Page 23 of A Raven Revived (The Raven’s Den #4)

Daisy stared at her reflection in awe. The white lace gown with its long train was incredibly beautiful.

“You’ve outdone yourself, Ella.” Tears pricked the corners of her eyes as she looked around at the smiling faces surrounding her. Rosie, Belle, and Gwen were all so incredibly supportive of her upcoming marriage.

“It’s beautiful,” Rosie said, dabbing at her own eyes.

“I’m not sure I’m supposed to be wearing white, though.”

“Oh pish.” Ella waved a hand through the air. “One is not deserving of wearing white. It is simply a color, and you look ravishing.”

It was the final fitting to make sure every last detail was perfect, and it was. Two days from now, she would be married.

The four of them left Ella’s Emporium and walked down to their favorite tea shop, McKinnon and Isaac following in their wake. The two of them waited outside while the ladies settled in for some tea and cakes.

“Do we really need chaperones everywhere we go?” Daisy asked.

Rosie giggled. “The burlies are just part of the package when you marry one of the ravens.”

They all laughed and Gwen raised her tea cup in a toast. “Welcome to the raven wives’ club, Daisy.”

Two days later, she officially did join their ranks, and was honored to be one of them. Love surrounded her as she sat at the long table in The Raven’s Den. There had been a few wedding celebrations hosted there now, but she never thought hers would be among them.

Fitz sat at the head of the table. Her husband. He was beautiful with his locks of wavy hair and his vibrant smile. As he stood, he took her hand in his and encouraged her to stand beside him. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her in close.

“I don’t know what I ever did to deserve to be at the head of this table, surrounded by the most extraordinary people. And I certainly don’t know how I am lucky enough to have the hand of this amazing woman, and to have her by my side for the rest of my days.”

“I don’t know if I’d call it lucky, but you’re stuck with me now.” She pointed at Ash. “And don’t think you’ll be rid of me, either.” Everyone around the table laughed and it warmed her heart.

“I know my darling wife hates too much sentiment, so without getting too maudlin, I want to give a genuine thank you to all of you for welcoming me into your group. Into your family.” Fitz raised his glass. “To new friendships and to love, in whatever form it comes.”

“He isn’t wrong, sentiment does tend to make me uncomfortable, but this time, I agree with him. I, too, am grateful to be a part of this magnificent family.” They all raised their glasses and cheered.

“Now, before I start crying, it’s time for us to dance.” Laughter broke out around the table followed by the scraping of chairs as they all got to their feet.

Ash cued the musicians to start playing, and after sharing the first dance with her new husband, he was the next person she went to. Ash would always be one of the dearest people in her life. He propped his cane in the corner before leading her onto the floor.

“Thank you for all of this,” she said as his hands settled into place.

“It’s the least I can do for my longest serving Lady Raven… and possibly my favorite.” He winked and she laughed in sheer joy.

“Careful. If you say that too loudly, you might start a riot.”

Laughter danced in his eyes as he led her around the floor. If she hadn’t seen it before, she’d be surprised by his grace on the dancefloor.

“Last night, Gwen asked me what I thought about having you take over for Iris, since she’s going to be leaving us. Not the dancing part,” he clarified. “Just the choreography. What are your thoughts on that?”

Her heart swelled, and it took every ounce of control she possessed not to throw her arms around him. “Do you even need to ask?”

“There’s just one caveat. You have to promise me you won’t sneak out onto the floor again.”

She rolled her eyes.

“I mean it, Daisy. You’ll be too much of a distraction for your husband. If you want the job, I need your promise.”

“That’s easy, Ash. I promise. I knew that was my last time when I did it.”

“Good. That means you’ll have a reason to visit more often.”

“And the floors will still need sweeping.”

He laughed softly. “And the floors will still need to be swept.”

She was giddy with happiness as the music came to a close and he led her off the floor. She noticed McKinnon standing against the far wall.

“Do you think I can convince him to dance with me?” She gestured with her head.

Ash chuckled. “I think he will do anything you ask of him, as long as it falls within the range of what’s appropriate.”

She did a happy little shimmy and could hear Ash’s laughter behind her as she made her way across the room.

“Mr. McKinnon, might I have the pleasure of this next dance?” His eyes widened and if she wasn’t mistaken, his cheeks flushed.

“I don’t have a lot of practice, but if that is what you wish, Mrs. Fitzwilliam.”

She rolled her eyes. “What I wish is for you to still just call me lass.”

“I’m not sure that would be appropriate.”

“Well, perhaps you don’t know this about me yet, but I don’t put much stock in propriety or rules.” She raised her brow.

“Very well, lass. Although, I might find myself in trouble for it.”

“If someone has a problem with it, you just tell them to see me.”

He smiled and held out an arm to escort her onto the floor.

She was sure to share her final dance with her husband before he whisked her away to a waiting carriage.

“Well, Mrs. Fitz, are you ready for an entire wedding night of pleasure?” He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her passionately.

“Actually,” she said as she reluctantly pulled her lips away from his. “I had something else in mind for tonight, at least for the first part of the night. If you wouldn’t mind too much, anyway.”

“I am yours to command, my beautiful wife.”

Wife. She loved the sound of that.

* * *

“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Fitz looked into Daisy’s eyes as she stood next to the tub in her nightgown. She’d come so far in such a short time, but there was still a fair amount of trepidation there.

“Yes, I’m ready.” Her gaze flicked to the tub and she swallowed, pausing briefly. She straightened her spine, trembling slightly as she held his hands. “I know it sounds silly, but I want you to pick me up and put me into the water in my nightgown.” There was the barest hint of nervousness in her small smile. “I need to do this, and I want it to happen on our wedding night. It feels right.”

He bent down and kissed her. “I will do whatever you wish. You just tell me when.”

She waited for a moment, but then she took a deep breath and nodded. “I’m ready. Do it now, and do it quickly. Don’t hesitate.”

Trusting her judgment, he scooped her up and plunged her into the warm water. She gasped at the surprise, but slowly, a smile grew on her lips. She looked up at him, her eyes bright.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes,” she said. “I’m fine.” A tear, hopefully born of relief and happiness, sprang from the corner of her eye. She let out a long breath. “Now, pull me back out, and say the words.”

He reached in, drew her out of the tub, and set her on her feet. “Lift your arms.”

She didn’t even hesitate, just threw them into the air. He peeled the wet gown from her body and she leapt into his arms.

“We did it, Fitz!”

He swung her in a circle, and she giggled.

“No, you did it, Daisy.” He put her back on her feet. “I’m so proud of you, my strong, brave, amazing girl.” He kissed her and pulled her back into his embrace.

“Daisy,” he whispered into her ear, holding her tight.

“Fitz,” she whispered back.

He hadn’t known if she’d ever be the same again when she came out of that horrid place. He would have loved her no matter what, but somehow, she’d managed to overcome her fears, one by one. She was the most incredible woman he’d ever met, and now, she was his wife.

She looked up at him, a mischievous smile growing on her lips. “I’m ready for that night of pleasure now, Mr. Fitz.”

* * *