by Dawn Brower
That made things simple. “It was an accident. No one present will disagree with it,” Ryan said. Marrok had been stiff and unmoving since he stood. He hadn’t even hugged Annalise back. “Will you be all right?”
He nodded. “In time. I’ll return home and have them prepare for his arrival.” Marrok turned to his grandmother. “Can you have your footmen deliver his body to the house?”
“Of course, dear boy,” she said. “Go. Everything will be fine here.”
Annalise came to stand by Ryan. “I suppose we don’t have to rush to marry now. I’ll be expected to observe a period of mourning.”
“Not if you’re carrying my child,” he replied. “But we can at least wait to see if you are. If you’re not enceinte, we can plan to marry after the year of mourning is completed.”
Marrok didn’t respond to them. He spun on his heels and left the house. Ryan couldn’t really blame him. The ordeal had happened fast, and none of it could have been prevented. Someone was bound to be hurt once the duke had pulled the pistol out of his pocket. If the old man had any sense, he’d have walked away and not tried to murder his own children. Ryan couldn’t help wondering what would drive a man to that level of insanity and cruelty.
He pulled Annalise into his arms and held on to her, then whispered in her ear, “I love you.”
“I thought you’d never say it,” she replied back. “I love you too. Promise me, that no matter what happens in our life, we’ll never forget that.”
“Darling.” Ryan looked into her eyes. “When we met, I found a love perfect for me. You’re beautiful and sweet. If I’d known you were out there waiting for me, I wouldn’t have stopped searching until I found you. My heart will always belong to you, and I promise you I won’t forget how much you mean to me.”
“Good,” she smiled. “Because my heart belongs to you too. You’re the dream I never hoped to have, and one day, I hope we’ll have so much more, but even if we don’t, I promise I’ll be happy just to say I belong to you forever.”
Ryan couldn’t stop the smile from growing on his face. The day had been full of turmoil and uncertainty; however, it hadn’t been all bad. He’d found love and the possibility of forever with the woman he adored. They could work on creating their own version of perfection.
Epilogue
One year later
The sunrise brought various shades of color across Cinderbury Manor. Ryan had never believed he’d find a reason to actually reside in his home, but he’d discovered a very important one when he’d fallen in love with Annalise. Today was their wedding day. The crisp morning breeze had blown through his study’s window when he’d thrown it wide open to appreciate all the gifts bestowed upon him. Happiness could be elusive, and he fully intended to enjoy every moment of his life. He was incredibly lucky to have found Annalise.
A knock echoed through his study. He turned around and found his cousin, Estella, waiting at the entrance. She’d come in to visit him a couple days ago in preparation for the wedding. “You look lovely,” he told her. She wore a sapphire colored dress, a similar shade as her eyes.
“Are you ready to become a husband?”
He’d been ready a year ago. Annalise was finally out of mourning. She didn’t particularly miss her father, but grieved the man she wished he’d been. A part of him had wished she had become pregnant. It would have given him a reason to push for the wedding sooner. Alas, she hadn’t, and he’d been forced to wait. He wished, of course, they could be together sooner, but he knew she was worth waiting forever for. She should have the time to grieve so they could start their marriage without any pain holding them at bay.
Marrok still hadn’t fully healed from the ordeal. He remained stiff and closed off to those around him. He was now the Duke of Wolfton, and on the outside appeared almost as cold as his father had been. Ryan understood why. Killing his father, even in defense, left a scar deep down inside of Marrok. It would take a while for him to recover. Ryan hoped he found a love of his own.
Giving his heart to Annalise had helped Ryan heal in ways he never could have imagined. Sometimes beauty came out of the darkest of moments, and he had found something worth fighting for with the love of his life. Marrok’s day would come. Ryan fully believed that. It amazed him how much his outlook on life had changed. His whole world had been shaken up by one little slip of a lady.
He turned to his cousin and came out of his own thoughts. His smile was genuine and had been for months. “I’ve never been more ready. How’s the bride?”
“Anxious,” she said. “I’ve come to walk with you to the church.”
He nodded and headed over to her. “There’s no one I’d love to escort me more.”
“Not even me?” a gruff man said.
They both turned to meet the gaze of their grandfather, the Duke of Ashthrone. Ryan hadn’t thought the old man would make the trip for the wedding. He hardly ever left his estate. “You’re welcome to join us as well,” Estella offered.
Ryan should be surprised Estella had offered. Their grandfather hardly paid her any mind. Had left her in the Duke of Wolfton’s care for far too long when he should have fought to have her at Ashthrone. It was his wedding day though, and he wouldn’t allow anything to stomp on his happiness. “Yes, grandfather,” he encouraged. “Please walk over with us.”
They strolled in silence until they reached the church. Before they were about to enter, the duke reached out and placed his hand on Ryan’s arm. “Please stay a moment. There are a few things I’d like to say.”
Ryan nodded. He hoped it wouldn’t be something that angered him. “Go on,” he told the duke.
Estella turned to leave them alone, but the duke touched her arm too. “Stay. This concerns you too.”
She glanced at Ryan and then back at the duke, but didn’t say a word. He didn’t blame her. The duke had taken him by surprise too. He stared at the duke, waiting for him to unload his conscience. Finally, he began to speak, meeting Estella’s gaze, “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life. My biggest was letting the Duke of Wolfton bully me into leaving you in his care. You must understand—he knew that my son wasn’t your father. It’s wrong of me to let that rule my decision. Wolfton was a cruel man, but he was also your true father.” He swallowed hard. “Your mother fell in love with him, but her parents wouldn’t approve the match. It’s why she let him have control over your guardianship even though the world didn’t know he was your true father. He seduced her—I don’t know—he might have loved her in his own way.”
“I don’t believe it,” Ryan said. “Aunt Pippa would never have done that.”
“I didn’t think so either, but he’d shown me proof. A letter she’d written him…”
Estella placed her hand on Ryan’s. “Don’t worry. This news means that Annalise and Marrok are my brother and sister in truth. It changes nothing for me. Don’t let it ruin your day—we’re still family.” She turned to the Duke of Ashthrone. “I forgive you for abandoning me. The Duke of Wolfton was a cruel man, but I survived. I’m happy—don’t concern yourself with my well-being. It’s not needed.” After she spoke, she left them alone and entered the church. Estella offered more grace and kindness than his grandfather deserved.
Ryan swallowed the lump in his throat. He wanted to hate the old man, but couldn’t. He had come for Ryan when he was a boy, and that had partially saved his soul. If he’d been left in his stepmother’s care for any longer, he couldn’t say who he’d have turned into. “Why now?” he asked.
“It’s past time,” the duke said. “I am sorry.”
Ryan nodded. The duke’s platitudes did little to convince him of his sincerity. “It could have waited a little longer, but I can see how you thought it was best. If you’ll excuse me, I have my wedding to attend.”
“Wait,” the duke said. “There’s more.”
What else could he have to say? Ryan closed his eyes and prayed for patience. He didn’t need any additional surprises. He turned slowly and face
d the duke again. “What is it?”
“He tried to convince me that you weren’t my heir. It’s why…” He took a deep breath. “It took me too long to come and take you away from that horrible woman. I should have apologized sooner. You are your father’s son; anyone who looks at you can see that.”
“I don’t care what you think of me,” Ryan said. In some ways, his grandfather was no better than the Duke of Wolfton had been. He’d been through too much to let any animosity fester inside of him. This day was about new beginnings and he could offer an olive branch. “I don’t need your apologies either, but if you require my forgiveness you have it. There are more important things in the world than to hold on to grudges that will lead you nowhere. I have something good in my life, and her name is Annalise. She’ll be your granddaughter by marriage, and I expect you to treat her with respect. If you can’t do that, then keep your distance.”
He nodded. “I promise I will.”
“Good,” Ryan said. “Now, can we go inside?”
It didn’t matter to him if the duke approved or not. He headed into the church and walked up the aisle. He stood at the altar, awaiting Annalise. Not once did he stop to see where his grandfather had gone. When his fiancée walked down the aisle, he only had eyes for her. The color of her dress was appropriate considering the luck it had brought them. It was the shade of the ruby encrusted ring he’d presented her at their formal engagement three weeks ago after the first calling of the banns.
They said their vows, and the vicar pronounced them husband and wife. A fire in his soul lit when he kissed her, as it always did. They finally had things right—the way it had always been meant to be.
“Are you happy?” he asked.
“Gloriously so,” she answered. Her lips tilted upward into a bright smile. “Now that you will be infinitely mine, and I yours.”
He laughed and then kissed her again. There was no other person he wished to belong to forever than her. Neither one of them was perfect, but they were right for each other. That had been their truth from the start. When he’d found a home for his heart, and a love he no longer feared.
Afterword
Writing books with fairytale elements have always appealed to me. Taking elements from two or more different fairytales and combining them into one intrigued me even more. This book has elements from Red Riding Hood and Cinderella—with the hero being a “Cinderfella” instead.
It was a lot of fun weaving these different elements into a historical Regency romance. I hope I did both the fairytales and the era justice; as well as, entertained everyone in the process.
If you enjoyed this then check out the excerpt for Rebellious Angel. It is a different era, but it has a lot of interesting history weaved into it. There are two chapters as an excerpt to give you a taste of the book. If you like Rebellious Angel you can preorder it here: www.books2read.com/RebelliousAngel
Sneak Peek: Rebellious Angel
DAWN BROWER
* * *
Chapter 1
September 1906
The heat wave that rocked through the country had become unbearable. For Miss Angeline Marsden it heightened her anxiety levels. She had plans her parents wouldn’t appreciate, but they would, in fact, give her hell about them. A girl had to stick to her beliefs, and Angeline had many. Some battles had to be fought the hard way, and others required a little more deviousness to come out the victor. Her parent’s dislike of her cause required the latter.
If she had any chance of participating in the upcoming parade, she’d need help from someone close to her. More specifically, her best friend, Lady Emilia St. John, and Angeline prayed she’d assist her. Otherwise, she didn’t know how she’d manage to fool her parents. It had to work. This meant a lot to her, and she’d do just about anything to ensure it went her way.
Angeline rushed down the street toward the Huntly townhouse. Emilia was expecting her for afternoon tea. Hopefully Emilia’s mother, the Duchess of Huntly, wouldn’t be in residence. It might prove to be difficult to gain Emilia’s assistance if they had to discuss it in whispers behind their silk fans. When she reached the door, she rapped on the knocker twice. A man with dark hair graying at the sides, opened it and greeted her, “Good day, Miss Angeline.”
“Hello, Simmons.” She nodded toward the aging butler. “Is Emilia in the sitting room?”
“Indeed, she is,” he confirmed. “Her grace is as well.”
Drat. She had hoped Emilia’s mother would be out making calls instead. Normally, she’d love to visit with them both. She considered the duchess family of sorts. Her parents were close to Emilia’s, and they’d grown up together. There were not many family gatherings that didn’t include the Marsdens and the St. Johns. Unfortunately, though, her honorary Aunt Rubina wouldn’t be any happier with Angeline’s plans than her parents were. Somehow, she’d find a work-around. “Thanks, Simmons.” She nodded at him. “I can find my own way there.”
She didn’t wait for the butler to respond. Huntly Manor had been a second home to her. Angeline was as acquainted with it as she was with the Marsden family estate. She went down the hallway and took a sharp right to enter the sitting room. It had been redecorated in dark blues and gold. The duchess had wanted a change, and the new color scheme gave the room a more elegant ambiance. A tea cart had already been delivered, and several cakes were displayed on a nearby table.
“Good afternoon,” she greeted them.
The duchess wore a dark green walking dress decorated with gold buttons up the front. Her kid skin gloves matched it to perfection. She must have decided a hat was too much and had left her blonde hair unadorned. “Angeline,” she said cheerfully. “It’s so good of you to join us.”
She smiled at the duchess. “It’s been too long since we’ve seen each other.” She leaned down and kissed her cheek. “How have you been?”
The duchess waved her hand. “You don’t want to hear about our trip to the country. Noah had some estate business to handle, and I admit it was nice to rusticate at Huntly Castle. It’s drafty and cooler then it is here. Can you believe this heat?”
Emilia rolled her eyes while her mother wasn’t looking. The duchess would have chastised her for the unladylike behavior. Angeline repressed a laugh so she wouldn’t get her friend in trouble. Emilia was a younger version of the duchess, down to the silver-gray eyes. She had even donned a similar shade of green as her mother—at times it could be disconcerting how alike they were. “Come sit.” Emilia patted the cushion next to her. “Tell me what you’re scheming these days.”
Angeline stuck her tongue out. “I’m doing no such thing.” Her friend knew her too well. There had to be a way to distract the duchess so she could find some time alone with Emilia. If she couldn’t gain her assistance, her plan would be doomed. “I merely wished to visit my closest friend.”
“That’s lovely of you,” the duchess said earnestly. “How are your mother and father?”
Hell bent on ruining my life… All right, the duchess wouldn’t want to hear that from her—even if it was true. “They’re both wonderful. Father was discussing the possibility of returning to the country estate. London really has become unbearable this past month. The heat is torturous.” To prove that point, she flipped open her silk fan and started to wave it over her face.
“It’s been a hard year for your family.” Her voice held a hint of sadness to it. “With your grandfather…”
Angeline almost finished that sentence for her, but instead swallowed the lump in her throat. Her grandfather had passed away suddenly a year ago. Something that had hit her father hard—no one had ever expected the old man to die. Somehow, he had seemed so infallible. With her grandfather’s unexpected passing, Angeline’s father had become the next Viscount Torrington. A title he’d have gladly waited forever to claim if it had kept his father alive longer.
It was no secret that the former viscount had lived the life of a pirate before he’d married Angeline’s grandmother. That had gi
ven him a dangerous aura that made any suitor interested in Angeline shake in fear. It didn’t help that her own father could make a man freeze in place with one glance. Between the two men, she’d failed in securing a husband after several seasons. It was a good thing she didn’t actually want a husband.
Well, that wasn’t true either.
There was one man she wanted to marry, and unfortunately, he never paid any attention to her. But that was a problem she’d consider much later—maybe never. She would not let those old wounds dictate every decision she made. There were more pressing matters she had to focus on. Winning the heart of a clueless man was the least of her worries. “Grandfather will be missed,” she reassured the duchess. “He’ll never be forgotten. Thor was a stubborn, arrogant bastard, but we loved him—probably a little for those traits alone.”
“That he did,” a male said as he walked into the room.
Angeline’s heart thumped inside her chest. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to calm the rapid thrusts of the traitorous organ. All he had to do was say one word and she wanted him. It had always been that way, and no matter what she did, it didn’t change. Lucian St. John, the Marquess of Severn and heir to the Huntly dukedom and not to mention, he was also her closest friends’ older brother and the one man she loved beyond reason.
His dark hair and chiseled cheekbones gave him a sinfully gorgeous face, but his silver eyes spoke of a devilishness she could only guess at. He had always been a perfect gentleman with her, but she knew he had a wicked side. Not personally… No, she’d never been so lucky as to taste passion of any sort. Rumors spread in abundance of how roguish he was, and she’d always been green with envy. She wanted him to look at her and desire her the same way she’d always longed for him.
