Page 25 of The Duke's Golden Belle
Her mother hugged Belle.
“We have not met your needs with tolerance, daughter. Your mama and I cannot erase what has been done, but we will be more sensitive in the future,” her father said.
“That includes me, sweet new daughter. Anna has chastised me abundantly on your behalf, as has my son,” the duchess added.
Belle started to say something, but Michael’s mother stopped her. “No. I deserved their ire. I didn’t try to understand. You will be a duchess and it is my responsibility to help you—and one thing you will learn is that a duchess sets protocol. It will not be as hard as you feared.” She picked up Belle’s hand and squeezed it. “I will be here for you in all things.”
Tears formed in Belle’s eyes. “I’m ready.”
“Let us get you to the church,” Papa said, gathering her in his arms and kissing her.
* * *
Michael looked down the aisle and saw the most beautiful woman he had ever known walking his way to the altar on the arm of her father. A small white dog pranced proudly on her right side, wearing a mustard-yellow cravat suited to his size, to the merriment of the congregation.
Quickly, Michael tried to piece together how this amazing day was upon them and thanked his lucky stars for an overreaching law clerk.
“This doesn’t need to be said, but take care of my little sister,” Garrett whispered under his breath.
Michael smiled at his friend. “I got that message in your note. I will protect her and love her, Garrett.”
“I came to this party late, but I will kick your arse if you hurt her,” Garrett hissed.
The vicar heard that and snickered, causing the three of them to look down and swallow their laughter.
“That reminds me—I would like my boots back,” Michael said, glancing at Marcus’s feet. “Those enormous feet probably stretched them, but they were my favorite.”
“How did you know?” Marcus looked at him, surprised.
“I’ll tell you later,” Michael said, stepping forward and taking the proffered arm of his wife-to-be.
The little dog would not be denied. He pushed himself between Belle’s legs and Michael’s, eliciting smothered giggles from the gathering behind them.
* * *
“You may now kiss your bride, Your Grace,” the vicar said.
Michael lifted a short veil and gazed into the eyes of his wife, leaning down and kissing her deeply.
A sharp bark of protest sounded from Chase, who stood up on his hind legs. “I think Chase is asking for a kiss, but I’ll leave that to you, wife,” Michael said jovially.
Belle handed her flowers to her mother on the front pew and stooped to kiss her dog on the head. “You have a new papa, now, little man,” she said happily, before standing and taking Michael’s hand.
As if he suddenly understood his place, Chase walked behind the newly married couple and followed them out.
As they approached the door, Michael looked at Belle, who was smiling and waving to those she knew. “It’s not a sizeable crowd, but it is many people,” he whispered. “How do you feel?”
“I’m nervous, but it feels manageable. I cannot remember ever feeling this comfortable. Perhaps it is having you as my husband and my brother back—I can be nothing but happy. You are so good for me, Michael.”
At the door, they turned to wave, and Marcus appeared and scooped up Chase, who probably would have leaped into the ducal coach with them, taking his seat across from them. “We’ve become friends of a sort, over the past weeks. I’ll keep him with me and take excellent care of him,” he promised, as he kissed his sister on the cheek as she climbed into the coach.
“I will count on that, Marcus,” Belle said.
* * *
Their coach arrived at the ducal mansion ahead of the wedding party and guests for the traditional breakfast celebration. Her mother-in-law had kept her promise and kept the guests to a minimum. Many of the villagers were housed outside in heated tents, leaving Bella to mingle as she felt with the closest of family friends. She felt relaxed, and she and Michael walked through the tent, talking to some villagers in attendance. If she had Michael’s arm, she felt comfortable.
As they walked back to the dining room, Michael pulled her close. “I have a surprise for you. But we must leave for you to see it.”
