Will kissed her quickly on the mouth.
“Excellent. I’ll have the clergyman prepare the church.” Sebastian turned to Harriet. “Did you want to assist in the preparations?”
She sighed. “Anything for Miss Lucy.”
“Wonderful, draga.” He touched her face. Lucy noticed Dashel’s usually calm features twist into something that bordered on fury. Sebastian either didn’t notice or wasn’t concerned. He continued, “There’s a bedroom at the top of the stairs. Inside the closet are all sorts of dresses. I’m sure there is something Miss Channing might find satisfactory.”
“You have a whole closet full of wedding dresses?” Harriet gave Sebastian a look that said he might be insane.
“Not necessarily wedding dresses,” Sebastian said, peering back at her from the doorway, “but I think Miss Channing might prefer something more formal on the day of her wedding.”
“That would be nice,” Lucy chimed in.
“As you say, then.” He bowed and smiled. “And William, I’ll send someone up to help you dress as well.”
Will gave Lucy a light hug. “That would be amazing. Thanks, man,” he said and then cleared his throat. “I mean, much obliged, sir.”
Sebastian gave Will a strange look. “Again, it’s my pleasure. When you’re ready, we shall meet downstairs and I’ll have a carriage take everyone to the church.”
Dashel and Sebastian exited followed by Harriet. Lucy lingered, not ready to be away from Will. She grabbed his hand, twining her fingers with his. She felt frantic and exhilarated.
“Soon you’ll be Mrs. Godwin and I’ll be Mr. Channing. How does that sound?”
She gave him a confused look. “But that isn’t—”
He silenced her with a kiss. “I’m kidding.”
Lucy sensed he was nervous too and her heart immediately softened. In her time he had no family to speak of, no one that could stand up for him and support him.
She threw her arms around his neck, her lavender eyes meeting his. “It isn’t right that you have no one on your side to stand up for you.” She thought of Harriet and Dashel.
Will kissed her softly on the mouth. “Thank you for worrying about me, but I’ll be fine.”
She sulked a little, her heart swelling. “I want you to be more than fine, Mr. Godwin. I want you to be exceedingly happy. For as long as we’re together, that’s all I need.”
“Miss Channing, with all my heart I want to marry you and that will make me the happiest man on Earth.” He kissed her again, long and lingering, and sweet. “Now stop procrastinating and get a dress on.”
She giggled. “Very well.”
She left and went into the bedroom at the top of the stairs. Harriet took Lucy by the shoulders as soon as she entered. “Miss, do you know what you’re doing? Mr. Rothchild is the perfect match for you, and this Mr. Godwin, well he’s… from another time. What will you do once he’s gone? What will your parents think?”
Lucy understood what she was saying. “Harriet, I appreciate your concern, but Will is my whole soul. Without him, love has no meaning. Marrying another would be unfair to that person. I’ll remain a spinster and do so happily, knowing I had something most never have experienced.” She shook Harriet, hoping to emphasize her depth of emotion. “True love, Harriet.”
Her lady’s maid nodded solemnly. “As long as you’re certain, I’ll support this and do so without regret, Miss.”
“Thank you. I couldn’t imagine doing this without you.” Lucy hugged Harriet before walking over to the closet and opening the double doors. It wasn’t so much a closet as an enormous room filled with dozens of the most delicate and decadent dresses she’d ever seen. “Help me find a dress, would you?” Everything had been organized by color and occasion, including a whole section of bridal gowns. She ran her fingers along the sleeves.
Until she saw a dress hanging separate from the others. She felt her eyes get big and she glanced at Harriet.
“I donna know how, but I believe that this dress was made for you, Miss Lucy.”
Lucy took a deep breath and held it. “It’s divine.”
Not in a million lifetimes could she have imagined anything so beautiful. Made with yards of silver silk, it had an empire waistline, a long skirt with a train embroidered along the edges and up the sides, the sleeves ended at the elbows. There was a sweetheart neckline lined with lace.
“Right, then. Let me help you into the dress. It wouldn’t do to be more than fashionably late to your own wedding.”
EIGHTEEN
A WEDDING LIKE NO OTHER
IT WASN’T every day a girl got to marry her soul mate and as she stared at her reflection Lucy put aside all of her doubts and worries about the future letting them fall away like water. She only wanted promised to focus on this moment.
I’m marrying Will!
“You look positively perfect, Miss Lucy,” Harriet said, putting the finishing touches in her hair.
“Thank you Harriet. You’ve truly outdone yourself.” She turned, trying to see the back of her head. Her lady’s maid had plaited her hair with lavender ribbons. They stood out against her dark hair. Harriet applied cheek color and a dusting of shadow on her eyes, then stained her lashes and lips. The effect was only meant to enhance Lucy’s lovely skin and eyes and it’d done just that.
“I believe you’re ready. Shall we go?”
“Yes.” Lucy stood, moving to the full-length glass in the closet. She couldn’t help but admire the way the dress hung. It fit like it’d been made especially for her and her alone.
As she traversed the stairs, Sebastian’s man met her halfway to assist her the rest of the way down while Harriet managed the long train. “The men have already made their way to the church and are waiting for you.” He indicated the door. “If the two of you are ready, there is a carriage waiting to take you.”
“We’re ready.” Harriet’s earlier somberness had vanished and been replaced by keen enthusiasm for the upcoming adventure.
Lucy’s heart swelled from the jolt of love she felt for her friend. “I guess we shouldn’t keep them waiting.”
They negotiated the steps and a footman handed Harriet and Lucy into the carriage without a mishap. It lurched forward once they were situated. They rode in silence, Lucy lost in her own thought.
“Look, Miss.” Harriet pointed out the window at the glowing orbs of light hovering at the height of the carriage handle.
“What are they?” Lucy asked, admiring the beauty of them. They reminded her of small stars and immediately made this whole affair more magical. She thought it likely Sebastian had something to do with it. It wouldn’t surprise her. He had magic and it seemed nearly limitless.
In nearly no time at all, the carriage stopped in front of the church. A footman assisted both ladies out. After thanking him, Lucy lifted her skirts and froze.
“Miss?”
“I’m going, but first I want to memorize every spire and the way it looks in the magical lights. They hovered all around the church, making it easy to watch her step.
Just before she went into the church, Lucy closed her eyes and made a wish. Let us live happily ever after.
The first person she noticed as she entered was Will. She swallowed, taking a deep breath. He was the most stunning man she’d ever seen, wearing a navy double-breasted coat with silver buttons, a white shirt, a silver cravat, and buckskin breeches with black boots that came up over the knee. His blond hair curled at the edges, giving him a golden halo, which shown in the light.
The church was lit in dozens of Sebastian’s light orbs, and they gave off a heavenly glow. Clergyman Jeff had looked positively jovial and resplendent in his formal robes. He gave her a secret wave.
Sebastian came forward. “Miss Channing, I see you chose the perfect dress. Princess Charlotte didn’t wear it as well as you.”
That surprised her and she realized that was where she’d seen the dress—in paintings of the princess on her wedding day. “Perhaps
I should change? I didn’t mean to imply— I mean, I certainly don’t need to wear—”
Sebastian tucked her hand under his arm. “To wear anything but this dress on your wedding day would be a travesty.” He patted her hand. “Now let’s get you married.” He walked her up to the altar.
“Kneel, please,” Clergyman Jeff said, clearing his throat.
Will knelt on one side of the altar while Lucy knelt on the other. She noticed Dashel standing in the background and smiled at him.
“You look beautiful,” he mouthed.
She nodded her acknowledgment.
“Let us begin,” the clergyman said, “Please clasp your hands together and rest your elbows on the altar.”
Lucy did so, glancing over her fingers at Will. He winked and she blushed.
“There are all kinds of love in this world. That of a parent for a child, of one friend for another, but what has brought us together today is true love. One stronger than time itself. In my many years I have never met two people more deeply in love.” He gave Sebastian a knowing look before continuing, “It is for this reason we stand before these witnesses and God to marry Mr. William Leopold Godwin to Miss Lucy Eloise Channing.” He stepped forward. “Please join hands, my dears.”
Lucy reached across the altar and took Will’s hands.
“Now repeat after me,” Clergyman Jess said. “Unless you’d prefer to say your own vows?”
“That would be great,” Will said.
“Very good, Mr. Godwin. You may do so now.”
“Yes, right.” He kissed Lucy’s fingers. “Lucy, before I met you I thought my life was complete. I didn’t want for anything. Every need, ever desire was mine. But the day you appeared in Central Park changed my life forever.” Will ran his thumb across the knuckles of her hand. “You opened my eyes, allowed me to see life from your perspective, and it didn’t take me long to realize that while my life had been great, it wasn’t perfect. Until you.”
Tears welled in Lucy’s eyes. She hadn’t meant for them to, but his words touched her heart so deeply, possibly because she felt exactly the same way for him.
“If you let me, I’ll be your lover and your friend, forever and always. I’m yours, my whole heart, my whole soul, until my very last breath and beyond.”
Lucy was desperate to jump across the altar and into his arms.
“Miss Channing. Would you like to say something?”
“Yes.” She focused on their hands, noticing how nicely they melded together. It was all she could to do school her thoughts. “Will. William.” Her lips had turned dry and she licked them. “My life has been planned out since before I can remember. And while the plan wasn’t dreadful,” she glanced at Dashel before focusing on Will’s eyes and continuing, “I knew it wasn’t right. Something or more importantly, someone was missing. You.” She blinked, determined to get out what she had to say without crying. “I can admit it now. When I first met you I immediately knew who you were. I could feel it, the attraction between us, like two magnets, I was desperate to be close and remain close to you.”
She glanced around the church, at her lady’s maid and lifelong friend who had become something new, then at Clergyman Jeff. “Our lives have been opened to so much more than our individually small ones. You and I may not work for the King, or be able to trap gods, and we don’t possess magic, but none of that compares to what we can do, what we do have. And that’s love.”
Tears had filled Will’s eyes, and Lucy couldn’t keep back her tears. She didn’t try to stop them anymore, but let them fall. “It sounds small in comparison, but you and I know that’s not true. Right?”
“Right,” he said, his voice hoarse with emotion.
“Our love is so strong we crossed time for each other. Our love is more than just random feelings that fade with each passing day. Our souls yearned for each other before we met. And while our time together might be short, I wouldn’t trade it. Not a single second. I choose you, William Godwin. I choose our love, our time together. When you breathe, I breathe. You’re mine and I’m yours, not because I need you or because of what you can give me or my family, it’s because I want to be with you. I want to be yours.” When she finished, Harriet handed her a handkerchief and Lucy quickly wiped her eyes. “That’s it,” she said turning to the clergyman. It was then she realized he was crying too. Everyone was.
The clergyman coughed back his emotion. “I’ve been overseeing weddings for many, many years and no one’s words have touched me the way yours have. It is an honor to know the two of you.” He nodded and continued. “Before these witnesses, and God, you’ve made your love known to this world and the world after. I am indebted to you for allowing me to be part of this momentous occasion.” He turned to Sebastian. “I see Miss Channing is wearing a ring, but do we have one for Will?” He hastily added. “It isn’t necessary, but wanted to verify.”
The rings! Lucy’s heart lurched. She hadn’t thought about the rings. She already felt bound to Will, but the wearing of a wedding ring signified their eternal oneness.
“Right here.” Sebastian stretched palm over Will’s shoulder. On it sat a ring with a thick silver band and a single blue stone in the center.
“Mr. Godwin, take the ring from Miss Channing,” the clergyman said. When Will complied, the clergyman continued, “Now repeat after me, ‘With this ring I pledge my love to you.’”
Will said the words.
“Miss Channing, please take Mr. Godwin’s ring and place it on his fingers with the same words.”
Lucy picked up the ring, her heart filled with gratitude for Sebastian and the others for making this day possible. “With this ring I pledge my love to you.”
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. Mr. Godwin, you may kiss your bride.”
Lucy stood with Harriet’s help and met Will in front of the altar. He smiled, bent down, and kissed her softly.
“Huzzah!” Sebastian shouted and both he and Dashel clapped Will on the back.
“That was beautiful,” Harriet added, dabbing at her eyes. “I hope I can feel that way about someone someday.” As she spoke she glanced at Dashel.
“You will, Harriet. I know you will,” Lucy whispered.
NINETEEN
THE WEDDING NIGHT
AFTER THE wedding they all returned to Sebastian’s home where a generous dinner had been prepared.
“To the happy couple,” Clergyman Jeff said.
They all clinked glasses, before returning to the delicious lemon chiffon cake that had been served as dessert. Everyone spent the rest of the evening and well into the night talking, laughing, and dancing. Before they retired to their rooms, Sebastian told them he’d received all of the items necessary for the spell and that he would be performing it the next day. They agreed to meet Sebastian upstairs after they ate.
Both Lucy and Will were surprised, and Lucy couldn’t help but wonder how Sebastian had retrieved the last two items from such distances in such a short amount of time. She guessed it had to do with his druid magic.
When Will and Lucy finally made their way back to their rooms, the sun was on its way up. Before they went inside, Will lifted Lucy into his arms.
“What are you doing, Will?” She smiled as she spoke.
“It’s customary where I’m from to carry the bride over the threshold.” He carefully walked her through the doorway and set her down.
On her own two feet once again, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him. It was long and sensual. When she finally released him, he asked, “What was that for?”
“Now that we’re married, I’m free to kiss my husband whenever I desire, correct?”
Will’s face became serious. “Well, let’s see. It’s probably not a good idea while I’m shaving or while I’m in the middle of eating.” He slammed his fist into the palm of his hand. “Never get between a man and his meat.”
Lucy stared at him dumbfounded. Had their marriage turned into her parents’ already? “Very well,
I—”
He swept her up into his arms, planting a fiercely passionate kiss on her lips. Lucy felt something within her body open and bloom. She hungered for him. When he released her, they were both breathing heavily.
“Please kiss me as often as you want,” Will said, hugging her.
Lucy squeezed him tightly. “Even when you’re eating your meat?” She eyed him playfully.
“Most definitely.”
“And what about when you’re in the middle of a bath?”
His face turned dark, passionate. She decided he could look at her like that whenever he wanted. “Especially then.” He kissed her until Lucy thought her knees might give out beneath her.
“Good.” She sat on the edge of the bed.
Will knelt in front of her. “Do you want me to help you get undressed?”
At his words, Lucy shivered. “Yes, milord.”
Over the next several minutes, he removed her shoes, helped her take down her hair, and got her out of her dress. As he helped her into her robe, his fingers brushed against her bare arms and she shuddered. His touch caused electricity to shoot through her body. Never in her life had she experienced something so simple and sensual.
After Will had changed they climbed into bed, facing each other. Lucy was nervous, but excited too.
“Hello Mrs. Godwin.” He brushed some hair off her forehead and tucked another strand behind her ear.
“Mr. Godwin,” she whispered.
“Are you afraid?” he asked.
“No.” She licked her lips. “Possibly a little,” she admitted.
“Me too.”
That surprised her. “Really? Why?”
“Because I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you and I hope that when we’re together you always feel that. I don’t want to let you down.”
His confession shocked her. “I don’t want to let you down either.”
Past the Ages: Book Two Page 10