Page 52 of Trapped with a Wicked Duke

The carriage slowed and Rose knew they had reached the house. With reluctance, she released him. He lifted his head and gave her a wicked grin. "I could tell the driver to keep going."

She giggled. "You are incorrigible. We can't. We have guests waiting and these are the men who will support you when the reform bill comes up again."

He captured her nipple with his mouth once more and then lifted his head with a sigh. "You're right. I don't want you to be, but you are."

Rose reached down and adjusted the bodice of her dress. "We only have a few hours and then we shall be alone."

"And I will ravish your body until you beg me to stop," Thomas said, kissing her bottom lip. The carriage stopped and Thomas reached up and smoothed her hair. "You look quite kissable."

Rose blushed and looked down. "As do you."

They stepped out of the carriage and were greeted by the guests who had arrived at the wedding breakfast. Servants lined the entrance, leading the way to the dining room where a magnificent feast had been prepared.

The smell of fresh-baked bread, roasted meats, and sweet pastries filled the air. The dining table was adorned with fine China, crystal glasses, and silverware. The centerpiece was a bouquet of flowers, the colors bright and cheerful. Servants bustled around the room, filling glasses with sparkling champagne and placing plates of food in front of each guest.

Thomas and Rose took their seats at the head of the table, surrounded by their family and close friends. Her brothers William and Cassian sat on one side, while her sisters Daphne and Jasmine with her husband sat on the other. The Dowager Duchess sat at the foot of the table, her eyes sparkling with joy.

Rose's father stood and cleared his throat to get everyone's attention. The countess looked on with tears filling her eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the Earl began, "today we gather to celebrate the union of two wonderful people. My daughter, Rose, and Thomas, the Duke of Everness."

The guests lifted their glasses, smiling at the happy couple.

"I remember the day Rose was born," the Earl continued, his voice shaking with emotion. "She was the most beautiful baby I had ever seen, and I knew right then that she would grow up to be an amazing young woman. And she has not disappointed."

The guests chuckled as the Earl wiped away a tear.

"And now, she has found love with Thomas. He is a good man, a man of honor and integrity. He is the man I have always hoped for my daughter."

Rose's eyes filled with tears as she looked at her father, the love for her in his eyes.

"So, I raise my glass to the happy couple," the Earl said, his voice filled with pride. "May your love for each other continue to grow, and may your life together be filled with happiness and joy."

The guests lifted their glasses, joining in the toast. Rose and Thomas smiled at each other; their hearts filled with love.

Later, they moved to the gardens for afternoon games. The gardens were a verdant paradise of blooming flowers, vibrant greenery, and fragrant herbs. Guests strolled the gravel paths, admiring the colorful blooms and the intricate topiary that dotted the landscape. The lawn was a lush, emerald carpet.

Rose sat on a nearby bench and watched as Thomas and her brothers shot bows and arrows against a strawman target. Guests gathered around, watching as each man took their shot. There were gasps of delight and applause as arrows hit the bullseye.

Her father sat down next to her. He patted her hand. "Are you happy?"

Rose smiled and took her father's hand. "Of course, I am, Papa. I couldn't be happier. Thomas is everything I could have ever wanted in a husband."

Her father looked at her, a twinkle in his eye. "I always knew you would find someone special, Rose. You deserve nothing but the best."

Rose's heart swelled with love for her father. She looked out at the lawn games, where Thomas, Cassian, and William were laughing and joking. They had already become fast friends, and she was thrilled to see them getting along so well.

She glanced over and saw her father looking pale, and she frowned with concern. "Are you feeling all right, Papa?"

He patted her hand. "I am just tired, my dear. After such a wonderful day, I think it's finally catching up with me."

Rose nodded, relief washing over her. "I am so glad you're enjoying yourself."

Her father smiled, his eyes shining with pride. "I am, my dear."

Rose grasped her father's hand. "I know that you and mother despaired that I would ever marry. Honestly, I didn't think I wanted a husband, but Thomas is everything I could have asked for."

Her father smiled, and Rose could see the love and pride shining in his eyes. "I always knew you would find someone special, Rose. You deserve nothing but the best."

The sound of laughter and playful shouting filled the air as Rose's father took a deep breath and smiled. "This is such a beautiful day," he said, looking out over the garden.

Just then, Thomas appeared beside them, his eyes bright with joy. "I couldn't agree more," he said, looking from Rose's father to Rose.

Rose felt her heart flutter as she gazed into Thomas's eyes. There was a warmth and tenderness in his gaze that made her feel as though she was the most important person in the world.

She stood and took his hand. As the two of them stood there, surrounded by the beauty of the garden and the love of their friends and family, Rose knew without a doubt that she was exactly where she was meant to be. And she knew that withThomas by her side, she was destined for a life filled with happiness and love.

The End?