Page 60 of The Iron Duke's Flaming Christmas
Selene’s heart quivered. It really was the finest Christmas ever. She wouldn’t change it for the world. And it was about to get even better.
They arrived home after their luncheon with the orphans, and Selene quickly ushered Lenore into the parlor, under the pretense of afternoon tea.
As Lenore skipped into the room, she stopped short and gasped, turning to look at Selene and her father. Both stood their grinning. For in the middle of the room, the teacart held a stunning sight. A wonderful cake, complete with icing and a lovely orange blossom on top. The staff were all gathered there, to wish Lenore a happy birthday, and celebrate their new beginning.
Epilogue
New Year’s Eve
Ian swept Selene into his arms, grinning down at her, tucking her white veil behind her head. “Are you ready for me to take you over the threshold… wife?”
Selene laughed with pure joy, gazing up at her new husband, as they hovered outside the duke’s chambers. Images from the magical day tumbled through her mind: the ceremony in the chapel at Trenton House, where Lenore had been ring bearer.
Reverend Wellington, Emma’s father, had married them, declaring them man and wife, with a beatific smile upon his face. Their first kiss as man and wife, when everyone assembled had whooped with joy.
She would always remember the moment when she had reached him at the altar, when her father had let go of her arm and given her hand to Ian. The way he had looked at her… as if she were the only woman in the world. He had leaned over, whispering in her ear.
“I am so proud to become your husband,” he said, his eyes wet with tears. “You have healed me, my love. And you are the most beautiful vision I have ever beheld.”
Selene could barely breathe. Her heart was overflowing with such love for him that she truly felt it would burst. She still couldn’t believe that she was there… and that she was about to become his wife—The Duchess of Trenton.
How did this happen to a poor girl who became a governess?
The wedding breakfast had been held in the great hall, festooned with winter flowers and twinkling candles. The magical first dance, when Ian had swept her away across the dance floor, drowning in his eyes. Her heart shifted to see Emma and Captain Redford getting up to dance together, knowing that before too long, their dear friends would know this same happiness.
But the highlight of the day had been when Lenore had stood up, making a little speech before they cut the cake, telling everyone, in a faltering voice, how much she loved her new stepmother, and how grateful she was to her for her love and support. There hadn’t been a dry eye in the hall.
Selene’s eyes misted as she recalled that speech.
“I am so happy that my father made Miss Bomind my governess,” Lenore had said, in a timid voice. “For she was the only governess I ever liked.” There drew much laughter. Lenore turned to Selene, looking straight at her. “And now I love you. Thank you for taking me to see the robin’s nest every morning and believing in me… and thank you for becoming my new mother.”
Selene had rushed over to her new stepdaughter, hugging her tightly, barely able to stop herself from bursting into tears. All her hard work had paid off. And she couldn’t wait to be a real mother to Lenore now.
And now, the wedding guests were gone. Lenore was staying with Emma and her family for the evening. And the night belonged to just the two of them.
“Yes,” she whispered breathlessly. “More than ready… husband.”
Ian’s grin widened, kicking the door open. Selene gasped with shock.
The bed chambers had been transformed into a glowing wonderland, filled with the same winter flowers as the hall. The heady perfume was intoxicating. Candles were flickering everywhere. On the bed, there were white petals strewn. And in an ice bucket stood a bottle of champagne, next to two tall flutes.
“What?” she gasped, turning to her face to her husband. “Oh, my!”
He laughed with delight. “You may thank Mrs. Kittles for this,” he said. “She spent hours on it. She said it was her wedding gift to us.”
“Dear Mrs. Kittles,” said Selene, shaking her head in wonder. “What a treasure she is.”
“As are you,” he breathed, nuzzling her face. “A glass of champagne to toast the day… before I take you to bed to ravish you?” His eyes were smoldering. “I have wanted to rip that gown off you since I first laid eyes on you in the chapel. You look absolutely breathtaking.”
Selene giggled. “Oh, please do ravish me. I simply cannot wait.”
He put her down gently on the ground, kissing her neck. Selene closed her eyes in bliss. Then Ian popped the champagne bottle, filling the flutes with the bubbling liquid, handing her one.
“To us,” he whispered, gazing deeply into her eyes.
“To us,” she reiterated, barely able to breathe.
“I wanted you to know that Eaton has been convicted,” he said slowly, looking pained. “His sentence for what he did to you was handed down yesterday. I received a letter today.” He paused. “Lord Mastiff wrote a letter wishing us all the best for the day. He did not mention anything about his daughter.”
