29. Jonto #3
Isla stared in shock at the man…woman kneeling before her. “We can’t….”
Jonto grinned, “Who’s to say a nobleman can’t marry a noblewoman?”
“But they’ll find out.” The words came out barely above a whisper as her face reflected all of the ramifications such an act of pure, unadulterated nonconformity—the very thing she’d run from her entire life—would bring about. Fear stiffened Isla’s shoulders, and worry lines formed on her brow.
“They won’t if you keep your word. I’ve lived as a man for ten years, Isla.
When the Archduchess asked me to marry you, my answer wasn’t because I don’t care for you.
I do. I panicked because I didn’t think I could ever tell you who I really am, and for that, I’m truly sorry.
But if you’ll have me, I know we can have a good life together, maybe even come to love one another over time. ”
When Isla still didn’t say anything, Jonto remembered her friend’s words.
“Norae told you that you’re at a crossroads.
Would you choose that road…” she pointed at the opening to the sea, “…over taking a chance at a life of travel and adventure with me? You’ll keep Windsong Hall, Isla.
I don’t want it. You’ll keep your horses and businesses, and we’ll work together to make a life for ourselves.
We’ll take Celie and Lily on adventures you’ve only dreamed of, and as far as the rest of the world will know, we’ll do it together as husband and wife.
Please say you’ll join me on an adventure that would make your mother proud. ”
It was the final sentence that decided her. Isla tugged on their joined hands, pulling her close.
Jonto stood and rested a knee on the rock.
Gently placing her hands on Isla’s cheeks, she leaned in so their lips were separated by no more than a breath.
It was up to Isla now because Jonto refused to take away any more control from this woman who’d already been through so much.
They breathed together, suspended in time.
She smelled the warm, sweet aroma of brandy on Isla’s breath and knew if she looked, she’d find the former Lady Brighton’s flask secreted in the pocket of Isla’s skirt.
After what seemed like an eternity, Isla closed the final distance and covered Jonto’s lips with her own.
Just as in Jonto’s dreams, those lips were velvety soft and tasted of a mixture of brandy and the salty mist from the ocean’s spray. She deepened the kiss, thrilled when Isla leaned in asking for more. She ran a hand into Isla’s hair, slipped it behind her head, and pulled her close.
Isla responded by parting her lips, allowing Jonto to slip her tongue inside. She groaned and relaxed into the sensation as their tongues danced and enjoyed one another’s caress.
Jonto pulled back until their lips barely touched. “Is that a yes?” She felt Isla’s lips pull into a smile and heard a quiet. “Yes.”
With great difficulty, Jonto pulled back and, taking Isla’s hands in hers, drew her to her feet. “In that case, this might seem abrupt, but we need to meet Judge Riordan at Lady Pierpont’s house so we can be married before the King arrives in the morning.”
“Lady Pierpont’s?”
“When Lily came and found me, I knew I wanted to ask you to marry me and hoped you’d say yes.
I told Nico to fetch the judge and take him there.
With the Archduchess as our witness, no one will be able to question the validity of our marriage.
” Jonto glanced out over the bay. “It’s only sprinkling now.
” She leaned in to get another kiss, and her heart soared when Isla not only kissed her back but put her arms around her waist and pulled her in close.
Returning the embrace, Jonto wished they could run away to the sea and have Jack or one of her other captains marry them. She breathed in the scent of Isla’s hair and ran her hands up and down her back. With two identical sighs, they moved apart.
Jonto held out a hand, and with a warm smile, Isla clasped it in long, delicate fingers.
They exited the cave together but stopped short when they were greeted by the sight of three horses waiting next to a nearby outcropping of rocks.
Lily sat astride a bay gelding while Ruben and Will held the reins of a second bay and Jonto’s grey.
Seeing her mistress’s hand clasped in Lord Jontoreaux’s, Lily’s worried features blossomed into a radiant smile.
“Nico told me of your plans, and I knew there was no way I’d miss your happy day. ”
Ruben pulled off his cap and, with a stern look, elbowed Will.
After a puzzled glance at his friend, Will quickly pulled his cap from his head, too.
The head hostler bowed and moved the bay close to the rocks. “Felicitations, Captain. Milady.” A wide grin covered his craggy features. “Yer horse, Milady.”
Jonto moved to help Isla mount, but the lady stopped her with a stern look. When Jonto stepped back and grinned, Isla elegantly mounted and moved her horse next to Lily’s. Jonto leapt onto her horse, thanked Ruben and Will, and the three riders set off for the Archduchess’s mansion.