Aaron led his bride from the family chapel. He’d hastily gone to London and secured the special license the very moment she consented to the union. He wasted no time upon his return taking Emma, Sophia, the nanny, and his butler to the chapel without even changing from his traveling clothes.

He had all he needed: his bride, daughter, and two witnesses along with the minister. There was no reason to delay the wedding and every reason to be hasty about it. It was not until the minister pronounced them husband and wife that he was able to relax. And now, his steps were light, his heart filled with joy, as he led Emma and Sophia from the chaple.

“Are you truly my mama?” Sophia beamed up at Emma.

Emma’s own smile rivaled the sun as she kneeled down to met Sophia’s gaze. “I am.”

Aaron’s heart nearly burst when Emma took Sophia into her embrace. His daughter would never again ache for a mother’s love. For that reason alone, he believe that he and Emma would come to love each other and they would all have a happy rest of their lives, together as a family.

“And I always will be, Princess.” She dropped a kiss on Sophia’s head. “Now let us return to the house so that we might celebrate this most joyous of days.” She kissed Sophia then released her from the embrace. “As I recall you have a surprise for your daddy.”

Sophia took Emma’s hand and they all continued to the carriage. A newfound pride swelled inside of Aaron as he watched the spring in Sophia’s step and the glow on his wife’s face. He did not quite understand how he’d come to be here, but he did know he wouldn’t wish it any other way.

Sophia chatted excitedly on the short ride back to the house while Aaron sat beside Emma holding her hand. Once inside, they went to the dining room where he had ordered their wedding breakfast to be served. White and red flowers decorated the doorway, the corners of the room, and the table just as he’d instructed.

Grinning, he glanced at Emma hopping she would be pleased and the joy in her expression did not disappoint him.

“Do sit, Daddy.” Sophia quickly made her way around the grand mahogany table to find her chair.

Aaron did his daughter’s bidding, moving to take his own seat. A large covered silver platter sat in the middle near the head of the table. He glanced between it and Sophia before reaching out his hand. It must be her surprise for an entire breakfast for three would not fit in it. He took hold of the platter cover’s handle then stilled. “May I.”

“Please do.” Sophia beamed.

He lifted the cover to reveal a grand three tired cake frosted white and decorated with ribbons and pink flowers—Sophia’s favorite color. Could it be? He looked to Sophia. “Is this the cake you made with Emma?”

“The very one.” Sophia nodded her head, her eyes brimming with excitement. “Let us try it, Daddy.”

Aaron motioned a servant forward but before he could cut the cake, another servant swept into the room.

“Your Grace.”

Aaron angled his head toward the footman who’d disturbed their celebration. “Yes.”

“I am sorry to interrupt this most joyous of occasions, however, we have an issue in the foyer that requires your immediate attention.”

Aaron nodded, then rose from his chair exchanging a knowing glance with Emma. Her Uncle and the baron had returned. It seemed they had wed just in time to prevent the men from taking Emma. He forced a worry free continence and turned to Sophia. “I shall return in a moment’s time, Poppet.”

“As will I.” Emma stood, moving toward the door. “We won’t be long.”

Sophia nodded, reached out swiping her finger into the frosting. “Do, hurry.”

When Aaron stepped into the foyer with Emma on his heals he found exactly what he’d expected. The Baron and Emma’s uncle along with a constable.

Her uncle glared at him, a stack of parchment in his hands before turning to the constable. “That is her.”

The constable stepped forward and bowed. “Your Grace, I am afraid this woman belongs to these men.She will have to leave with them.”

“But you are mistaken.” Aaron reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved their marriage certificate. With a cocky grin, he handed it to the constable. “She is legally wed to me and therefore will not be going anywhere.”

The constable drew his brows together, scrutinizing the document. His cheeks colored as he handed it back before turning to the other men. “It seems you have no claim on her.”

“Bullock’s,” Lord Windham exclaimed. “I have a betrothal agreement.”

“There is no crime in breaking a betrothal. Besides, it means nothing when the lady is already married.”

“That license is a fraud. I demand you return her to me this instant.” Lord Windham’s face burned red. “Baxter do something this instant.”

Emma’s uncle stared after them, his jaw a gape.

The constable handed the license back to Aaron, then turned on Lord Windham. “I am afraid not, my lord. The document is legal and binding. They were wed this very morning by authority of the Arch Bishop of Canterbury.” He placed a guiding hand on Lord Windham’s arm. “You have no grounds to contest the union.”

Aaron smirked in triumph. “If you will excuse us. My wife and I have much to celebrate.”

The constable turned back to them and gave a bow. “Of course, Your Grace, Duchess. I am most sorry to have interrupted.”

Aaron placed a protective hand on Emma’s back and began leading her away.

“You will pay for this Silas! Arrest him at once.” Lord Windham’s shrill voice filled the space.

Emma looked back, causing Aaron to stop. He saw the sorrow in her eyes and it tugged at his heart. How could she care what happened to her uncle after what he’d put her through? The man should rot in debtor’s prison for the rest of his miserable life.

He swallowed back his objections determined to see her happy. After all it was her kindhearted nature that endeared him to her. Leaning in close, Aaron asked in a low voice, “Do you wish to help him?”

She nodded, a flicker of hope passing through her gaze.

“Then consider it done.” He released her and went to stand beside the constable. “There is no need to arrest anyone.”

The Baron sputtered. “Ignore him. This man owes me a great debt that he is unable to settle. I demand you arrest him at once.”

Aaron pulled a satchel from his pocket and flung it at the Baron. “There is your coin.” He peered at Baxter. “You will never set foot near Emma again.”

“I understand. Th…thank you, Your Grace.”

“Do not thank me. It is Emma you owe your gratitude to. I’d have let them hang you for what you’ve done.” He turned his back giving the cut direct and swept Emma back into the dining room. He’d not waste one more precious moment of their lives on the nefarious me.

“We’re back, Princess,” Emma said as they strolled through the door.

“Now let us have cake,” Sophia said, a heaping piece already set before her.

“Indeed.” Emma took her chair, then lifted her fork and stuck it into the decadent slice that had been served for her.

Aaron brimmed with pride, love, and hope for their future as he joined in. Somehow, everything would fall into place. He simply knew it would.