Page 45 of A Spinster's Unexpected Marriage
“Amen,” Martha breathed, her heart in her throat as Lord Granton took her by the hand and led her through to sign the register. The clergyman witnessed her doing so and, upon taking the papers, left both Martha and the Marquess alone.
Martha looked back at her husband, her hands reaching out for him and, in a moment, she was in his arms.
“My darling.” Lord Granton brushed her temple with his lips, his arms holding her gently. “We are wed. We are husband and wife.”
“Can you believe it?” Looking up at him, Martha laughed softly as the gentleman she loved shook his head, grinning broadly.
“I can hardly believe any of this,” he told her, moving back just a little and taking her hands in his. “Your forgiveness, your trust, your promise to me… it is all almost too wonderful for me to take in.” His expression softened, his blue eyes filled with tenderness as he tilted his head, taking her in. “You are quite marvelous, my dear.”
Martha blushed hot but smiled. “You have proven yourself, Granton,” she answered, seeing him smile. “I do not doubt your words of love and care for me. I see it in your actions, in your words, in your looks of love towards me.” She squeezed his hands. “And know that I love you in return.”
“I do not doubt it,” he answered, coming closer to her again, his voice gentle. “I shall not let a day go by without feeling gratitude for your love, Martha. A rogue such as myself does not deserve such a thing.”
“But you are a rogue no longer,” she reminded him, reaching up to frame his face, her fingers brushing through his hair. “No longer a scoundrel, no longer a rascal.” She smiled softly as he bent his head to kiss her. “Now, Lord Granton, you are mine.”
“And yours alone,” he promised, brushing her lips with his own. “From this day on and forever.”
THE END
