Epilogue
ONE MONTH LATER
The church bells rang across the Wiltshire estate, and the sound rolled over the fields like a warm announcement to the world that something long-awaited was finally happening.
Guests filled the church, whispering with excitement, adjusting gloves and hats, turning to catch glimpses of every new arrival.
Alexander stood at the front of the chapel with his hands clasped behind his back, trying to appear composed but failing miserably.
His heart had been pounding since dawn, and every time someone approached to speak to him, he nodded politely but barely heard a word.
He kept glancing at the entrance, waiting for the doors to open.
Spencer leaned towards him. “You look like you are about to be sick.”
“I feel like I might.”
His friend grinned. “Good. That just means that you are doing it right.”
Damien, the Duke of Winterleigh, stood behind them, and added, “If you faint, I will drag you upright before the bride notices.”
Alexander did not respond. He was too busy staring at the closed doors and waiting for his sorceress to arrive.
What if she changed her mind?
Panic began to rise but then the music began and everyone rose.
“This is it!” Spencer said and clapped him on the back.
The doors opened slowly and revealed Theodora in an ivory gown and veil that took his breath away. She smiled at him and he smiled back, unable to keep the tears at bay.
Her hair was pinned back, and she held a bouquet of white roses and lavender which was Rosalind’s idea.
Alexander turned briefly to his sister who was also in tears.
He had never felt happier, and he hoped that somehow his parents were watching them.
Theodora walked slowly down the aisle on her mother’s arm, who also looked radiant, proud, and free in a way Alexander had never seen before.
The change in both of them was unmistakable.
From that moment onward, Alexander only saw Theodora.
Her smile was enough to steady him, and make his world fall into place.
When she reached him, her mother kissed her cheek and whispered something that made Theodora’s eyes teary.
Then she placed her daughter’s hand into Alexander’s and stepped aside.
“You look beautiful,” he whispered so only she could hear.
Theodora blushed.
“Thank you, and you look charming as always,” she whispered back.
The ceremony began and the vicar spoke, but Alexander barely heard him.
He heard only fragments of “union,” “commitment,” “honor,” and “cherish” but the words felt distant, secondary to the overwhelming reality that she was standing beside him, her hand in his, her pulse fluttering beneath her skin.
Theodora took a slow breath; Alexander felt her fingers tightening around his. When she finally spoke, her voice trembled, but she did not look away from him.
“I never imagined myself standing here,” she said softly. “Not because I did not want a future, but because I did not know I could choose one for myself.”
Alexander felt that familiar warm feeling in his chest.
“I promise to be your partner,” she continued. “Not just in the easy moments, but in the difficult ones. I promise to respect you, your mind, your strength, your fears, and even the parts of you that you try to hide from others.”
Her voice grew stronger.
“I promise to grow with you. To change with you. To become better with you, not because I must, but because I want to.”
A faint smile touched her lips.
“And I promise to challenge you when you need it, even when you do not want to hear it.”
A quiet ripple of laughter moved through the guests.
“I promise to stand with you when you falter, because everyone falters, and no one should face their darkest moments alone.”
She squeezed his hands.
“And I promise to choose you. Every day. In every season. In every version of our lives. Alexander Kendall, I choose you today. And I will choose you tomorrow.”
Alexander’s vows were less polished. He had written them three times and thrown them away each time. In the end, he spoke from instinct.
“Theodora Dowell, I have spent most of my life believing I did not need anyone,” he said.
“I thought strength meant standing alone. Then you came into my life and proved me wrong. You taught me that strength can be shared, that vulnerability is not weakness, and that love… love is not something to fear.”
Theodora blinked rapidly, fighting her tears.
“I promise to protect you,” he continued, “not because you are fragile, but because you are precious. I promise to listen, even when I do not understand. I promise to love you with everything I have, even on the days when you doubt yourself. And I promise that you will never face anything alone again.”
The church was silent. Only the sounds of sniffling and soft crying could be heard until the vicar finally pronounced them husband and wife, Alexander did not hesitate. He lifted Theodora’s veil, cupped her face gently, and kissed her with a reverence that made several guests sigh aloud.
* * *
“Alexander,” Theodora said as Rosalind’s and her mother’s carriage disappeared down the drive, “there is something I need to tell you.”
She felt lightheaded with happiness and there was much to tell him, but one good news story stood out above the rest.
Alexander turned towards her immediately, the now-quiet hall echoed faintly with the remnants of celebration. “What is it?”
“My mother… she secured her own house in Bath,” Theodora said. “Near the Crescent. She moved in last week. That is where they are going to stay.”
Alexander beamed at her. “I am glad Lady Dowell moved and she chose the right first guest as well! Rosalind truly needed this.”
“They both did. Oh, and the best news? She plans to file for legal separation,” Theodora continued. “She met with the solicitor your attorney recommended. She said he was incredibly helpful.”
“He had no choice but to be,” he replied darkly.
Theodora gave him a side-long look.
“I do hope that you did not threaten the poor man.”
Her husband laughed and the sound made her heart and stomach flutter. Theodora reached for his hand, her fingers brushing his.
“Regardless, thank you. Truly. Without your help, she would not have known where to begin.”
“You never have to thank me,” Alexander said gently and looked into her eyes.
Theodora felt her body react instantly.
“I do have to thank you because you did not have to involve yourself,” she insisted.
“I did,” he said, lifting her hand and brushing his thumb over her knuckles, causing her breath to stutter. “Because she is your mother. And because my wife does not have to worry about anything any longer.” He lowered his voice seductively. “From now on, I will handle everything.”
Theodora felt her skin burn with yearning. She leaned forward and kissed him softly. Alexander kissed her back with quiet intensity, his hand settling at the small of her back as though anchoring her to him.
When they parted, she glanced around the empty hall, suddenly aware of the stillness. “So… now what?”
Alexander’s mouth curved into a slow, unmistakable grin. “Now,” he said, stepping closer, “we consummate the marriage.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks. “Alexander—”
Before she could finish, he swept her off her feet in one smooth motion, lifting her into his arms.
“Alexander!” she gasped, half laughing, her hands gripping his shoulders.
He only tightened his hold and widened his grin. “You are my wife now, Theodora. I am allowed to carry you.”
She rested her head lightly against his chest as he carried her through the corridor, past the fading scent of roses and the last traces of the celebration. The estate was quiet now; the afternoon sun lit the staircase as they ascended towards the private wing.
Theodora’s pulse quickened with every step.
“Will it be painful again?” she whispered.
Alexander looked down at her and smiled. “No, this time it will only be pleasurable.”
At the end of the hall, he nudged open the door to their chamber with his shoulder.
The room was warm, lit by the soft glow of candles and fresh flowers sitting on the table.
The bed was turned down. Alexander stepped inside, still holding her.
Theodora lifted her head, meeting his eyes as he closed the door behind them.
He carried her inside as if she weighed nothing, one arm securely beneath her knees, the other supporting her back. Theodora lifted her head from his shoulder, meeting his eyes in the warm light. They were dark with intent and a thrill of anticipation travelled straight through her.
Alexander lowered her gently onto the edge of the bed, but he did not step back. Instead, he stayed between her parted thighs, hands sliding up her sides to cup her face.
“No rushing this time,” he murmured. “Last time I took your innocence. But tonight, I want to show you how good it can feel when there is no pain.”
Theodora’s breath caught. Her body already remembered and ached for him from their first joining. The soreness between her legs had faded into a low, persistent throb of awareness. She nodded, fingers curling into the front of his shirt.
He kissed her slowly, deeply, his tongue sliding against hers in a lazy dance that made heat pool low in her belly.
His hands moved with purpose now, unfastening the buttons of her gown with practiced ease.
Fabric whispered to the floor, followed by her corset and chemise, until she sat completely bare before him.
This time there was no frantic urgency, no virginal fear.
Only anticipation.