She smiled smugly at him, hugging him once more. "Of course not, silly. Can any man?"
Katherine had never felt so loved as she stood beside Thomas holding the dark pink roses he'd picked for her in the vicar's garden. Beside them stood Mrs. Sanbome, who, at first, had tried to hold Ty but finally allowed him to toddle over to his father, where he clung to his leg, swinging back and forth.
It was a little chaotic, but when Katherine gazed up at Thomas as he slid the diamond-encrusted family ring on her finger, she knew she was destined for a wonderful life.
At last the moment came when the vicar announced they were man and wife. Thomas held her face in his hands and whispered, "Mrs. Thornton." He kissed her then, and the thrill of it made Katherine a little dizzy with excitement. That quickly turned into embarrassment when the vicar had to clear his throat in a subtle hint they should bring the kiss to a close.
Katherine was the one who stepped away, but her embarrassment changed to humor when she realized Tyler had been standing, watching them quietly the whole time. When Thomas finally looked down at him, he held up his hands as if to say, "I'm next!" Thomas obliged by-lifting his son into his arms and kissing him soundly on the cheek.
Mrs. Sanbome was the first to speak. "Oh, I don't think I have ever seen such a stupendous ceremony." She dabbed at her eyes. "It was stupendously moving."
Katherine and Thomas shared a grin. "You are right on that score, Mrs. Sanborne. It was stupendous."
"Now, to deal with my parents. You do know they will be, and I will use my mother's words, extremely vexed!"
Katherine told him as they walked out of the abbey.
"No more so than Nicholas and Christina. I fear we might have to throw a ball or something as a peace offering."
Katherine gazed up into those Thornton blue eyes that were so filled with love and happiness and thought she couldn't possibly be happier. All the hurt and loneliness she'd been through seemed to melt away, and she was left with a hope for the future that seemed so bright and overflowing with promise. A future that included God and a life built on a solid foundation.
She would never forget or cease to be thankful God had not only forgiven her misdeeds but had restored to her the only man she had ever loved and allowed her to be a mother to his sweet son.
A smile radiated on their faces as they entered the carriage.
Soon they were on their way to Ravenhurst Castle to announce their marriage to her parents.
She hoped her mother had her handkerchief ready.
The Engagement - Regency Brides 02 Page 17
