After a Fashion (9781441265135)
Page 33
Harriet stopped speaking when Oliver placed a finger over her lips. “Fine, don’t close your eyes.” He turned, stepped out on the landing, and whistled.
Curiosity had Harriet joining him. She looked over the railing and discovered Darren down below, leading a beautiful white horse away from Oliver’s carriage.
Her breath caught in her throat. “You remembered.”
Taking her hand in his, Oliver nodded. “Of course I remembered. I willingly admit I’m not exactly a knight in shining armor, or a prince charming, no matter that you claimed I was, but I am perfectly capable of riding off with you into the sunset.” He frowned. “Although, now that I think about it, it’s midafternoon and the sun still has hours left in the sky.” Shrugging, he sent her a smile. “That won’t ruin this for you, will it? I mean, I could always come back and whisk you off at sunset, but that might be a little anticlimactic.”
“I think riding into the sunshine sounds just as lovely as riding into the sunset.”
Oliver looked at her with eyes that were distinctly twinkling. “We’re going to make a wonderful pair, you and I, and I promise you, I’ll do everything within my power to make you happy.”
“I should say so or you’ll have to answer to me and Millie.” Lucetta stepped out on the landing to join them with eyes that were suspiciously bright. She glanced down and smiled. “Well, it seems as if your fairy tale is just waiting to begin, Harriet.” She stepped up to Buford and gave him a pat. “Millie and I will look after the pooch.” She caught Harriet’s eye. “Go.”
Harriet gave Lucetta and then Millie a hug and, with anticipation flowing through her, took Oliver’s hand and raced down the steep steps. He helped her up on the back of the white steed, and while she waited for him to join her, she realized that God had sent her more than just the something wonderful she’d requested. He’d sent her an entire family and a prince—if a rather surly one—and she knew without a single doubt that she was going to live from that moment forward happily-ever-after.
Epilogue
Taking a moment to simply enjoy the quiet that surrounded him, Reverend Gilmore settled into the pew he’d sat in when he’d counseled Oliver a few days before. He’d just returned from seeing Harriet and Oliver off to London on Oliver’s yacht, their beaming faces giving testimony to the love they’d recently admitted they shared for one another. The duke and his duchess had been by their side, along with the delightful Lady Victoria, but Reverend Gilmore hadn’t been sad to see Harriet leave the shores of New York. He knew she’d be back eventually, and then he’d be given the honor of performing their wedding ceremony in this very church.
Granted, the plan was for her to be married first in London, surrounded by her new family, but the second wedding would serve to honor the union God had so very expertly brought together.
He looked up at the cross hanging behind the pulpit and folded his hands. Lord, I must thank you for granting me the prayer I prayed to you in regard to my dear Harriet. You surpassed anything I could have expected for her, and for that, I’m deeply grateful.
He paused to gather his thoughts before a grin teased his lips. Bowing his head once again, he took a deep breath and slowly released it. Now then, I’d like to discuss Millie, if you’ve got a moment.
Jen Turano, author of A Change of Fortune, A Most Peculiar Circumstance, A Talent for Trouble, A Match of Wits, and After a Fashion is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.
Books by Jen Turano
A Change of Fortune
A Most Peculiar Circumstance
A Talent for Trouble
A Match of Wits
After a Fashion
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