Page 56 of A Christmas Miracle for the Frosty Marquess
Clara laughed again, but she took his arm.
“I would be delighted to join you,” she said.
Julian’s heart skipped as he led her to the door.
“Where are you two going?” Elizabeth asked just before they disappeared into the hallway.
Julian turned around, having no intention of revealing anything in that moment.
“We shall return shortly, I assure you,” he said.
He held his breath, waiting for someone to insist that they stay there in the room, or that someone go to act as chaperone. But to his surprise, his sister simply laughed.
“Very well,” she said. “But do hurry. You do not want to miss the celebration.”
Julian nodded.I plan to have more to celebrate shortly,he thought with excitement.
Outside, the estate was bathed in a silvery glow, the stars shining brilliantly above. The world held its breath, waiting in hushed reverence for the secrets about to be shared. The gentle moonlight, silver and pristine, illuminated their path. The vastness of the starry canopy above only heightened the intimacy of their shared solitude.
Clara, sensing the depth of the moment, looked at him questioningly.
“Julian, what’s on your mind?” she asked. “I truly do not think I can bare this suspense one more moment.”
Gathering his courage, Julian stopped in his tracks, turning once more to face Clara.
“I’ve been locked in a self-imposed prison of my own making since my mother’s passing,” he said. “As I’m sure you realised, I lost more than just her that day. I lost a piece of myself. It felt as if a part of my soul had withered.”
He paused, searching Clara’s eyes for understanding. There was a great deal of understanding, indeed, as well as warmth and kindness as she nodded.
“I understand,” she said. “And I am proud of you for all the progress I’ve watched you make.”
Julian smiled at her humility. He could see that she truly didn’t know how big of a part she had played in his progress.
“That is because you reentered my life, Clara,” he said. “Your warmth, your kindness, and spirit became the keys that unlocked the doors I’d shut so tightly.”
Drawing the box from his pocket, he opened it, revealing the delicate emerald ring inside.
“This belonged to my mother,” he said.
Clara looked at it with wide eyes. There was a whirlwind of emotions as she looked from the ring to Julian, and his heart raced more wildly still.
Gently cradling the ring in the palm of his hand, he looked at it, lost in thought. The gold band still shone with the love and promise it had once represented. It was the kind of love he now felt for Clara, and that he hoped she had for him in return.
Drawing a deep breath, he reached for Clara, who stood in front of him, her form radiant in the moonlight. Holding her delicate hand, he carefully placed the ring on her palm, ensuring their fingers remained entwined.
“Clara,” Julian said earnestly. “This ring witnessed a love so profound that even death couldn’t dim its sheen.” He paused, searching for the right words. “I’ve held onto it, cherishing the memories and the hope it represents. And now, in all my recent time with you, I’ve come to realise something.”
Clara’s eyes grew wider still, the moon’s glow reflecting in them. Her face, usually so composed, bore a blush that deepened with each passing moment.
“Julian, what are you saying?” she breathed.
Julian took another deep breath, preparing for the most important thing he had ever said in his life.
“I am saying that I have fallen deeply, irrevocably in love with you,” he said. “Every moment spent with you, every shared laugh, every stolen glance has anchored me in a way I never thought possible. I want to build a real, proper future with you, one filled with love, understanding, and the promise of shared tomorrows.”
He watched her closely, his heart pounding so loudly he was sure she could hear it. The seconds stretched into what felt like hours, and Julian held his breath, awaiting Clara’s response.
The silence that followed was palpable. The world seemed to pause, awaiting Clara’s response. Julian’s heart raced, each beat echoing the mounting tension. Doubts and fears danced in the shadows of his mind. What if she didn’t feel the same way? Had he been too presumptuous?
