“I already showed you what that is for.” Julian leaned close so only her ears could hear. “This morning? The electron-spin.”
“Oh, right,” she purred. “I remember.”
He pulled her arms up around his neck. Her protruding abdomen rubbed his groin and he had to temper his body’s overzealous reaction. He leaned in to nuzzle the flora of her hair, winding his fingers through the silken strands, careful not to loosen her flowers. He pressed his lips to her forehead. “I love you.”
She snuggled against him. “Mmm. And I you. By the by, you have far superseded your quota today by at least a dozen recitations. And this is only the first time I’ve seen you since dawn.”
“You don’t say? I was keenly unaware hand-written proclamations of how I plan to show my love later tonight counted. Wouldn’t wish to supersede my tally. I’ll have to bear that in mind hence and make allowances.”
“Do. Not. Dare.” Her finger poked his chest upon each word.
Sporting a side-long smirk, he fished the handkerchief from his pocket. “For you.” He studied the dimple in her chin as she unwrapped the cloth.
She gasped, holding up the pin. Her eyes lit to that luminous glassy-green which always waited for him in his best fantasies.
“You found it?” She held the watch’s face to her cheek, as though warming it with her skin.
“Look on the back.” He brought it down and flipped it over.
“Willomena Antoniette Thornton.” She shook her head, beaming. “How did you ever make time to have it engraved again?”
Julian helped her pin the watch on her bodice. “I begged some assistance from a mutual friend.”
Tears sparkled behind her gaze. Julian savored the vision. In the past, Willow would’ve despised falling prey to such a sissified display of emotion. But during these last few months of her pregnancy, she’d surrendered the fight and simply let herself weep at the drop of a hat. Julian found her new vulnerability very alluring, and had told her so countless times.
“Thank you,” she whispered, lifting to her bare toes so she could kiss him, uncaring as to the startled gasps and clucking tongues of their spectators.
“This is highly improper behavior,” came Aunt Enya’s muttered reproach from over his shoulder. Willow’s lips curved to an impish smirk beneath his as they finished the kiss—taking their time about it.
Once they’d parted, Willow punched his ribs playfully. “Auntie is right, you insatiable rogue. Your audience awaits.” With a flick of her chin, she gestured to the gathering crowd who had softened their conversations to a low murmur.
Julian traced her full lower lip with his thumb. “That would be our audience.”
Her eyebrows arched curiously. “No. You alone deserve the acclaim, Julian. You designed the ride.”
“They are not here to celebrate some petty ride. They’re here to witness a wedding. Or so said their invitations.”
“A wedding? Whose?”
Judge Arlington took his place as Julian and Willow’s family blended into the audience, knowing smiles on all of their faces. It had grown so quiet that even the birds and wind seemed to hush in the lull.
Julian knelt to one knee, reaching for Willow’s hand. His lungs tightened, contracting to the point he could hardly catch a breath. His tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth and sweat beaded his brow. He felt every bit as anxious as the first time he confessed his love. “Willomena Antoniette Thornton.” He swallowed. “Will you marry me again … here before the cream of society?” Another swallow. “To prove once and for all that I am proud to have you by my side for life, in the off chance you still have any doubts.”
Her bottom lip disappeared beneath her top teeth, an obvious attempt to hold back tears. “You planned this, for me?” She glanced over his head at their family. “And all of you knew?”
“They helped with the planning, in fact.” Julian nodded toward the mirrored façade and the boats drifting behind her. “All the way down to our sailing into Wonderland. We are to take the maiden cruise together.” He kissed her knuckles.
Her eyes settled on him again and she patted her belly. “It’s rather obvious I’m no longer a maiden, il mio piccolo cavolo.”
Hearty chuckles from several of the men in the audience stirred Julian to smile. Responding to Willow’s tug on his hand, he stood. She threw her arms around him.
He held her close. “Are you happy then … happy enough to never need wander any further than our rides will take us?”
“I am.”
“Then I’ll see you stay that way.” He stretched her to arm’s length. Holding her gaze, he positioned her to face him in front of Judge Arlington.
The judge opened his Bible. Before he spoke, Julian held up his hand. “Wait.” He drew out his journal from his pocket and flipped through the pages. Finding this morning’s entry, he marked out the final task then tucked the book away.
His fingers laced through Willow’s as they faced each other once more, and at last, he inhaled.
End
Now that you’ve finished The Hummingbird Heart, please help support the author by writing an honest review on Amazon, Goodreads, and other online sales sites of your choice. Authors make their living off of sales, and reviews are the most effective way for new readers to discover their books. Many thanks! Also, be sure to watch for the next installment in the Haunted Hearts Legacy, The Glass Butterfly, coming your way August 15, 2018!
A. G. Howard, The Hummingbird Heart
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