He slowly pulled out of her and gently pushed back in, it hardly hurt at all. “Of course. But I’d request that we repeat the candles. I love all this light.”
She liked it too. She wanted to explore every inch of him. “Oh yes, and…” She paused as he moved into her again, but this time it didn’t hurt nearly as much. “When we were young, we’d tickle each other with ostrich feathers. Do you think they’d be a nice touch?”
His entire body spasmed. “Ophelia,” he growled as he thrust into her again. The pain was gone and in its place was the most amazing sort of pleasure that even her toes curled. She dug her fingers into the small of his back, whimpering and pressing their hips closer together.
“So, I’m going to lay you down in a bed of rose petals and run feathers all over your body. What else?”
Pleasure was spiraling through her and she squeezed her eyes shut as her body tightened around his. “I don’t know but I’m sure you’ll teach me.”
He pressed into her again. “You’re right. We’ve got all the time in the world to learn.” Holding onto her tighter, he increased the rhythm as their bodies moved as one. Soon, she couldn’t hold back and her pleasure crashed around her like a wave breaking on the shore.
She cried out just as his own finish overtook him, his body shaking in release.
As he collapsed on top of her, Ophelia closed her eyes and sighed with pleasure. This was her happily ever after after all.
Epilogue
Two months later…
Ophelia stood near the top of the bluffs, the summer sun shining down as her sisters fanned out beside her. A soft breeze ruffled her silk gown as Chase held both her hands. Next to him stood his cousin, the Marquess of Hartwell. He’d made the journey for the wedding, and Ophelia was so grateful that Chase had family with him today.
The local vicar stood in front of them, giving them each a smile.
“It is with great pleasure that I wed Ophelia Moorish to His Grace here at Seabridge Gate.”
As the ceremony began the words washed over her, her hand joined to Chase’s. They’d chosen only to have their family here and of course, Lord Crestwood, Lord Craven, and Lord Dashlane. Because the party was so small, they’d agreed to have their wedding breakfast in the alcove on the beach. Together, they’d make new memories.
“I now pronounce you man and wife,” Vicar Williams announced. “You may kiss the bride.”
The crowd cheered, her father loudest of all, as Chase softly kissed her lips, drawing her close to him. “This is our future, my love.”
She sighed, loving those words on his lips. “I’d like to think that this is our present and our future holds even better things.” It had taken close to two months to get her father to agree to a short engagement and for his cousin to arrive. And while she couldn’t be certain, they’d managed to sneak away at regular intervals, leaving her with the suspicion she was carrying his child. She hadn’t bled in weeks.
He quirked a brow as he threaded her hand into his elbow and led the procession down the bluff to their prepared picnic. “What could be better than this?”
She shrugged, giving him a soft smile. She didn’t want to share yet, just in case she was wrong, but soon enough she’d be able to tell him that they were building a family of their own. And that was a dream come true for both of them. “Well for starters, I’ll be able to stay in your bed tonight.”
He grinned, giving her a wink. “That is very true,” he leaned down to whisper in her ear. “I can’t wait to sleep the entire night with you tucked by my side.”
She giggled back. “Is that all we’ll do, Your Grace?”
He gave her a sly grin but didn’t answer as they made it to the beach.
For the next two hours, they ate and chatted with their family and friends, spread out on blankets in the shade of the rocks before Chase pulled her to her feet again. “It’s time,” he said, waving to everyone else.
“Time for what?” she asked.
“Time for you to see your new home,” her father inserted, looking absolutely delighted. “Are you surprised?”
What were they talking about? “New home?”
Chase took both her hands. “I’ve purchased a property here at Seabridge Gate. The house is small but it will be perfect for now while we build a grander one.”
Tears filled her eyes. “You bought a house. Here?”
He gave a wide grin. “This will be our home. We’re rewriting those memories of the sea, remember?” Then he leaned even closer. “And I’ve got a few more surprises for you too.”
She could barely contain herself as they made their way to the top of the bluff and climbed into a waiting carriage. It only took fifteen minutes to make their way to the other side of Seabridge Gate. The carriage stopped in front of the old Chesterfield Farm. Rolling hills spread out from the sea and a small colonial sat at the end of the drive. “I’ve always loved this property.”