Page 71 of An Icy Christmas Engagement
“I’ve fought tougher battles.”
“It is cute that you think so,” she laughed. “I love you too, Cedric. With all my heart and soul.”
This time, as their lips met, Cedric knew he had been blessed. To find a love that thawed his heart and made him whole again was no small feat.
But he knew now that with Caroline by his side, anything was possible.
Epilogue
Two Months Later
She never thought she would be standing at the pulpit of a chapel with a real smile on her face. Well, certainly not since her daydreams as a child. Caroline still couldn’t believe that this was happening.
Her cheeks were beginning to hurt by this point. She supposed she should be listening to what the priest was saying but why bother? She’d heard it all before, after all. Last time, she’d longed for the wedding to stretch for as long as it possibly could because she loathed to start her life as the Viscountess of Winterbourne. Now, she quietly willed the priest to speak faster because she wanted nothing more than to become the Countess of Colenhurst.
Or preferably, Cedric’s wife.
The chapel was full. Nothing could be heard but the priest’s voice as he blessed the union. Yet, Caroline was focused on one thing.
She barrelled through her vows, laughing when Cedric did the same thing. He clearly wanted this to be over as quickly as possible as well. For them to become husband and wife.
And then, it finally happened.
“You may kiss the bride.”
He wasted no time. With his arm scooping her closer, Cedric’s lips captured hers with a vivacity she matched with ease. Caroline was vaguely aware of the applause that sounded throughout the chapel, but her focus was on one thing. One person.
Cedric pulled away slightly to whisper, “You’ve just made me the happiest man on Earth.”
She grinned foolishly. “Would it be very unoriginal of me to say the same thing?”
He chuckled. “As an accomplished writer, I’m sure you can come up with something better.”
Caroline lifted her eyes to the ceiling in thought. “I shall think of something. For now, why don’t we settle with ‘I love you’?”
“That sounds perfect to me.”
They straightened at last and Caroline was suddenly aware that everyone was still watching them. Cedric held on to her hand as he faced them. The ceremony was over now, so a few were beginning to stand.
Louisa reached their side first. “You two put on quite the show just now,” she teased. “I think the ton would have much to say about it for weeks to come.”
“You know, for someone who does not care what others say about her, you are particularly concerned with what the ton is whispering about,” Caroline said lightly. Cedric slid his arm around her waist, seemingly content to stay there.
Louisa shrugged, grinning. “What can I say? I am no better than the rest of them it seems. But honestly, congratulations. You two make a lovely couple. And Cedric?”
“Oh, it’s Cedric now?” Cedric responded in surprise.
“It was only a matter of time,” Louisa drawled. “Take care of her. She is more fragile than she thinks, which is no matter since she has me to fight her battles for her.”
Cedric laughed. Caroline and Louisa exchanged looks.
“He thinks I jest,” Louisa commented.
“Yes, it appears he does,” Caroline responded seriously.
Cedric’s smile slowly slipped. “Oh. I thought…”
“It’s all right, Cedric,” Louisa said, patting him on the shoulder. “Let us just hope you never have to find out.”
