A Wallflower's Christmas Kiss (Connected by a Kiss Book 3) Read online

  “It was,” she said. “But it was years ago. I don’t wish to dwell on it. You’re right, she wouldn’t want me to be sad.”

  The carriage rolled to a stop. Grayson peeked out the window to check out their surroundings. They halted in front of an inn. “It appears we’ve arrived. Come let’s see if we can let rooms for the night and then see who can perform the ceremony.”

  Their discussion had taken a turn neither one of them wished to continue. It was morbid and not generally a topic brought up before pending nuptials. Of course most couples on the brink of marriage weren’t as melancholy as they’d been. What kind of marriage would they have at this rate? They barely knew each other, and what they did was a piece of their childhood they were probably better off forgetting. Grayson hadn’t believed marriage would suit him. It was part of the reason he’d been so adverse to it. The other was he hadn’t cared if the ducal line continued. He came from a long line of mean-spirited males. What if he had a son and he was worse than his father had been. Not that Grayson was much better—he’d taken a different path, but it hadn’t exactly been decent and caring.

  Grayson stepped out of the carriage and then turned to help Juliette out. She placed her gloved hand in his. It was a trusting gesture one born of familiarity. “I’m exhausted. I think when I’m finally able to lay down and sleep in truth it will be for a whole sennight.”

  He laughed. “I’ll be right next to you. It sounds glorious.”

  They walked into the inn and were greeted by the owner. “How may I help you?”

  “We need two of your best rooms,” he demanded.

  The man moved around restlessly. “I’m sorry but we’re full up. We’ve only one room available.”

  Of course there was. By the time he planned on sharing it with Juliet they should be man and wife, but he’d hope to give her some privacy. Especially as he’d not explained how he’d decided to no longer have a marriage in name only. He craved to touch her, make love to her, and make her his in every way possible. Grayson was rather proud of his restraint thus far. He’d been the proper gentleman and hadn’t even kissed her. Though he’d give anything to touch his lips to hers.

  She touched his arm with her hand. He turned and met her gaze. “One room will be fine,” she said reassuringly. “We can make do.”

  He nodded. “Can you direct us to the local parishioner?”

  “You’re wanting to wed?” The innkeeper grinned. “It is a common occurrence here. We’ve plenty Englishman bringing their intendeds to elope. The smithy can perform the ceremony.”

  “The smithy?” he raised an eyebrow.

  “Aye,” the innkeeper said. “He’s a fine set up for weddings. Has everything a couple needs to make the deed legal.”

  That was what they needed more than anything. To make sure the wedding was legal and binding. If Juliette’s father hoped to challenge the match they had to do everything right. Though as a duke, Grayson had a better chance of winning a battle over the legitimacy of his marriage. His name held power, and it was the only thing he was grateful to his father for. It gave him the means to protect Juliette, and he’d take anything within his grasp to ensure that.

  “Please direct us to his location,” Grayson replied, “And then inform my servant where he can deliver our trunks.” He started to walk away with Juliette’s arm tucked under his arm, but then stopped. “Can you have a hot bath set up as well.”

  “Very well, my lord.”

  “I’m the Duke of Kissinger,” Grayson replied. “If everything meets my requirements you will be well rewarded.”

  “I will ensure it myself,” he bowed. “Your Grace.”

  Grayson led Juliette out of the inn, intending to head straight to the smithy. The sooner they married, the more relaxed he could be. This whole trip had made him overly anxious. Her safety was up to him. If he failed her he’d never forgive himself.

  “Pardon me, Your Grace,” his driver said. “There’s something you should know.”

  He stopped and met his driver’s gaze. “What is it?”

  “While I was inquiring about stabling the carriage and our mounts I overheard something.”

  The man was wearing his patience thin. At the rate he was delivering his news they’d freeze in place. “Let me escort Juliette to the smithy’s place of business, and then you can explain it to me. I don’t want her standing in the cold.”

  He nodded. “Please hurry, it’s urgent.”

  Grayson nodded and headed in the direction of the smithy. “You’re shaking.”

  “It’s cold,” she replied.

  “You’re not scared are you?” She’d been brave up until this point. Marriage was an important and life altering step. Was she having second thoughts? He hoped not. They’d both made a decision and they were sticking to it. Soon she’d be his duchess in every way. His body ached to join with hers. “There’s no turning back now.”

  “I’m not afraid,” she replied. “It really is cold.”

  He nodded. The more time he spent in Scotland, albeit only a short distance over the border, he hated it. The frigid weather was enough to freeze his bollocks off. He had to take her word for it that it was the chilly temperature causing her to shake. They stopped at a nearby building, and he knocked on the door. It creaked open slowly. A rather rotund man greeted them merrily. “Are you two seeking to be married?”

  “We do,” Grayson replied. “Can you assist us?”

  “Aye,” he replied. “Please come in. My daughter and her husband can act as witnesses.” He moved aside to allow them to enter. “My name is Elliot.”

  “It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Elliot,” Juliette replied. “Thank you so much for letting us intrude on your evening.”

  “Think nothing of it lass,” he said. “You’re not the first to do so, and I expect you won’t be the last.”

  Grayson’s impatience was running deep. He wanted this done, along with the conversation with his driver. What had the man believed so damn important to interrupt him on the way to his wedding. He wasn’t prone to dramatics so it had to be vital. The sooner the ceremony was over the more relaxed he would be.

  “Will this take long?” Grayson asked.

  “Not at all,” the plump man said. He smiled wide, and then a jolly laugh rippled out of him. His wide beard matched his hair almost exactly. He wore dark red trousers and a pearly white shirt. His waist coat matched his trousers, save for some white trim. “Clara, Fergus,” he called out. “We’ve a wedding you need to witness.”

  A woman with pale blond hair and a stunning countenance entered the room. “Fergus will be back soon. He had to run to the inn with a delivery. Is there anything you need me to do before we begin?”

  “Aye, grab me a spot of ribbon from your sewing kit.”

  “I’ve found a ribbon for you father,” Clara said. She walked over and handed it to Elliot.

  A stout man with bright red hair entered the room. “It’s a bonny day for a wedding.” His cheerfulness was almost contagious. “Clara tells me you two are here to get hitched.”

  “Yes,” Juliette said. “We’ve traveled for days. I can’t wait for our marriage to begin.”

  Grayson couldn’t agree more. “I’m the Duke of Kissinger,” he introduced himself. “You must be Clara’s husband, Fergus.”

  “Ah you’re one of those grand lords the English like to boast about,” he nodded. “And, aye, I’m Fergus.”

  Grayson nodded at him. “Now that everyone is accounted for. Will you please perform the ceremony now?”

  Elliot didn’t answer him immediately. He tinkered around the room until he gathered everything he’d been searching for. He placed all the items on a small table. He set a candle on the table and gestured for them to join him. “All right let’s see if we have everything we need to perform your ceremony.” He tapped the candle, a quill, a nearby book, and the bright blue ribbon, then turned toward them. “Will you be giving the lass a ring.”

  He’d f
orgotten about the betrothal ring. Grayson reached in his inside pocket and pulled out a velvet pouch. With a quick movement he untied a string and dumped it into Elliot’s outstretched palm. The gems sparkled in the candlelight. Juliette’s gaze remained riveted on it. She glanced up at him, surprise shining out of her eyes.

  “Now we are ready to begin...”

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  The ring glistened in Elliot’s hand. She was mesmerized by the sparkling gems. What had made Grayson think she needed something so extravagant? It was lovely, but too much. Her heart thudded inside her chest. This was it—they were about to join themselves together in marriage. Was it a mistake? A part of her wondered if it all would have turned out differently if they’d continued as friends. Maybe they weren’t supposed to find their way back to each other. When she was with him it felt so right. She glanced up at him and relaxed. His focus was on Elliot and his preparations for the wedding ceremony. He didn’t seem concerned about anything. Doubts were bound to cross her mind from time to time. It was human nature, but she suppressed them. Juliette wanted to spend the rest of her days with Grayson. He was the only man she’d ever had a connection with.

  “Before we begin,” Elliot said. “I’ll need you to remove your gloves.”

  Juliette stared down at her hands. At least it was warm in the smithy’s home, but she felt naked without them. She didn’t want to remove them. Grayson picked up one of her hands and said, “Let me.”

  He slowly unbuttoned the end and peeled one glove off. His touch sent shivers up her arm. She suppressed the need to shiver as tingles filled her belly. After he finished removing the glove he set it aside and repeated the action with the other one. When he was done with his task he let go of her hand. She immediately missed his warmth and wanted to beg him to touch her again.

  “Now I need you both to join me in front of this table. Face me and follow my lead.” Elliot motioned for them to come forward. He picked up the ribbon Clara had brought to him. He held it in front of him fully stretched out. It was a long thin piece of blue silk. With careful precision he created a small loop on one end, and then pulled the right side through, repeating the action several times. Juliette lost track of how many times he pulled the strip through. After he was done he presented it to them.

  “This knot represents love. True love ties us in a way that we can never escape from. It is all encompassing, binding, and integrates deep within our soul. We live and breathe it as it becomes an integral part of us.” The knot had somehow formed the shape of a heart as he adjusted it. “Your heart beats for the other person, and vice versa. Life without them is unimaginable.” He began working the other side of the ribbon, forming another intricate knot.

  Juliette watched in amazement as he worked the fabric to his will. She didn’t fully understand the symbolism this one represented, but it fascinated her. Having something else to keep her focus on helped to calm her anxiety, and let her emotions shine through in a different way. She turned her head and glanced up at Grayson. Yes, they were meant to be together, now and forever. She shouldn’t question the how or why of anything.

  “This knot represents eternity,” He explained. “Two souls who wish to spend out their lives together join both love and their lifespan as one.” Elliot gestured toward Grayson and Juliette. “Please face each other.”

  Grayson turned toward her. She met his gaze willingly and she melted inside. It was filled with heat, and promise. What that promise entailed she wasn’t entirely sure but she wanted to find out. Elliot lifted her hand and had her hold it palm up, then did the same with Grayson’s. He placed the heart knot in her palm. “The woman is the heart of the relationship. A man learns to love by following her lead. She willingly gives her love freely and without expectations. It’s a gift a man cannot refuse, even if he desires to.” He placed the eternity knot in Grayson’s palm. “The man is tasked with caring for that gift for an infinite amount of time. Nothing is too great a task to keep the woman’s love whole and strong. Protection keeps them together through all of life’s perils. Whether it be times of joy or sadness it will remain. Giving and receiving equally, love will see you both through life. ” Elliot turned to light the candle on the table. “An eternal flame to join two hearts, one love, and a lifetime together.”

  Juliette stared down at the knots resting in their palms. She never imagined a wedding ceremony such as this one. When they set out to Scotland she thought it would be a quick do you take this man to be your husband, and an equally fast assent. This was rather romantic... She hoped Grayson wasn’t panicking about it. Outwardly he remained calm and focused on what Elliot was saying. The smithy couldn’t have known this wasn’t a love match—at least not on Grayson’s part. She’d always loved him, but she feared he wasn’t capable of loving anyone. He’d had a hard life and that made him skeptical of anything that wasn’t tangible. Love couldn’t be measured or seen; it had to be taken on faith. Juliette would give him enough love that maybe over time he’d accept it and learn how to love her in return. She wanted a real marriage, but didn’t know how to tell him that. Sometime after the ceremony she’d express her wishes.

  He picked up the ring and said. “This ring is an outward symbol of your desire to bring your two lives together.” He placed the ring in Grayson’s palm next to the eternity knot. “May fate be with you always and bless you, and may you be poor in hardships and rich in blessings, more importantly may you both know nothing but happiness.”

  Grayson stared down at the ring. She didn’t know what was going on inside of his head, but she prayed it was all good things. He lifted his head and met her gaze. His lips lifted upward into a reassuring smile.

  Elliot turned toward Grayson and said, “Repeat after me: I, Grayson Abbot, the Duke of Kissinger, take thee Lady Juliette Brooks as my wife.”

  Grayson said the words to her. His voice didn’t waver once; the rich timber filled her ears and put all her fears at ease. He repeated every word Elliot demanded of him and didn’t flinch once. The entire time he kept his focus on her as if he somehow realized she needed him to. Warmth spread through her entire body as she realized soon the ceremony would be over and she’d be his.

  “Very good, lad,” Elliot praised him. “Now it’s the lass’s turn.” He turned toward Juliette and said, “Repeat after me: I, Lady Juliette Brooks, take thee, Grayson Abbot, The Duke of Kissinger, as my husband...”

  Juliette followed Grayson’s lead. She kept her voice strong and steady as she repeated her vows. Her focus remained firm and solely on him. He was hers from that point and for always. Protection went both ways. She intended to make sure he never doubted how wonderful he was. Too her, he was everything and always had been. She’d prove to him he could always count on her. His love was worth fighting for and she’d not stop until he admitted he couldn’t live without her. She didn’t realize how much she needed him to love her until that moment. Over the years she’d had to learn how to be patient. That skill would be to her benefit while she sought to win his heart. They had a lifetime together, and she’d not waste one minute of it.

  “Now lad,” Elliot said. “Pick up the ring and place it on her finger.” He gestured toward Juliette’s free hand. “And say, with this ring I thee wed.”

  Grayson slid it on her finger and repeated the words, claiming her as his with one final gesture. He kept her hand in his and looked up at Elliot expectantly.

  “I now pronounce you man and wife,” he said triumphantly.” He placed his hand over the center of the ribbon joined across their two palms. “This is your symbol to keep your love strong. Keep the ribbon safe, and your love will endure.” He glanced up at Grayson and said, “You may kiss your bride.”

  She expected a kiss, craved it. This was her one and only chance to have his lips on hers. Grayson made it clear their marriage wouldn’t be a real one. So if he didn’t kiss her now—she’d never have one. He picked up the ribbon and folded it carefully, then placed it inside his coat pocket. He turned t
oward her and smiled. He lifted her hand and kissed the bare back. Tiny sparks of sensation spread through her at the touch of his lips on her. It wasn’t what she wanted though, it wasn’t a true kiss. This was his way of setting the path their marriage was to take. She had to figure out a way to have him kiss her for real. Not this chivalrous way, it wasn’t who he was... What happened to the rake and seducer he was rumored to be? She wanted that Grayson to come out to play.

  “That’s it?” She raised an eyebrow. “I expected much more than that.”

  He didn’t bother to reply. His attention turned to Elliot. “Are we done?”

  “Not quite yet,” Elliot replied. “I need to fill out the registry and have you both sign it, along with Clara and Fergus.” He gestured for them toward a chair. “Take a seat while I finish up.”

  Elliot picked up the quill and ink and opened the book. It seemed like he wrote forever before he gestured toward Clara and Fergus to come to him. They each took their turn at the book signing their name to the registry. Juliette fidgeted waiting for her turn to sign the book. Her feet bounced underneath her skirts with anxiety. This had to be completed so proof would remain of their marriage. Without it the union could be challenged. She would remain anxious until it was completed.

  “It’s your turn lass,” Elliot motioned for her to join him. “Sign here.” He pointed to a spot on the page. She picked up the quill and placed her signature on the line. A sense of relief went through her as Grayson joined her and signed it as well. It was official—they were husband and wife.