by Lynn, Sophia
He looked down, and Sarah had a pang of sadness for him.
“I’m sorry that happened to you.”
“Thank you. And I am sorry for not giving you a fair chance. Never in all these years have I seen William take to a woman the way he has with you. He was never one to bring a woman home, to even have the smallest desire to include her in his private life. But you? It was obvious how quickly and completely he fell in love with you. I shouldn’t have berated him for being happy.”
Their eyes caught, and she had the sense that he was being completely truthful. The tension in her shoulders seeped away. “I love him, Asher. More than I can ever say.”
“And he loves you, and Anna. I’ve never seen my king so happy. I’d like to thank you, Sarah Jones, for bringing such joy into his life.”
She smiled back tears—stupid postpartum hormones—and gave a nod. It was all she could muster without her emotions taking over completely. Moving the sling a little, she opened the sides and gave Asher a questioning look.
“Would you like to hold her?”
His face lit up. “I’d like that very, very much.”
Gently, Sarah took Anna’s warm little body from the sling and placed her in Asher’s arms. The baby remained sleeping while she was cradled in the arms of yet another relative who would love and protect her. Asher made little sounds to the baby. Sarah held back a snicker and took in the moment.
It was a moment of truce that she’d never, ever expected, and just another piece falling into place in this new life.
Later that evening, Florence had offered to watch the baby so William and Sarah could get a few moments alone. He took her hand and led her out into the balmy night as stars began dotting the sky. The air was a pleasant mixture of cool and warm, a slight breeze bringing with it the hint of salt from the ocean. Sarah was exhausted but happy. They strolled with no destination in mind, yet she wasn’t surprised when they ended up on the private beach.
“Our wedding is less than a month away.” William smiled down at her.
Her heart fluttered inside her chest. It was coming so fast, yet not fast enough. They’d announced their engagement shortly after she’d told him she was expecting and he’d left her apartment that fateful night. As soon as she’d made the decision to relocate to Brixton, they’d begun planning what was supposed to be a small, intimate wedding. They were ending up with the party of the century. She only hoped she’d fit into her wedding dress!
“Can’t we just elope?” She laid her head on William’s shoulder.
He laughed. “A king is not allowed to elope.”
“You do a lot of things that you’re not supposed to.”
“Right. But I’m incredibly happy, so I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
He pulled her into his arms at the water’s edge. The surf bubbled and lapped, the water tepid as it raced over her sandaled feet. They embraced as they looked at the dark expanse of water with a nearly full moon rising.
He kissed her temple. “Just think, it was an ocean that brought us together.”
“Yes, it did,” she breathed. “And I promise that not even an ocean can keep us apart.”
“Good.” He reached for the hem of her t-shirt and began lifting it up. “Because right now, that beautiful ocean is waiting for us to dive in.” He promptly stripped them both and then held a hand out to her. Sarah took it, knowing she’d follow him anywhere.
He winked. “Let’s go…my queen.”
THE END
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