Page 14 of Lady Willa's Divinely Wicked Vicar
“Oh, but it does, my dear Wills. Hear me on this. I do not believe that God could be so cruel as to kill me for loving you and wanting you as my wife. Do you think He is so vengeful?”
* * *
“No, never!” She uttered the words quickly.
In this small victory, he rejoiced. He cupped her cheeks and put his mouth to hers. His lips moved on hers in sensuous abandon. His tongue invaded her mouth to sweep away her remaining fears. His embrace told of the strength of his conviction. She answered with a sound of wild fervor. Her arms wrapping him close, her kiss grew hard and needy. She encouraged him with her passion even though he knew she didn’t wish to. Yet, she could not seem to stop. Her mouth, her hands in his hair, they were all rewards for his persistence to court her.
A third last kiss, and on a groan, he let her go. Not easily. He didn’t believe in curses. No indeed. Not from God. Curses came from other sources, man destroying man.
He stepped back, his arms empty. He smiled at her. He had gained the world tonight. What a surprise. What a joy. A woman of his own to love and cherish. A woman of character and moral sense. A beauty, meant for him. Meant for his embrace and his succor, his lifelong devotion. A woman in whom he was proud and delighted.
He’d not touch her again until he had the means to propose. That word, so hideous to her, so forbidden, would be his reward for his dedication to her.
Because he believed in a benevolent God. A kind one. Responsive. Even if all under His domain did not prosper financially or benefit equally, Charlie somehow believed happiness was possible, probable even, if one kept faith with principles of love and good cheer.
And he had been truthful with her. His God was not one to deny someone life on a whim. Nor would His God keep her from him.
Because improbable as it seemed to care for someone so quickly, so dearly, he loved her.
And now he had to make ready for her. His benefactor, his bishop and his father all had to know he wished to marry. He would apply himself to the task of acquiring her as his wife. That road would not be short, straight or easy. Nor did he know how to begin. Yet he trusted that God had a plan for that…and he could easily follow that.
