Epilogue
Reed took out his pocket watch and glanced at the time.
His bride was late. Although her family had been anticipating a large event for their daughter’s marriage, Reed and Sariah had pleaded with her parents until they had finally relented with a special license and a private ceremony in the front parlor.
At least, that was what it was supposed to be, but after her mother had insisted upon a proper wedding breakfast, it had turned into a rather sizeable gathering of guests, including Reed’s business partners, as well as Sariah’s best friends and their parents.
He decided that he had no choice but to give in to the demands of his future in-laws because they had been more than generous with other aspects of their engagement.
The fact that the baron was allowing the union at all was certainly a reason to endure whatever was necessary, because at the end of the day, Sariah was his prize.
A hush abruptly went about the room and Reed looked at the doorway to see her standing there in a yellow silk gown adorned with lace and embroidered daisies.
She wore a sheer veil that clearly allowed her striking amber eyes to penetrate the fabric.
That was what he focused on as she drew forward, a slight smile on her face.
As she stopped beside him, he whispered for her ears alone. “You are enchanting. I cannot wait until I can remove that garment and show you just how much I appreciate your efforts.”
Her cheeks turned an adoring shade of pink and he hoped that she never lost that seductive innocence. It was intoxicating, but nothing more than the lady herself.
As they held hands and stood before the vicar, promising to love and honor and cherish each other until death parted them, he turned to her and lifted her veil once they were announced as man and wife.
“Mrs. Carrington,” he murmured, and then dared to kiss her properly in front of all of their guests.
But he wasn’t done there.
When they parted, he lifted her into his arms. Ignoring her gasp of shock, he carried her right out of the room.
“What about the breakfast!” Lady Foxworth called from behind them.
Sariah’s laughter couldn’t be contained as Reed did not break stride. “Start without us. We might make it back by dessert!” she cried over his shoulder.
As he took her upstairs to her previous chamber and laid her down on the coverlet, he began to untie his cravat.
He could tell by Sariah’s eager gaze that she was pleased with her choice of a husband.
When he was fully disrobed, he looked at her with hunger pulsing through his veins and began to remove her gown.
He had no doubt his gaze promised every wicked thought roaming in his head.
“You know,” he said, kissing the side of her neck. “You really should not make promises that you cannot keep, my dear. Besides, you are all the dessert I need.”