Page 101 of The Scent of Intuition
Her breath caught as another wave of pleasure surged through her, even more intense than the first. The world around them faded, leaving only their shared intimacy. When she finally returned to herself, she found Alfie’s hands cradling the back of her head, his touch tender yet firm. Their bodies remained connected, a physical testament to the bond they had forged.
She gazed into his green eyes, now clear and unguarded. Gone was the headscarf that had concealed him in India; gone was the veil she had worn. They had stripped away all pretenses,offering themselves wholly to one another. Bea’s heart brimmed with gratitude, overwhelmed by the completeness she felt.
Alfie brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, his fingers lingering on her cheek. “We are one,” he whispered, his voice a soft caress. His words resonated deep within her, affirming their unity.
She smiled, a tear escaping down her cheek. “Forever,” she replied, her voice steady with conviction. His lovely green eyes shone with happiness, and she knew she’d been the one to put the light there.
“I’m just sorry I didn’t find you sooner,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity and warmth. “But now that I have you, I will never let you go.”
Tears of joy welled up in Bea’s eyes. “I love you, Alfie. More than words can ever express.”
His gaze softened, filled with an emotion she knew mirrored her own. “I love you too, Bea. With all my heart and soul.”
They lay there, entwined in each other’s arms, the room filled with the quiet aftermath of their passion. In that silent communion, Bea knew without a doubt that they had found their truths in each other’s embrace. Basking in the afterglow of their union, their future stretching ahead like a golden path… Bea’s heart soared with the possibilities ahead.
“We should start planning our new life,” Bea said, her voice tinged with excitement. “There’s so much I want to do with you.”
“And so very, very much I want to dotoyou,” Alfie said with a raised brow as he gently peeled the cover off Bea. He kissed a trail from her mouth to her chin, down her neck and over her chest, down farther and she giggled. Alfie made her quiver, laugh, and he healed her; he made her whole.
Epilogue
Bea and Alfiewalked hand in hand back to the dining room at Silvercrest Manor, and she could see his face flushed with happiness. When they entered, the chatter quieted, and all eyes turned to them. Bea felt her face heating again, but Alfie’s gentle grip of her hand steadied her. The wedding breakfast had long since ended, leaving only the remnants of a joyous celebration. Through the tall windows, the sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting a warm glow over the room filled with close friends and family.
Wendy approached with a smile, her dark curls bouncing with each step. “There you two are! We were beginning to wonder—” but she couldn’t finish because Nick gave a brotherly nudge with his elbow.
“There’s food for you, tea, cake and everything you need,” Pippa said when she came to Bea’s side, intertwining her arm with hers. “I’m so happy for you, cousin.”
Alfie chuckled, his grip on Bea’s hand tightening affectionately. He had an air of a proud rooster, and his chest seemed puffed up, joyful, to present his bride to his friends.
Oh, that was her, Bea reminded herself, as she surveyed the room of smiling faces. The sense of belonging warmed her from within because here, she didn’t merely shine and fit in as in the Ton’s ballrooms, while vicious people mocked her cousin—no, this was different—here she shared the love for her cousin with people who had big hearts and welcomed them into their tight circle of trust, Nick and Pippa, Wendy, Felix, and Andre.
Bea’s heart swelled with love as she glanced around the room. These were the people who had supported her.
Then her face fell. Her parents stood solemnly in the doorway, her father clearing his throat.
Alfie wrapped his arm around Bea.
“Is it done?” Mother asked. “Have I missed your wedding?” She rushed to Bea.
“Yes,” Bea said more softly than she’d intended.
Her father, who’d remained a step behind her mother, approached Alfie. He extended his hand and hesitated before he said, “Thank you.”
Alfie blinked at Bea and then back at her father. “For what, my lord?”
“For saving my daughter’s life.”
Mother reached for Bea’s hand, and she gave it to her. “We don’t expect your forgiveness for years of foolishness, but Stan told us everything you’ve done to help with Baron von List.” She shook her head, “I was too blind to see the truth beyond my mission but you—” her voice broke and she patted Bea’s hand as a tear rolled down her cheek.
“What we are trying to say is that we thank you for your wisdom and protection when we were gone. There’s no better man for our daughter and even though it is too late, we hope you’ll receive our blessing.” Her father’s voice sounded a little unstable and Bea’s mouth fell open. She had no words.
The room remained silent for a moment but then a metal clank on glass chimed. It was Pippa, who came to stand with her glass raised.
Nick stood, too, and lifted his glass. “A toast!” he declared, drawing everyone’s attention. “To Bea and Alfie! May your lives be filled with love, joy, and unending adventure.”
Glasses clinked together, the sound echoing through the room like a harmonious symphony. Bea felt a surge of gratitudeand happiness as she looked at Alfie. His green eyes shone with love and pride.
Alfie lifted his own glass. “And to Nick and Pippa,” he said, his voice strong and clear. “For being the dearest of friends anyone could ask for.”
