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“Those are lovely vows,” the smithy began.

“From this day forward may ye have warm words on a cold evening, and a full heart at the end of each day. May yer love be strong as the Highland hills, steadfast as the ancient stones, and endless as the sky above. May ye also be poor in misfortune, rich in blessings, slow to make enemies, and quick to make friends. But most of all, may ye know nothing but happiness from this day forward—as husband and wife.”

“That is it?” Georgina said. “We are married?”

“Aye,” the smithy said. “I will have ye sign our book so there is a record of yer marriage. But other than that, ye are truly wed.” He winked. “Do not forget to consummate the marriage. Otherwise, it could be annulled.”

The smithy led them over to a book. Adrian signed his name, and then Georgina did the same. Their marriage was properly recorded. He could not believe how simple it had all been.

Adrian turned to Georgina, a slow smile spreading across his face. She was truly his now—his wife, his love, his forever. The weight of the moment settled in his chest, warm and solid, grounding him in a way he had never before experienced.

Georgina let out a breathless laugh, still staring at the ink drying beside their names. “I can hardly believe it,” she whispered. “It feels almost… too simple.”

Adrian chuckled, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her fingers. “You were expecting a grand ceremony or something more elaborate?”

She swatted at his arm, her eyes shining with mirth. “No, of course not. It is just… I never truly believed I would wed. As a wallflower, a wedding seemed impossible, and yet, somehow now that we are wed—I cannot believe it all happened so fast.”

Her words sent something deep and possessive surging through him.

His free hand came up to cradle her cheek, his thumb brushing over the delicate curve of her jaw.

“I shall spend the rest of my days ensuring you never regret this.” His heart thundered inside his chest. He wanted to claim her in every way.

They had already anticipated their wedding night, but that did not mean he did not intend to make love to her again as soon as possible.

He craved her like nothing he had ever desired before.

“I already know I won’t,” she murmured, tilting her face into his palm. “Not with you. I love you.”

Ailsa, the smithy’s daughter, cleared her throat, drawing their attention. “Ye best be getting on, then,” she teased them. “Ye’ve a marriage to start.”

The smithy let out a hearty laugh and patted Adrian on the back. “It’s time ye are off, lad. Take her home and make her happy.”

Adrian inclined his head in gratitude, then turned to Georgina. “Come, my love. Let’s leave them to their day. We have much to do ourselves.”

They stepped out of the smithy’s shop, the crisp morning air wrapping around them.

The village was just beginning to stir, but Adrian did not care about any of that.

He led Georgina to the inn. He fully intended to spend the rest of the day and the night with her.

He would take her to bed and show her how much he loved her.

“We will remain here for the day,” he said softly.

“And then we ride for Easton Abbey tomorrow morning.”

She glanced up at him, mischief flickering in her gaze. “I need to go to Havenwood,” she told him. “I have trunks there to retrieve and I would like to speak with Mrs. Havenwood.”

“That can be arranged,” he told her. “We will stay at the abbey for a few days, but then I would like to take you to Foxmoore Manor. We can always return to Easton Abbey for a visit.”

She smiled. “I would like that.”

A deep satisfaction settled over him. “My darling, there is nothing I would not do for you.”

Without another word, he swept her into his arms, lifting her effortlessly as he carried her across the threshold of their room at the inn. He set her down just inside their chamber door, his fingers lingering at her waist.

She gazed up at him, cheeks flushed, lips parted. “I love you,” she whispered.

He closed his eyes and let her words wash over him. He would never tire of hearing her say those words. “I love you,” he said in a hoarse tone.

Slowly, he pushed the door closed and guided her farther into the room.

The fire crackled low in the hearth, casting golden light across the room.

The large bed was in the center of the room, and he had every intention of stripping her bare and kissing every inch of her skin.

He would love her with every bit of his soul, and ensure she found pleasure in their marriage.

He kissed her—kissed her like she was the very air he breathed, like she was the only thing that had ever mattered—because it was his truth.

To him, she would be the one person he would always treasure.

She melted into him, her hands tangling in his hair, her body pressed to his. He broke away just long enough to whisper against her lips, “Today is the beginning, my darling. The start of our forever.”

As he carried her to the bed, her laughter was the last sound before passion overtook them, sealing their vows in the most ancient and sacred way. Their love had begun in secret, but from this moment forward, the world would know, and tomorrow they would share their good news.

*

They had spent the day after their wedding in that room at the inn.

Adrian had only left briefly to have food delivered.

Other than that, he had stayed with Georgina, loving her, and showing her so much passion she never wanted to leave that room.

But she knew that she had to. They would have to tell her father they had wed, and her brother would surely be concerned.

She had left that other inn without stopping to consider what it might do to him.

No, that was not entirely true. She had known but had not cared.

All she had wanted to do was find Adrian and ensure that they would be able to wed.

Now that she had accomplished her goal, she felt a little guilty at how she had gone about achieving it.

She had no regrets though. If given the choice again, she would do it exactly the same. She could not bemoan the outcome because she may have worried Thaddeus. He would understand. In time…

Their journey back to Havenwood was not nearly as long as the one they had to take to reach Scotland for their elopement.

It was only a couple hours’ ride from the village they had taken refuge in to Havenwood.

When they reached the school her brother’s carriage was out front.

He had come back to the school to search for her.

He must have surmised that she would return because she had not wanted to leave.

“Oh, dear,” she said. “Thaddeus is here.”

“Your brother?” Adrian asked.

She nodded. “Indeed. I hope you are ready to face him. I know he will not be pleased.”

They had decided to stop at Havenwood before going to Easton Abbey.

She wanted to arrange with the headmistress to have her trunks delivered there, and to also have a missive sent to her father.

Georgina had felt it would come better if it arrived from Havenwood.

Now that would not be necessary. Thaddeus could deliver their good tidings to their father.

“I am not afraid to face your brother,” Adrian said. “Let’s go inside. We can tell him our happy news.”

She grinned. “He might not find news of our marriage to be good tidings.”

“That will be his problem then,” Adrian said as he shrugged. “I will not apologize for marrying you.”

They dismounted from their horses and went to the entrance of the school.

The door opened just as she was about to turn the handle.

Thaddeus stood there. His face was devoid of color and worry shaded his features.

“Georgina,” he said on a gasp and pulled her into his arms. “I was so worried. Where have you been?”

He did not notice Adrian at her side. He held her close and shuddered in relief. It was awful of her to have worried him. “I am fine,” she told him. “I have news.”

Thaddeus stepped back and stared at her. “Oh?” He glanced at Adrian for the first time. “And what is that?”

This was going to be harder than she had first believed it would be. He did not look happy. Which she had expected. Why would he be pleased with her actions? Georgina glanced at Adrian and then met her brother’s gaze. She would be brave. This had to be said. “I eloped.”

Thaddeus’s jaw clenched. “And I assume this is the man you married.” He gestured toward Adrian.

“How could you have taken advantage of my sister’s innocence?

Are you a fortune hunter? Because I can promise you that my father will not give you her dowry.

Not when you could not be bothered to ask for her hand properly. ”

Adrian glared at him. “He can keep it. I have no need of funds. If he wants to do something with it, he can set it aside for Georgina’s use.” He shrugged. “Not that she will want for anything. I can take care of my wife.”

“Thaddeus,” she said in a soft tone. “We love each other. It’s as simple as that.”

“And who is he?” Thaddeus continued to glare at Adrian. He narrowed his gaze and gasped. “I do know you.” He turned to Georgina. “Do you not realize you married one of the most notorious scoundrels of the ton?”

Adrian’s lips quirked in amusement as he crossed his arms over his chest. “Notorious, am I? I do believe that is the highest of compliments.”

Georgina, however, was less entertained. She stiffened beside Adrian, her fingers curling into her skirts as she glared at her brother. “That is entirely unfair, Thaddeus. You are acting as though I have married some villain.”

Her brother exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair as though trying to regain his composure. “Georgina, you know nothing of his past.”