The Lady of Fairhaven (39 page)

The holy man’s lips twitched into a slight frown but his laughing eyes shared the joy he felt for such a blessed couple. And while Luke clung to the thin thread of self control, his bride worked hard to sever it, just by standing next to him.

By the end of the vows, a sheen of perspiration had popped out on his brow. A saucy smile adorned the bride’s lips as she looked lovingly into her new husband’s eyes.

Luke squashed down his urge to pull her up to the wedding bed and consummate their marriage. But that would have to wait. He only hoped not too long.

While walking to the banquet the family had prepared in their honor, Gillian nudged Luke and suggested the unthinkable.

“
Let us away from this madness, my lord. Our guests are presently engaged and will not miss us,” Gillian said with a smile.

“
And we have a need to be more pleasantly engaged,” Luke promised.

“
I could never deny my lord husband,” Gillian whispered.

“
I believe I will hold you to this promise, wife.”