Adam took three quick, broad steps to stand at her side, and then he dropped to one knee. “Sarah, your sister is right. I have loved you since... well, as long as I can recall. Possibly before you were stuck in that tree.”
Sarah stared at him. Then, in the awkward silence, she began to chuckle. “That was an embarrassing moment, with my petticoat tangled around the branch...”
Adam took her hands in his. “Well, yes, but will you marry me?”
Sarah glanced at Emma, who was nodding furiously in agreement. “Of course I will. I'm not sure when I fell in love with you, but it was a very long time ago. I just pretended it didn't matter... but it did.”
Emma slipped out the door as Adam leaned into Sarah and they shared their first kiss.
Several minutes later, Sarah asked, “Does this mean you'll ask Father's permission?”
“Yes, and I hope he won't be too disappointed about Raymond.”
Sarah thought for a moment. “I can't recall any time in the past, oh, five or six years, when Father had anything nice to say about your brother. So, I think this will be fine.”
And then they resumed kissing.
Chapter Eleven
Three months later, Sarah and Adam – the Earl and Countess of Beckford – were seated together at the wedding breakfast.
Sarah couldn't seem to stop smiling, and – glancing at her beloved – Adam seemed equally happy.
At a nearby table, Raymond and his new American wife wore sour expressions, and Raymond was already signaling one of the staff for more champagne in his glass.
Upon his return to England, Raymond had been advised that his only inheritance would be the entitled property.
And shortly after that, his wife learned that her father had made several unwise investments, so she was nearly penniless as well.
On the other side of the room, Sarah's parents were seated with Adam's, and all of them beamed with pride.
And when the toasts began, Sarah's brother, Fred, was the first to congratulate the happy couple. He jokingly thanked Emma for finally bringing Sarah and Adam together.
As Fred lifted his glass, he announced, “I predict a long and happy life for them, and many children as well.”
No one had any doubt that Fred's predictions would come true.
Indeed, it was certain the couple would have a long future together, living happily ever after.
The Elusive Earl (Love At Sea Book 2) Page 5