by S. L. Morgan
“I ended that relationship because I did not love Tomas in the way I should. I did not love him the way that I love you. Levi, please, I am begging you not to make the mistake of marrying—”
“Isabelle!” Julian bellowed as he and Harrison stepped down the path toward where Levi stood outraged, staring at Isabelle.
“Brother?” She wiped her eyes and looked at Harrison. “Harrison.”
“May I ask why you are delaying Levi while Miss Bryant awaits his arrival?”
Isabelle stared meekly up at Julian, who towered over her. “Forgive me.” She looked at Levi. “I shall look forward to seeing Miss Bryant again soon,” she said before she scurried away.
“Sometimes I wonder if she was switched at birth. I have no idea how she is related to me,” Julian said as he and Harrison watched Isabelle stomp away. “Did I hear her correctly? Was she actually begging you not to marry Miss Bryant?”
Levi sighed as he nodded his head. “That came from nowhere.”
Harrison clapped Levi on the shoulder. “Who would have ever thought that after all these years she still harbors feelings for you?” He gazed at Levi knowingly.
“I have certainly had enough dramatics for this evening, but mark my words, if she feels she needs to approach Reece about her personal hardship, I will hold nothing back when I handle the situation.”
Harrison laughed. “Oh, something tells me Miss Bryant is fully capable of putting that woman in her place should Isabelle be foolish enough to vocalize that she is still in love with the beloved Prince of Pemdas.”
“What is certain is that I will deal with my sister. We are gathered here to celebrate all of you and your unions, not taint this time in your memories,” Julian said as he glanced back up at the estate. “Isabelle has always annoyed me with her pettiness, and she will understand fairly quickly that a change of mind would be in her best interest after I have finished with her.”
Levi nodded. “Let us hope you can get through to her, as I am in no mood to deal with anyone forming a negative opinion about my intended wife. Speaking of whom, gentlemen, if you will excuse me, I believe my bride-to-be is awaiting my arrival. We will join you shortly,” Levi said before departing the location.
Levi fought desperately to remove his anger toward Isabelle and her behavior. The only thing good to come of her desperate attempt to get Levi back was that she ended her relationship with Tomas. He was far too good a man to deserve a woman who did not actually love him.
Jasmeen greeted Levi when he arrived at Reece’s room. “Master Levi, Reece will be ready to depart momentarily. I must help her with her jewels and then—”
“Jasmeen, allow me to relieve you of your duties for the evening.” He glanced down at the white gloves Jasmeen held in her hand. “I will gladly help Reece finalize her appearance for the night.”
Jasmeen nodded. “As you wish, Your Highness.” She handed Levi the elbow length gloves and offered him a curtsy. “Her jewels are with her. All she needs are these gloves, and she will be fully prepared for the evening.”
“Thank you, Jasmeen.”
Jasmeen disappeared through the servants’ passageway, leaving Levi alone with Reece. He slowly stepped toward the vanity room and smirked when he heard Reece mumbling something to herself.
“I forgot about this ridiculous ball gown. I look—”
“Like the most beautiful woman at Stavesworth Hall?” Levi interrupted her as he walked into the room.
All of his irritation from earlier faded the moment he saw Reece dressed in the emerald ball gown that highlighted her brilliant green eyes.
Reece fanned her hands over the full skirt as she smiled at Levi. “My biased husband, or should I say, soon-to-be husband?”
Levi approached Reece, brought his hands to her waist and his lips along her daring neckline. A soft moan from Reece and her hands through his hair helped encourage Levi to bring his lips along the center of her chest and then to her shoulder.
“Levi.” She sighed. “You really shouldn’t start something we aren’t able to finish.”
“Forgive me. I could not resist my wife’s tantalizing body.”
Levi rose up and walked over to where the jewels she would wear for the evening were lying. “Allow me to help with the finishing touches to your wardrobe for the evening.”
As Levi silently clasped the emerald necklace on her neck, Reece stopped him from taking her earrings from the box.
“Something is wrong,” she said as her eyes studied Levi’s.
“Are you unhappy with the jewels?”
“Of course not.” She took her hand into his. “I can see in your expression that something is bothering you. Did something happen?”
“It is nothing for you to be concerned over, but I did have a disturbing encounter with Isabelle.”
Reece tilted her head. “Given what we already knew about her due to your memory loss, I guess we should have seen something coming.”
“How has she been treating you in my absence?”
“Surprisingly enough, she hasn’t acted strangely in any way. What happened tonight?”
“She announced to me that she has ended her relationship with Tomas, the lucky fellow.”
“They’re not getting married?”
“No.” Levi exhaled. “It would seem as though our sudden engagement announcement upset her so much so that she ended their courtship, and then she decided to beg me to break off our engagement.”
Reece folded her arms and arched an eyebrow. “Oh, really? Isn’t she a bold one.”
Levi gently brought the tear drop earrings to Reece’s ear. “Quite bold and completely out of character for her. I only hope this will be the last time she dares to speak about our relationship.” He finished with the earrings and took each of Reece’s hands, kissing each one before helping her pull on her gloves. “I am acutely aware that you can handle anyone’s opinions about our relationship status, but I do have one request from you.”
“Anything.”
Levi brought his lips to her forehead. “You must tell me if anyone approaches you in a negative manner regarding it.” He stepped back and gazed into her eyes. “Even though the traitors have been taken care of, we must remain vigilant about any others who could turn on us because you and I are to become husband and wife.”
Reece’s eyes had narrowed before she smiled. “You got it. Trust no one, ever!” she teased.
Levi took her hand and placed it in the bend of his arm. “My love, I know you find this amusing, but—”
Reece gripped his arm. “Levi, relax. I get it. Now, can we go join in on all of the fun? I am aching to see our daughter again.”
Levi brought his hand over Reece’s, which was resting on his arm, “As you wish, my lady.”
After Levi and Reece had been announced upon their entrance to the grand ballroom, Levi looked past the audience they created and found his cousin pouring Angeline a glass of wine.
“You two are fashionably late,” Harrison said as he took another glass, pouring Levi wine after Reece opted for hot tea instead.
“How long must we endure this evening of festivities?” Levi asked as he took a sip of wine.
Harrison nodded toward Reece and brought his arm around Angeline. “Ask these two fine ladies, my friend.” He smirked. “It was all part of their planning.”
“I felt it a wonderful idea to loosen everyone’s nerves before the wedding celebration tomorrow,” Angeline added.
Levi shook his head and feigned a reproachful gaze at both women. “Perhaps you are correct; however, I would have preferred less time spent with all of these gossiping kings.”
Angeline reached for Reece’s hand. “You men, go enjoy yourselves. The dancing begins after we take our meal in the dining hall, but for now, I believe Marian should like to see her mother.”
Levi watched as the women sauntered off to a more secluded location in the room. “Perhaps we should have had a hand in all of this planning.”
&nb
sp; Harrison nudged Levi. “Well, we didn’t, and I believe that if we had opted to join in on their plans, it would have been more torture than enduring a few nights of festivities. Come, let us go find Julian. I am curious as to whether or not he has reprimanded his impudent sister.”
“If her name never came up in conversation again, it would be too soon.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
A quick tug to his silver waistcoat and Harrison slipped his arms into his black tailcoat that his valet was holding up for him.
“Thank you, Colin,” he said as he slipped on his white gloves. “I believe I am perfectly set for the day.”
“Give my best to the future Mrs. Angeline Oxley,” the young butler returned.
Harrison nodded. “Have no doubt that I will, my friend.” He turned back before leaving. “Enjoy the time off, and do not get into too much trouble while we are away,” he said as he disappeared out of the dressing room.
“About time,” Levi said as he stood in front of Harrison’s sitting room sofa.
“Really?” He arched a brow at his cousin. “You obviously have wasted no time in preparing for this day.”
Levi grinned. “When it comes to taking Reece as my bride, I most certainly will waste no time in that regard.”
“Tell me something I don’t know.” He stepped toward the exit of his room, with Levi following. “Let us get this party started. I must admit that I am looking forward to seeing the décor that our lovely ladies worked an entire month to create for this ceremony.”
The two men stepped out of the back exit of Stavesworth Hall and walked nobly toward the shoreline, where hundreds of guests were seated listening to the orchestra play softly while patiently waiting for the ceremony to start.
They stood on a platform covered with a black velvet material that faced the audience, waiting for their brides to make their appearance. Harrison glanced around the location, seeing nothing overly lavish about the décor.
He clasped his hands behind his back and leaned into Levi. “I believe you should retire as a Guardian warrior and consider becoming the next wedding designer in Pemdas.”
Levi dipped his head, refraining from laughing.
Why would you suggest such an absurd thing? Levi telepathically asked his cousin.
Oh, I do not know. Perhaps it is because our lovely brides worked for an entire month to surprise us with an enchanting ceremony, yet the only enchanting aspect of all of this is the sparkling ocean behind us. Whatever magic you worked for your previous ceremony has definitely proven you to be an expert in this area.
Are you complaining that it isn’t magical enough for you? Levi mentally returned with an amused expression.
That is not my point. Harrison nodded toward his mother being seated next to his father. I sacrificed the company of my wife for all this time, only to see a few plants as the décor? What have those ladies been doing? What happened to your mother and her expertise with all of this?
I believe she was busy ensuring the décor for Reece’s and my estate was properly handled.
She was definitely busy with something other than this. Harrison nudged Levi in his arm and nodded toward the black isle runner. It is too bad you couldn’t snatch that zorflak when we went looking for him. I believe Mozart would’ve made quite the ring bearer. I can see him fluttering down the aisle with the rings attached to his collar now.
Levi brought a fist to his mouth, concealing his laughter. If he was here, we could’ve forgone the orchestra as well. He could have hummed everyone down the aisle.
Their telepathic conversation was cut short when the orchestra slowly transitioned their playing into a new melody. Harrison watched carefully as Angeline appeared on the balcony gripping her father’s arm. Her white dress glistened against the soft glow of the sun. His eyes were transfixed on the beauty of her smile, highlighting the jewels sprinkled throughout her auburn curls. All of his humor about her and Reece’s lack of skill in decorating faded as Angeline’s beauty replaced any need for a decorated location.
Reece followed directly behind Angeline, wearing the dress she wore at her and Levi’s first wedding ceremony. Harrison smiled at her beaming expression as she held tightly to Navarre’s arm as he escorted her down to their location. As all the guests stood to greet the brides being escorted to their future husbands, Harrison glanced over at Levi to find his eyes transfixed on Reece, just as they were the first time she walked down the aisle to him.
Harrison took Angeline’s offered arm from King Hamilton. “You look utterly ravishing,” he whispered as Navarre smartly guided Reece to Levi.
“I have to say the same for you, Harry.” She squeezed the bend of his arm. “I am so happy.”
Harrison covered her hand with his and leaned down toward her. “As am I. You ladies definitely spared no detail in decorating for the event,” he teased.
Angeline remained unaffected by the comment. “It turned out to be lovelier than I ever imagined.”
“Indeed,” Harrison said as he noted Levi was listening to their exchange, yet struggling to prevent himself from laughing aloud.
The sun slid below the horizon when Navarre closed out the ceremony by proclaiming Harrison and Angeline as husband and wife, as well as Levi and Reece. The couples sealed their vows with a kiss, and Harrison restrained himself from sweeping Angeline up into his arms and marching directly out of the location, leaving the guests to entertain themselves for the rest of the evening.
“This has been the most exhilarating day of my life!” Angeline said as she massaged the bend of Harrison’s arm. “I must say that even though the ceremony and reception were amazing, I am so ready for it to be only you and me.”
“You have no idea how greatly I agree with you on that.” Harrison chuckled as he led Angeline through the corridors to where Reece, Levi, and Marian awaited them in a private sitting room.
Harrison walked toward Marian and embraced her. “I have you to thank for this, sweet one,” he said, stepping back and reaching for Angeline’s hand. “With your exceptional abilities, I not only have my Angie back, but she is officially Mrs. Oxley again.”
“I am so thrilled for all of you,” she said. “And I cannot take all the credit. We all worked together to make this day happen for everyone.”
“Indeed, we did.”
“Are you two ready to get out of this place?” Levi said as the couple entered the room.
“More than!” Harrison returned.
“Even though we are all ready to leave, you both should admit we did very well in our planning,” Reece added.
Harrison and Levi exchanged subtle glances, trying not to laugh aloud.
Levi cleared his throat and forced a sincere expression on his face. “Only you could transform an oceanfront ceremony into something more magical than I would have ever imagined.”
“So I believe you three are off to Oxley Manor?” Harrison asked, quickly changing the subject.
“Marian will leave with my parents in the morning. After that, we have nothing planned but to enjoy time alone as a family in our home,” Levi said, bringing his arm around their daughter. “And you, Harrison? From what I am aware, you and Angeline—”
“Will not be revealing our vacation plans to anyone, as I have plans to thoroughly surprise my new bride with our vacation.”
“Understood.” Levi grinned at Angeline. “Shall we, then? Reece and I both wish you the best on your vacation and look forward to hearing about it upon your return. I believe we have kept the guests waiting to send us off waiting for long enough.”
Reece hugged Marian. “We will only be a day’s journey ahead of you, and I can’t wait until we are all home together.”
“Until then.” Marian kissed her mother on the cheek. “I believe I will enjoy my last evening marveling at the majestic beauty of the Sandarin Sea.”
“Now that the sentimental conversation is over let’s get out of here!” Harrison said as he motioned for group depart the room before
him and Angeline. “Marian, try to keep your distance from those young boys that were eyeing you and Lizzy all night.”
“Harrison, really?” Levi muttered.
“I’m just being honest.” Harrison laughed as they exited the room.
Once past the cheering crowds that awaited their exit, Levi followed Harrison in quickly escorting Reece into the waiting carriage in front of his and Angeline’s. When the estate was out of sight, the driver followed Harrison’s orders and turned along the road that led toward the Hamiltons’ estate, leaving Reece and Levi to continue their journey on the road the led toward their home.
“Darling, I know you wish to surprise me, but why are we journeying to my home?”
Harrison leaned over and kissed Angeline’s cheek. “You’ll soon find out.” He intertwined his fingers with hers. “Now, when we arrive at your former home, I must have you report to your rooms. Your maiden has the outfit arranged that is required for where I have planned for us to stay for the next few days.”
“Will you not give me a hint of this location?”
“Absolutely not! I will not destroy the surprise I have been working on tirelessly for you.”
At the estate, and after a departing kiss, Angeline scurried up into the mansion and to her rooms, leaving Harrison to retrieve Saracen from the stable yard. Once the horse was prepared, he brought him to the front of the estate and was shocked to find Angeline waiting at the top of the staircase for him.
“Sweetheart?” Harrison said as he hopped up the steps toward her. “I was on my way to retrieve you from your rooms. Do you find the attire I picked out for you agreeable?”
Angeline wrapped her arms around Harrison’s waist. “I have never worn such materials or anything of this fashion. I believe this strapless garment is quite daring, so I am grateful for this long, warm overcoat.”
Harrison stepped back and took her hands into his. “The wool coat is only to keep you warm as we ride to our next location. Once there, I will gladly rid you of the garment in order to take in the image of you in the dress I purchased specifically for our final destination.”
