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“ I do.”

Two little words. The two most important of her life.

Sian felt peace descend over her as they passed her lips.

That she had pronounced them for the second time did not matter.

That she had waited longer than she should have to say them did not matter.

All that mattered was that she had finally pronounced them.

She was Christopher’s wife.

He’d said his vows just before her, and, of course, their union had already been consummated. They were husband and wife; no one could dispute the fact. And it was exactly like she had always imagined it would be. With one difference.

She was Mistress Harrison, not Lady Ashton.

Lifting her face, she beamed up at him.

“I love you,” her new husband said, his blue eye twinkling.

“I know you do.”

The smile she got for her answer was dazzling. And there would be a lifetime of such smiles. She couldn’t wait.

Outside the chapel, Jane was the first to offer her congratulations. To Sian’s delight, she even called her new brother-in-law ‘Christopher.’

“Thank you, Jane. I will strive to deserve your generosity by making your sister happy.” Never had any oath sounded more solemn.

“That will be the best way to earn my affection,” Jane confirmed. “And somehow, despite all your failings, I trust you to be equal to the task.”

Christopher nodded, seemingly delighted by the fact she had not been able to suppress a last barb. Her parents came next.

“I would say this has been rather hasty, but I suspect I would be wrong,” Connor said wryly.

Sian couldn’t help but smile. Indeed, her union to Christopher had been more than ten years in the making.

“I will ask, though, what are your intentions regarding my daughter?” he added, turning to address her groom.

“Where will you two live if not at Throckmorton?”

“Father!” Sian’s smile wavered. What was he doing reminding him of his reversal of fortune at such a moment? Her mother, seeing her unease, gave her a quick, reassuring smile. She seemed aware of what her husband was doing and clearly approved.

“I have no home left, it is true, but I believe my wife does,” Christopher said calmly before wrapping a hand around her waist. Sian melted against him.

Dear God, but it felt good to hear him call her his wife and behave so possessively.

“I will gladly follow her wherever she wants to go. And I think she would be happiest in her home country, so we’ll make our home in Wales. ”

“As I thought.” Connor nodded. “There is a cottage near Esgyrn Castle in need of new tenants. I would like to offer it to you.”

A cottage! Sian stared at her father. Did he mean what she thought he meant?

“The one at the foot of the hill?” she asked, barely able to contain her excitement. “With the stream at the back and the rosebush around the window?”

“The very one,” her mother answered, smiling in turn. She knew the place had always held an irresistible appeal to Sian. Had she been the one to suggest that the newlyweds should make it their home? It was possible. “We’ll leave you to explain everything to your husband.”

Sian turned to face Christopher. “’Tis perfect. You’ll see! We will be so happy there.”

He dipped his head, placing the tip of his nose against hers. “We will be happy anywhere, Little Lamb, as long as we’re together.”

Sian smiled as joy pierced through her heart, lighting her whole being. She had been right after all.

Love was just like sunshine.

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A Lover for Lady Jane