Lord Thomas and his bride (The Duke's Brothers Book 3)

by Fiona Miers

  “Indeed. My daughter deserves the best,” Dr. Morton said. “And I cannot believe that I am to utter this, but it seems that you are indeed that person.”

  “Father?” Rebecca asked, her heart beginning to thud in her chest. Had he realised that Thomas was indeed the right person for her?

  “I have seen how you gaze upon her, and how she gazes upon you. The softness in her eyes when your name is mentioned, and how you offered to marry her to save her from ridicule. Not many men would do such a thing for a woman they have not known long. Despite the damage to my daughter’s reputation caused by not only you, but herself as well, I do believe that your offer came from a place that is pure and genuine.”

  “Indeed,” Thomas said. “I would still wish to marry your daughter, but there is another reason I would care to add.”

  “And that is?” Dr. Morton asked.

  “I am in love with her. I do understand that your impression of me is not as I would prefer it to be, but I will do whatever it takes to change that impression. I am a good man who can provide for your daughter. We share the same interests and are much more alike than I had ever dreamt was possible. Your daughter is a wonderful and captivating young woman, and her influence on me has changed me into a better man. She taught me love and consideration, patience and acceptance. Most importantly, she taught me feelings are not to be run away from, but rather embraced and nurtured,” Thomas said, and smiled at Rebecca. “She is exceptional, and nothing would mean more to me than receiving your blessing for our marriage.”

  Her heart fluttered in her chest at the words Thomas spoke, and the love she possessed for him grew with every passing moment. Thomas loved her and accepted her for who she was, and that was all she’d ever wanted.

  “I request your blessing for our marriage today, as I wish to obtain a special license to marry your daughter. Not out of duty, or because I feel guilt for what I’ve done. I wish to marry her because I love her, and spending another day apart from her would be the death of me,” Thomas said.

  Dr. Morton turned to his daughter and raised his brow expectantly. “My daughter, do you love Thomas as well?”

  “I do indeed, Father. More than anything in this world,” Rebecca answered sincerely. “Even more than I love painting. As much as you loved Mother.”

  Much to her surprise, a tear rolled down her father’s cheek, but he quickly brushed it away. “While I am convinced that is not possible, because I will continue to love your mother for the rest of my days, your answer is confirmation of what I required to hear,” he said and turned back to Thomas.

  “It is my absolute pleasure to grant you permission to marry my daughter, Thomas. I know you will treat her well.”

  “Indeed, I will, Dr. Morton. Always,” Thomas said, smiling at her.

  Thomas’ smile warmed her heart and she was unable to stop the tears of happiness that spilled onto her own cheeks.

  The life she’d never dared dream for herself, one of a loving husband and a home of her own, was actually coming true.

  Epilogue.

  The elegantly decorated ballroom of Finlay Hall was indeed the perfect location for Thomas and her intimate wedding. They had agreed that there was certainly no need for a large and lavish gathering with guests whom neither wished to have in attendance.

  The past three days had been difficult for Rebecca, as she was shown little mercy by the residents of Weymouth due to the article in the newspaper. She had received disapproving glares and had been discussed in vulgar terms loud enough for her to hear.

  Thomas, of course, was tempted on various occasions to confront whomever glanced at her in a derogatory manner, not even to mention those who whispered about her as they passed one another in the streets. He was well aware that would not solve anything, and would possibly make matters worse.

  So, she had simply ignored the whispers, glares and the words spoken to her. In the public eye, at least. In the privacy of their homes, he had wiped many tears from her cheeks as she sobbed and revealed her sorrow to Thomas, where there was no one to see.

  Thomas had told her that he had written a strongly worded letter to the editor of the newspaper, with the advice and guidelines of his barrister brother, Robert, who would oversee any action that may be taken regarding the situation.

  The editor in return, published a very detailed letter of apology not only towards Dr. Morton and Rebecca, but also to the entire Melton family. Of course, the dust would settle soon, or until the next scandal was conjured, but Rebecca was happy with the outcome.

  THOMAS STARED AT HIS lovely wife, clothed in a beautiful white gown, adorned by gemstones around the bodice and her hair pinned on the crown of her head. She wore her happiness on her face, her eyes sparkling, and her skin glowing. It pleased him very much to see her shine with happiness, and it was still surreal to think that he was married.

  “Congratulations once again, brother,” James said as he and Robert approached him. “Rebecca is simply splendid.”

  “Appreciated, brother,” Thomas said.

  “Rebecca is truly lovely,” Robert said.

  “She is a Melton now. Only splendid people are allowed,” James said with a grin.

  A smile formed on Thomas’s lips as he watched Rebecca engage in a rather amusing conversation with Emma and Julia.

  “Indeed,” Thomas said.

  “You are awfully quiet, Thomas. Why is that?”

  “No reason,” Thomas said and cleared his throat as he stepped to the side. “Pardon me for a moment.”

  Ignoring his brothers’ questions and demands to know where he was going, he approached Rebecca, and she turned to him with a happy smile.

  “My dearest,” she said to him.

  “Would it be possible to steal you away?”

  “Of course,” Rebecca said and excused herself.

  Rebecca stepped to a secluded space in the ballroom and turned to Thomas. “Is everything alright?”

  “Indeed, but this was not what intended when I said I wished to steal you away,” he said.

  “Oh, you meant for more than a moment,” she said.

  “What I have planned will require much more time than a moment, my love,” he said under his breath.

  “I was hoping you would say that,” she said with a giggle as he snuck the two of them out of the ballroom.

  The sight of the secluded cottage on the seafront made Rebecca gasp with excitement.

  The cottage was Thomas’s secret hideaway, where not even his brothers dared to venture. It was closed off from civilisation, as Thomas often referred to it, and he had been there many times when he required to isolate himself from the pressures of life. Or simply when he wished to be alone.

  He had the servants prepare the cottage to his strict specifications, as he wished it to be perfect when he surprised Rebecca with it.

  “Thomas,” Rebecca said with a gasp and entered the cottage.

  Although it was quaint and not at all spacious and grand as Finlay Hall, it appeared that Rebecca did not find it lacking.

  “Do you like it?” he asked as he closed the door behind him.

  “No, I adore it,” she said.

  “Wonderful. I had hoped that—”

  Before Thomas was able to speak another word, Rebecca wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed her body against his. Sensations of desire pulsated through him as she kissed him hungrily. She could not seem to control herself, and Thomas did not mind it one bit. In fact, he felt exactly the same.

  Since that day on the beach when he had seen the curves of her body from under her drenched dress, he’d been unable to stop thinking of what her body would look like and how her bare skin would feel against his.

  Thomas scooped Rebecca off the floor and made his way to the comfortable bed in the corner of the cottage. He laid her down on the coverlet, and she grabbed the front of his shirt, urging him closer.

  He fell down onto the bed with her and her hands quickly found their way to the front
of his trousers. The excitement and anticipation had built up inside him, and his cock was rock-hard and ready for her. For a moment he sensed a slight tremble on her lower lip, and a worried look in her eyes, but as he cupped her chin, tilting her head up to look directly at him, he silently assured her that everything would be fine.

  More than fine, perhaps.

  Her breathing began to grow ragged as Thomas swept the skirts of her gown up, revealing her perfect legs, with skin as soft as silk. Much to his surprise, he discovered she had not worn any undergarments and looked at her with a sly smile.

  Rebecca giggled and shrugged her shoulders. “We are married now.”

  “I truly am the luckiest man in the world,” he said with a whisper.

  A moan escaped her mouth as Thomas slowly rubbed his fingers against the soft skin of her slit and much to his delight, felt her desire for him. He kissed her slowly as he used his fingers to explore her wetness, making her cry out against his mouth. He wanted her to be as ready for him as she could be, so took his time sliding his fingers inside of her, stretching her and tantalising her pleasure nub.

  “Thomas...” She sobbed against his mouth, bucking her hips against his hand.

  Thomas drew away to pull his pants off, revealing his cock. Her eyes grew wide as she stared at him, but she didn’t shy away.

  He climbed back onto the bed and slid between her silky thighs. He lined his cock up with her welcoming body, and as she lifted her legs to wrap around his thighs, he slowly thrust inside her.

  Rebecca grabbed a hand-full of sheets and arched her back.

  “Are you all right?” he asked, concerned about the pain he may have caused her.

  “Kiss me,” she urged in a breathless gasp and Thomas pressed his lips against hers, sweeping his tongue out to taste her mouth.

  He moved his hips, sliding his cock deeper inside her, gradually quickening his pace.

  Being inside her was even more perfect than he’d imagined, and hearing her sounds of rapture was indeed music to his ears.

  Her back arched once more and a loud moan escaped her throat, her breathing ragged. Thomas’ pleasure soared and his thrusts grew harder and faster until he finally exploded and pumped his seed inside his beautiful wife. He groaned loudly against Rebecca’s lips and finally collapsed beside her.

  Their ragged breathing soon turned to chuckles of amusement as their gazes fell on one another, and Rebecca rolled onto her side.

  “I promise you, next time it will last longer,” Thomas said with a cringe.

  “It is not the duration that matters to me, Thomas. It is being with you and seeing that I please you. I vow to always love you.”

  “And I vow to love you for the rest of my days, Rebecca,” Thomas said, his voice merely a whisper.

  He reached for her and pressed his lips to hers once more. They were married, after all, which meant he could spend every day painting next to her, examining his sea creatures and admiring the wonderful woman who was, his wife.

  The End