Page 136 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman
‘I think so.’
The church organ played as they walked in. Rob’s sisters were waiting there to walk behind her, all dressed in pale green, as was Mary, who came behind them. As Caro walked along the aisle with Drew, Rob stepped out from the first pew at the front and looked back at her, smiling.
She smiled too, thanking God that this determined, passionate, moral man loved her.
When she reached the altar, though, Caro noticed a scabbed cut in his ear.
I love you, he mouthed.
I love you too.
Drew passed her hand to Rob.
They recited the words.
‘In sickness and in health…’
‘For better or worse…’
‘I, Caroline Miriam Kilbride take thee…’
‘I, Robert Marlow take thee…’
‘I give you this ring…’
Her heart raced throughout as the church full of people stared at them.
‘I now pronounce you man and wife… What God has joined together let no man set asunder.’
Caro had heard those words before, and the man she had been joined to had torn her apart. She trusted this pure-hearted man to fulfil his every vow.
Rob held both her hands, and his eyes glowed with pride. ‘How is our daughter?’
‘Kicking, but I am to be off my feet as much as I can. Drew carried me out of the house.’
‘Then I will carry you home. It is my privilege as your husband anyway.’
‘You cannot. You have your leg to think of.’
‘Leave me to worry about that.’
‘What did you do to your ear?’
He smiled and touched it. ‘John’s valet was too eager when he cut my hair. Shall I carry you down the aisle?’
‘No. I will walk to the carriage. Imagine the gossip it would create if you fell and dropped me.’
He laughed. ‘Very well.’
‘Congratulations.’ Drew touched her shoulder.
The organ boomed out a dramatic ending to theirwedding as they walked back along the aisle, followed by their family and guests.
The street was full of people who had come to stare at the bride in all her finery, and as she climbed into the carriage the crowd increased as people came out of the church.
‘I cannot wait to go away with you,’ Caro said.
‘We will eat our wedding breakfast then leave. Our journey is going to be slower than planned. We will stop frequently to be sure the child is safe.’
