When they finished, she had the next dance with Michael. Ash was dancing with Maggie. She stood on top of his feet, giggling the entire time as they moved over the floor.
Men lined up to shake his hand and congratulate him, Brennan among them. “I don’t know how I'm going to get by without you.”
“You’ll do fine. Just remember, don’t neglect the things that truly matter. And if you need more help, hire it, or ask for it.”
He nodded. “I appreciate all you’ve done for me, and your advice.”
“Congratulations, kid.” He clapped Trent on the shoulder and went to stand by the front door. After working with him doing everything but, it was hard to remember that his job was security.
Giles appeared in front of him. “Congratulations, old chap. Although, you’re younger than me, so does that still work?
” He shrugged and shook Trent’s hand. “I hope you won’t mind if I duck out early.
Lady Hempsted is hosting a masquerade on the more fashionable side of London tonight, and I’d like to see if I can meet a widow who’s looking for some company. ” He winked.
“I don’t mind a bit. Enjoy your evening, old chap.” Trent winked back, and Giles laughed jovially.
After Michael finished dancing with Samantha, he shook Trent’s hand. Samantha took to the floor with Fitz, and seemed to be enjoying herself. It was good to see her laughing and smiling, especially in the presence of other men. She’d come such a long way.
“I recognize that look,” Michael said. “Which is why I’ve brought you this.
” He held up a key. “Patrick sends his congratulations, but Rosie will be giving birth any day now, and he won’t be leaving her side until after the baby is born.
” He handed the key to Trent. “His flat will be empty, so the two of you can have some privacy.”
“I appreciate that, but my sister is here, too.”
Michael gestured toward Ash, who was at the refreshments table with Maggie. “You don’t need to worry about her. She’ll be taken care of. It’s your wedding night, Trent. Don’t disappoint your bride.”
Michael was right, of course. Ash would see that Maggie was safe and cared for. He didn’t even need to ask him. “Thank you.”
They hadn’t shared a bed since coming down here. They had shared a room, but Maggie had been with them, and it was furnished with two small beds.
He tracked down his wife, in conversation with a few of the Lady Ravens. She looked up at him when he took her hand. He leaned down and spoke softly into her ear. “Mrs. Gibson, will you take a stroll with me?”
“I would like nothing more.”
The night was pleasant as they walked hand in hand, the streetlamps lighting their way. He led her up some stairs on the side of The Raven’s Nest.
“What’s this?” she asked, when he pulled out the key.
He unlocked the door and held it open for her to step inside. He found a switch that illuminated the hall but had to guess which way the bedroom was.
“Trust me,” he said when she hesitated. That was all it took for her to relax.
The bedroom was at the end of the corridor, and even though no one else was in the place, he closed the door behind them.
“What is this place?”
“Patrick’s flat. He’s at his estate because Rosie is nearing the end of her pregnancy. I suppose you could say it’s his wedding gift to us.”
Finally, she smiled up at him. “Are you planning to seduce me?”
“Well,” he said, “I did dance with you, and kiss you.” He pressed his lips to hers. “Numerous times. But if you don’t want to be seduced, you need only say so.”
“Trent Gibson, my perfect gentleman.”