Chapter 39 #2
“It was my mother’s.” Aaron’s voice dropped to barely audible.
“The only jewelry of hers Father didn’t lock away because she was wearing it when she died.
She told Cecilia she wanted her son’s wife to have it.
That she wanted it to represent love chosen freely, not obligation or arrangement or duty. ”
Louise couldn’t see the ring anymore through her tears.
“I love you.” The words emerged from Aaron raw and desperate.
“I’ve loved you since you tried to seduce me in that ridiculous dress, terrified but determined.
I loved you when you faced down Bragg for Emily.
I loved you when you made our house echo with laughter it hadn’t heard in decades.
I loved you when I sent you away, and I’ve loved you every miserable second since. ”
He reached up, his fingers ghosting across her cheek, catching tears she hadn’t realized were falling.
“Marry me, Louise. Let me spend every day proving I choose you over fear. Let me wake up beside you and know I’m exactly where I belong.
Let me love you the way you deserve to be loved, completely, without reservation, without walls.
” His voice broke entirely. “Please. I know I don’t deserve forgiveness, but I’m begging for it anyway.
Begging for you. For us. For the future we could have if you’re brave enough to trust me again. ”
Louise covered his hand with hers, pressing his palm against her cheek. “You absolute idiot.”
Hope flickered in his eyes.
“You beautiful, noble, infuriating fool.” She pulled the ring from its box with shaking fingers. “Yes.”
“Yes?” He looked stunned, as if he’d never actually believed she might agree.
“Yes, I’ll marry you.” Louise held out the ring to him. “But you have to promise. No more walls. No more choosing fear. No more protecting me from happiness.”
“I promise.” Aaron took the ring, sliding it onto her finger with infinite care. It fit perfectly, as if it had been waiting all these years for her hand. “I love you, Louise. I’ll tell you every day until you’re sick of hearing it.”
“I love you too.” The words felt like coming home. “I never stopped, even when I wanted to.”
Aaron surged up from his knees, pulling her from the chair and into his arms. Their lips met with desperate hunger, weeks of separation making them reckless. Louise’s fingers tangled in his hair while his arms crushed her against him as if trying to merge them into one being.
A thunderous bark erupted from the hallway, followed by multiple voices shushing frantically.
“Quiet, Buttercup!”
“They’ll hear us!”
“George, control that beast!”
“He’s not my beast!”
Louise pulled back from Aaron, laughter bubbling up from somewhere deep and joy-filled. “How long do you think they’ve been out there?”
“The entire time, knowing my aunt.” Aaron rested his forehead against hers, his own shoulders shaking with mirth. “She probably has her ear pressed to the door.”
“I do not!” Lady Merrow’s indignant voice carried clearly through said door. “I am merely ensuring Buttercup doesn’t disturb you!”
Another bark, the scrabble of claws on wood, then the door burst open. Buttercup bounded in, trailing the remains of his costume, followed by Emily who was practically dancing with excitement.
“Did you say yes? Please say you said yes! We practiced so hard!”
Louise caught her sister as she flew into their embrace. “I said yes.”
Emily shrieked with delight. “We’re going home! We’re really going home!”
Lady Merrow appeared in the doorway, dabbing at her eyes with a handkerchief while trying to maintain dignity. George stood behind her, grinning like he hadn’t since before their parents died.
“About time,” he said to Aaron. “Lady Merrow and I had a wager about how many more days you’d spend brooding in your study before declaring yourself.”
“You knew that he loved me?” Louise turned to her brother in shock.
“The Duke of Calborough isn’t exactly subtle when he’s pining.” George moved into the room, extending his hand to Aaron. “Welcome to the family. Officially, this time.”
Aaron shook his hand, then pulled George into an embrace that clearly startled them both.
“We’re having a wedding!” Emily announced to anyone who would listen. “With cake and flowers, and Buttercup can be in the ceremony!”
The dog barked in agreement, his tail creating havoc among the candles.
“First things first,” Lady Merrow said briskly. “We’re going home. All of us. Tonight. This house is depressing, and there’s planning to be done.”
“But our things—” Louise began.
“Will be sent for.” Aaron’s arms tightened around her. “I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”
“That might make certain activities difficult,” George observed dryly.
“George!” Louise’s face flamed.
“What activities?” Emily asked with interest.
“Playing chess,” Lady Merrow said quickly. “Very difficult to play chess when someone’s watching. Now then, everyone, gather what you immediately need. The carriage will be here within the hour.”
As the room erupted into cheerful chaos, Aaron pulled Louise slightly aside, his hands framing her face with infinite tenderness.
“Thank you,” he whispered against her lips. “For being braver than I was. For waiting. For saying yes despite everything.”
Louise wound her arms around his neck, feeling complete for the first time in weeks. “Thank you for finally choosing love over fear.”
“Always,” he promised. “From now on, always.”
Buttercup chose that moment to knock over a candelabra, sending everyone scrambling. But even as they rushed to prevent disaster, laughter filled the shabby parlor. The laughter that came from joy too large to contain, from families found and kept, and from love that had conquered fear at last.
They were going home.
All of them.
Together.