Page 87 of Treating a Sinful Earl
“That is not true. If you were not so tall and handsome, none of this ever would have happened,” she said playfully.
“I fear that I might be the luckiest man on this earth.”
“I was thinking the same of myself.”
“You are the most beautiful man I have ever seen,” he quipped.
Catherine beat her hand against his chest. “But truly, did anyone ever imagine that this would happen? It all feels like a dream.”
“Life is a dream,” he assured her.
“Then I never wish for this dream to end.” Catherine pressed her lips against his, and he held her tightly, knowing that it would be considerably more difficult for him to hold back this evening. Yet still, alas, he would have to. There was too much anticipation surrounding their wedding night, and Jasper did not wish to tarnish that for all the world. She pulled away breathlessly and Jasper looked deep into her eyes, never wanting to turn away.
“Come lay with me,” she said, taking both of his hands.
Catherine led him to the bed, and Jasper felt pride swell in his chest. She was taking the initiative, and there was nothing more intoxicating. She laid herself down upon the bed, and Jasper watched as she did so. That was his wife lying there, beckoning him. That was the woman who had stolen his heart, and he wished that she would be in possession of it for the rest of his waking life and beyond.
Lying in bed, he held her, again feeling her breath, her warmth, and smelling her intoxicating scent. Jasper combed his hand through her hair and watched as she gently fell asleep. If only she knew how much he desired her. He hoped that she did know, for being so close to her, there were a million things that he wished to get away with, but all of this would have to wait.
Jasper gazed up at the ceiling and said a little prayer—something that he had never done before. In this prayer, he thanked the heavens for everything that was in his life this very moment. Even though she could not admit to it, Catherine had changed everything in his world. Although he wished to set Catherine free, it was truly the opposite. She had set him free.
Epilogue
Weeks later, Catherine wore pink on her wedding day. The gossamer gown clung to her petite form. As she gazed in the mirror, Abigail affixed a pearl necklace around her neck.
“You look so beautiful, Catherine,” she said, smiling.
Catherine brought her fingers up to feel the cool pearls. “I never expected that this day would finally come. Oh, Abigail, I am so happy, both for myself and for you.” She turned to her friend and looked into her shining eyes.
“Can you believe that Felton and I shall be wed within the month? I do not know how I found the courage to say yes. I merely could not resist any longer. He is the only man for me. It was all too apparent.”
“I knew it all along,” Catherine said knowingly. “You were meant for one another. Now, you can live the rest of your days married to the man that stole your heart.”
“As can you,” Abigail replied warmly, bringing her hand to Catherine’s cheek. “I should like to make amends with Selina, but it seems too soon. She tried to warn me off Felton, just as she tried to warn you off Jasper. I cannot for the life of me decipher what she was thinking!”
Catherine felt her heart sink. “Selina will come to understand that she took the wrong course of action. Despite her bad behaviour, I do trust that she will come around. I, too, wish to make amends. There is no feeling more horrible than longing for a wayward friend.”
Abigail turned downcast. “I agree. I do wish that she could be at our weddings.”
Catherine sighed deeply. It was a decision that she did not want to make. Not inviting Selina to her wedding was more so for her own protection than anything else. She did not want anyone meddling with her perfect day.
“Let us not think of these things. Today is a celebration! I intend to enjoy myself as best I can.” She returned her attention to the mirror. “Jasper is getting better and better,” she said softly. “It is as though, after this new diagnosis and the new remedies from the shaman, he is blossoming before my very eyes. I could not be more grateful for it.”
Abigail placed a hand upon her shoulder. “He is so lucky to have you. Where would he be right now if it were not for you?”
“I am sure that he would be all right, but it gives me peace of mind to think that I have contributed in some way.”
Just then, there was a knock upon the door, and Abigail said, “Who is it?”
Felton poked his head through the door. “Are you ladies almost ready? The guests are waiting.”
“We are late,” Catherine brought a hand to her chest.
“Felton, avert your eyes,” Abigail instructed. “You are not allowed to see the bride!”
“Catherine is not my bride. You are, and I will give my eyes their fill whenever I wish,” he replied lovingly.
Abigail rolled her eyes. “Not on our wedding day. You shall follow the rules!”
