Page 60 of A Christmas Miracle for the Frosty Marquess
Julian, looking incredibly handsome in his black suit, extended his hand to Clara, and they exchanged vows that emanated with a depth of emotion that Clara had never experienced. Her voice trembled as she pledged her love to Julian. When it was Julian’s turn, he had to dab at his eyes with his handkerchief, and Clara’s heart swelled with love for him. She could hardly wait for the clergyman to tell Julian to kiss her. And when he did, her heart began to sing.
The vicar, with a warm smile, turned them to face their dearest loved ones.
"I now present to you the marquess and marchioness of Silverstone,” he said, his words ringing through the chapel.
Clara shivered at the very first pronouncement of her new title. Julian took her hand, leading her to the wedding registry, which they signed with all the joy of a newlywed couple. The applause was immediate, joyous, and heartfelt. Tears of joy blurred Clara's vision, cascading down her cheeks. The weight of the moment, the sheer happiness she felt, was all-consuming.
As they turned back to the guests, Julian put his lips to her ear.
"This is just the beginning, my love," he said.
And Clara knew, deep in her heart, that it was true.
The chapel bells still echoed in Clara’s ears as they moved from the church to the ballroom at Berrington Estate. The long tables were formalized with gleaming silverware, bouquets of winter roses, and their finest dinnerware. The glow from the chandeliers above cast warm rays throughout the room, making everything shimmer.
Clara's gaze wandered the room when it landed on her father. He was standing by the window, the afternoon sunlight casting a gentle shadow around him. Taking a deep breath, she approached him.
"Father," she said softly. "Thank you."
He turned to face her, his eyes gleaming with unshed tears.
"For what, darling?" he asked.
Clara embraced her father, holding him tightly for a moment. Then, she stepped back, gazing at him with a brand-new appreciation for the earl.
"For giving me the chance to marry Julian,” she said. “For trusting in what was best when I was too blind to see it. I know that I was very resistant to this wedding. But now that it’s happened, I know that there is no one else in the world for me but Julian.”
He gently cradled her face, his thumb wiping away a stray tear.
"Seeing you so happy today is all the thanks I need, my dear daughter," he said, pulling her into another tender embrace.
The rustling of silk announced Harriet Bennett’s approach. Joining her daughter and husband, she wrapped her arms around them both.
"Our darling eldest daughter has found her true love," she said. “I have never seen a smile so beautiful on your face.”
Clara wrapped one arm around her mother as her other one held her father, squeezing tightly once more.
“And I look forward to everything that is to come, Mother,” she said. “Thank you for convincing me to give a marriage to Julian a chance. I know this is truly the best thing that could ever happen to me.”
Her mother patted her back, sniffling as her tears flowed.
“You are most welcome, sweetheart,” she said.
As they reveled in their shared moment, the sudden burst of giggles drew their attention to the grand entryway. A sea of little faces peeked through, wide-eyed and in awe of the grandeur.
Clara's heart skipped, and she looked at her new husband with a small smile.
"Julian?" she asked curiously. “What is all this?”
With a playful wink, Julian grinned.
"I thought the day could use a little more joy," he said.
The children from the orphanage scrambled to arrange themselves in small rows. And then, their voices rose in a soft, melodic song. The pure, unbridled happiness in their voices was unmistakable, and as they sang of love and new beginnings, the guests were enchanted.
Julian stood beside Clara, beaming at the children as they sang. He glanced at her, lacing his fingers through hers.
“Do you like your wedding present?” he asked, gesturing with a nod toward the chorus of children.
