Page 60 of Her Rogue of a Duke

Joshua gently tilted her face up and pressed another kiss to her lips. “I love you, Francesca,” he murmured against her. “I love you, and I never want to lose you again. But this time, I intend to make certain of that. Will you… will you marry me?”

Francesca gasped, her eyes going wide. “You… you wish to marry me?” she muttered.

He tilted his head with a warm chuckle. “Yes, without a doubt in my mind. So, is there an answer coming, or…?”

Francesca could not suppress her giggles and nodded instantly. “Yes! Yes, I will marry you, Joshua. Of course I will!”

In a blissful embrace, Joshua pulled her close, squeezing her tight against his ragged clothes as their laughter mingled in the air.

For Francesca, this moment felt like a dream unfolding into reality.

She could scarcely believe that she was gaining everything she had ever longed for. A part of her wished her father was still alive to witness how beautifully her life had turned out. She had preserved his legacy and safeguarded what he had entrusted to her. And now, she had found a love she had once thought unattainable.

When she had pulled Joshua from that carriage all those years ago, she had known her life would never be the same. For a long time, Francesca had thought this man was the bane of her existence. She had convinced herself she hated him. But in truth, she had always yearned for his notice, his affection.

Now she had his heart, just as he had hers, and she was never going to take it for granted or let it slip through her fingers again.

EPILOGUE

SIX MONTHS LATER

The sun shone softly over the sprawling grounds of the Elmcroft country estate, and the quaint estate chapel stood adorned with delicate flowers and lush greenery. Carriages approached, bringing guests dressed in their finest attire, the women adorned in elegant gowns and the men in tailored coats and waistcoats.

Joshua stood on the chapel steps, watching as the wedding guests made their way inside, smiling and nodding at those who passed him by.

He could hardly believe it was happening. He was finally marrying hisangel. The love of his life.

His Francesca.

Joshua could not stop smiling. He could not remember the last time he had been so happy. Well, that was not entirely true.Every day with her, Joshua was happier and happier. She was his shining light. His reason to get up in the morning.

She was his everything.

“Your Grace, we are prepared to commence,” Warren informed him, suddenly appearing at his side. The butler was dressed almost as elegantly as Joshua. He had maintained a formal tone for the past few weeks, suppressing his profound joy, only momentarily letting slip his façade the prior night to congratulate Joshua as though he was his own son. That too, in a rather awkward manner, outside Joshua’s bedchamber right before he slept for the big day. He appreciated it nevertheless.

Joshua nodded. “Thank you, Warren. Let us proceed then, eh?”

Turning, Joshua made his way inside. The chapel's interior was aglow with sunlight streaming through stained glass windows, casting vibrant colors upon the assembled guests. Joshua made his way up to the altar and stood waiting for the music to begin playing.

All the while, he stared down the aisle, his heart racing with a mix of excitement and reverence. He adjusted his navy blue coat and swallowed for the umpteenth time, feeling anxious and nervous as well. A hush fell over the congregation as soft music began to play.

Suddenly, there she was. Francesca looked radiant in a gown of ivory silk adorned with intricate lace, her hair elegantly styled with delicate curls framing her face. She held a bouquetof fresh blossoms and her eyes sparkled with joy and nervous anticipation as she began gliding down the aisle on Benedict’s arm. He grinned up at Joshua and shot him a wink. Joshua ignored him and focused all his attention on his blushing bride.

She held his gaze as she drew near and it seemed as though the rest of the world melted away and there was only her. At that moment, she was all that mattered.

When Francesca and Benedict reached the altar, Joshua stepped forward and took her hand, drawing her away from his friend. Joshua and Francesca stood together in front of the altar as the minister began speaking, his voice resonating through the chapel.

“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...”

As the minister continued, Francesca and Joshua’s eyes remained locked together in a silent vow of devotion. Joshua watched as tears of happiness formed in the corners of Francesca’s eyes, and when it was time to exchange their vows, her voice trembled with emotion.

“I, Francesca, take thee, Joshua, to be my wedded husband...”

When it was Joshua’s turn, he spoke earnestly. “And I, Joshua, take thee, Francesca, to be my wedded wife...”

Next, they exchanged rings to seal their promise and symbolize their eternal bond.

Finally, the minister declared, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”