Page 65 of A Captain For Clarissa

Rafael chuckled. “It seems the Balford line is secure. Will must be overjoyed.”

As if summoned by their words, the Duke of Balford appeared at Diana’s side, his chest puffed out with pride. Clarissa couldn’t help but giggle at the sight.

“I never thought I’d see the day when my sister outshone me at my own wedding,” she teased, her eyes sparkling with mirth.

Rafael kissed her cheek. “Impossible, meu amor. You outshine the sun itself.”

Their tender moment was interrupted by a familiar laugh. Clarissa turned to see Marianne approaching, her vibrant red hair a stark contrast to her elegant gown.

“Congratulations, you two,” Marianne said warmly, embracing Clarissa. “I do hope you’ll forgive me for not standing up with you. The twins have quite worn me out.”

Clarissa squeezed her friend’s hand. “Of course, darling. We’re just honoured you could make it at all.”

Clarissa’s eyes swept the room, taking in the joyous faces of her family and friends. Yet, a pang of sadness tugged at her heart. She turned to Rafael, her voice low and tinged with regret.

“Oh, Rafael, I only wish your mother and Isabella could be here to share this moment with us.”

Rafael’s eyes softened as he gazed at his bride. He cupped her face gently, his calloused thumb brushing her cheek. “My darling Clarissa, do not let it trouble you. We shall have a grand celebration when we return home. One that will make even the most extravagant Portuguese wedding pale in comparison.”

Clarissa leaned into his touch, her lips curving into a small smile. “Promise?”

“On my honour as a de Silva,” Rafael vowed, his voice rich with sincerity. “Isabella will be positively giddy with excitement.She’s been pestering me about planning a festa since I wrote to her of our engagement.”

Clarissa chuckled, picturing Rafael’s spirited sister fussing over decorations and guest lists. “I can only imagine. And your mother? Will she approve of her son marrying an impertinent English girl?”

Rafael’s laugh was warm and reassuring. “My mother already adores you, meu amor. She’s been praying for years that I’d find a woman strong enough to match my stubborn nature. She and Isabella very nearly pushed me out of Torre da Rochedo to sail to England to fetch you home!”

“Well,” Clarissa said, her eyes twinkling with mischief, “I suppose I’ll have to do my best to live up to her expectations.”

Four weeks later

Clarissa stood at the wheel of the Santa Dorotéia, her hands grasping the polished wooden spokes, Rafael a steady presence at her back as she steered the ship through the Atlantic waves. The salty sea breeze whipped her hair, and she could taste the tang of salt on her lips.

“We should discuss our plans when we arrive home,” Rafael murmured in her ear. “The vineyard won’t restore itself, after all,and Mario will want to take Isabella to his home in Italy sooner rather than later, I think, so we will lose his expertise.”

Clarissa nodded, her mind already racing with ideas. “I’ve been thinking about that. What if we...”

Clarissa’s voice trailed off as the Santa Dorotéia gave a sudden lurch. She stumbled, but Rafael’s strong arms caught her, steadying her against his chest.

“What if we what, meu amor?” Rafael prompted, brushing warm kisses against her cheek.

Clarissa gathered her thoughts, leaning back against him so she could look up at his face. “What if we diversified? I’ve been reading about new agricultural techniques. Perhaps we could introduce some different crops alongside the grapes?”

Rafael’s eyebrows rose, a mix of surprise and admiration crossing his features. “I’m impressed. You’ve certainly been putting that lively mind of yours to good use.”

“Well,” she retorted with a grin, “I couldn’t very well let you have all the fun planning our future, could I?”

A shout from the crow’s nest made them both look ahead, and within just a few minutes the coast of Portugal began to materialise on the horizon. Clarissa felt a flutter of excitement in her stomach. This was it – the beginning of their new life together.

“It’s so beautiful,” she breathed, drinking in the sight of the sun-drenched cliffs and sparkling sea.

Rafael’s arm tightened around her waist. “Welcome to my home, my love.”

Clarissa turned to face him, her heart full. “Our home,” she corrected softly.

As their lips met in a tender kiss, Clarissa knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. With Rafael by her side, she was ready for any adventures life might bring.

The End