Theo opened the door and Violette pulled the covers over her head. She didn’t want to face Ryker in her current state or anyone else for the matter.

“What is the meaning of this?” Ryker demanded.

Theo gave a low rumble. “We’re getting married, Ryker.”

“Again?” Ryker sounded even more irritated. “How did you manipulate her this time?”

There was a long pause but Theo finally answered. “I promised her I’d stay.”

“Well I’ll be damned.” Ryker gave a slow chuckle. “And you’ll marry as soon as the banns can be posted?”

“Yes,” Theo growled. “Now can you leave us in peace?”

“No,” Ryker replied and Violette heard the distinct sound of rustling clothing. “As her chaperone for this trip, I must insist you return to your room. I’ll not tell your mother about this incident.” He was clearly speaking to her. “But I expect that it will not be repeated.”

“Ryker,” Theo’s voice held a note of warning. “I remember your courtship with Tricia. I wasn’t that young. And I know it involved a great deal of sneaking about.”

The sound of flesh hitting flesh made Violette pull the covers off her head. She was just in time to see Ryker take a swing at Theo as he sidestepped the blow.

“That is for your sister and the mother of my—” Ryker stood taut, his stance wide, his fists up.

“Understood.” Theo held his side. “I just meant for you not to judge me so harshly.”

Ryker’s body relaxed as his hands dropped. “Fair enough. But I’ve promised to bring back a daughter unharmed and I will keep my promise.”

Theo gave a nod and then turned back to her. “Good night, my love.”

But an idea that could not wait popped into her head. Tonight was about them and their adventure. “Theo,” she called and both Ryker and Theo stopped. “How about we marry on one of your ships?”

“Out to sea?” he asked, grinning.

“We’ll have the church ceremony after for our families, but for us…”

“An adventure.” He crossed the room, and bending down, gave her one last kiss. “It’s perfect.”

Then straightening, he whispered. “We’ll arrange everything in the morning.”

“I cannot agree to this,” Ryker protested.

“We’ll have a formal wedding in two weeks’ time, Ryker. No one will be the wiser.” Theo straightened. “And you can rest assured that Violette is well within societal strictures.”

Ryker’s shoulders slumped. “Your sister is going to have my head.”

Violette gave a tiny squeak. She was getting married in what was proving to be a great adventure. It couldn’t be any more exciting than that. Except, of course, for the wedding night. That was most definitely going to be the most exciting part of all.

She woke with the sun the next morning, though she’d only slept for a few hours she couldn’t stay in bed any longer.

She ordered a bath and breakfast and then sat, carefully dressing her hair.

“Violette?” Tricia called as she knocked. “Can I speak with you?”

Violette crossed to unlock the door as butterflies danced in her stomach. Tricia had been trying to help her yesterday and Violette had undone Tricia’s plan. But the other woman didn’t look angry and Tricia gave her a soft smile. “Let me help you with your hair.”

Violet gave a nod. “You’re not terribly angry are you?”

“No,” Tricia answered. “Though the wedding I’m less than certain about. If your mother ever found out…”

“We’ll be discreet. Theo and I both need to do this on our own terms.” Violette sat and Tricia began to pile her hair on top of her head. “But you’re not upset that I ruined your plan?”

“Of course not. This was my plan. And you didn’t even have to fall off a horse.” Tricia gave her a wink. “Theo needed to see you’d walk away to help him understand what he’d be losing.”

Understanding dawned on Violette’s face. Tricia had manipulated them both. Even as irritation coursed through her, she realized that her soon-to-be sister-in-law had helped her and Theo reach the literal heart of their relationship. “I see.”

Tricia gave her a wink. “Everyone else could see he was in love. But, like many of us, life clouds our understanding of our feelings.”

She nodded. “Thank you for your help.”

Tricia placed her hand on Violette’s shoulder. “I’m so excited to be gaining another sister.”

Another knock sounded at the door. Tricia slid the last pin in place and Violette rose to answer it.

Theo stood on the other side, grinning at her. “Theo,” she couldn’t keep the excitement out of her voice.

Theo stepped into the room, taking her hand and kissing it. That nervousness she always felt in his presence tickled her insides now. “Hello.”

His deep voice made her shiver in the best way.

Then he turned to Tricia. “I promise to leave the door ajar, but would you give us a moment please?”

Tricia narrowed her gaze at Theo but she nodded. “I will be in the hall.”

Then she stepped out. After she left, Theo pulled a box from his pocket. He handed it to Violette. “The ship will leave in an hour. But I wanted you to have this before we set sail as a token of my affection.”

Taking the box, Violette flipped open the lid to find a sparkling amethyst ring nestled in silk. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured as her fingers trembling. The stone was large and expertly cut, held in place by tiny bands of gold. It was exquisite and her breath trembled as she stared at it.

“Your hair and eyes are such a rich brown, I thought the purple would look lovely,” he said as he pulled out the ring and slipped it on her finger.

“It’s one of my favorite stones.” She looked at the ring sparkling on her finger. “How did you know?”

He leaned in and gave her a soft kiss, his hand clasping hers. “It’s one of mine too. One of the many things we have in common.”

“Thank you.” She longed to kiss him again, to kiss him more deeply but that would have to wait. He took a slow step back. “I will see you in an hour.”

“An hour,” she repeated, smiling to herself.

That hour crept by, though Tricia tried to keep her company. Finally, another knock came at the door. Theo stood in the front, Ryker and Luke behind him. A fourth man she didn’t know stood at the back. Theo took her hand. “Ready?”

“Ready.” She gave him a tremulous smile. Excited nervousness made her hand tremble and he gave it a squeeze.

“Violette, this is my friend, Lord Casterly.” Theo turned to the man she didn’t know.

She’d no idea when he’d arrived or how he knew to come but she was glad to meet one of Theo’s friends. “A pleasure.” She dipped in a curtsey.

“Likewise.” He nodded. “And it’s simply Rex.”

He was a sinfully handsome man with an air of danger that must make many a woman swoon. Not that he compared with Theo.

They walked out of the inn and began the short walk down to the pier. Captain Reginal stood waiting for them aboard a large ship. It looked new and sailors were painting her name on the hull. She had been named, Marriage Maker.

“I purchased her yesterday from the local boat yard. Unfortunately, I could only get the one.” Theo wrapped an arm about her waist. “I thought you might be willing to travel to another yard to further north with me to purchase the other ship?” He leaned closer to her ear. “I know it isn’t a proper honeymoon but after our next ceremony, I thought we might sail to France.”

She gasped. “France would be lovely. And I think it’s wonderful that we’ll replenish your fleet.” It didn’t need to be said but it was understood that their duties would come first.

He gave her a soft smile. “I knew you’d understand.”

She leaned in to whisper, “I’m sure our trip north will be filled with plenty of new adventures.”

Someone coughed behind her and she looked back to see Rex with his eyebrows raised. Her cheeks heated as she realized he’d overheard her and understood her implied meaning.

But Theo led her up the gangplank and she didn’t have time to respond before she was being whisked on deck.

They sailed out to sea, and once they were far enough from shore, the Captain joined them on the deck. Clasping hands, they each repeated the vows Captain Reginal asked them to promise.

“I will love, honor, and cherish you always.” Violette didn’t even blink as she stared into Theo’s eyes. She meant every word.

He repeated the commitment. “I will love, honor, and cherish you always.” Then pausing, he added, “With God as my witness, I’ll not leave your side until death do us part.”

Violette’s breath caught. “And I promise to stay by your side no matter where we go.”

He kissed her then and Captain Reginal declared them husband and wife.

Violette held her new husband’s hand, unable to believe where the past few days had taken her. No marriage of convenience but a love match with a man with whom she could share her secret hopes and dreams. She was truly blessed.

Theo held Violette’s hand as they headed into the captain’s quarters for the wedding breakfast. Looking over at his wife, a hope he hadn’t experienced in years, rose up in his chest. Together, they would have everything they’d dreamed of.

Tricia came to give Violette a hug and Rex came to his other side, shaking his hand. “Congratulations, my friend.”

He returned the shake and gave a chuckle. “Surely you don’t mean that.”

Rex gave a rakish grin. “I do. While the thought of marriage sounds dreadful to me, it would seem you’ve found to woman who could make the institution less so.” Rex rubbed his jaw with the flat of his hand. “I haven’t had a chance to tell you. But I won’t be leaving England for some time either.”

Theo grimaced. “What’s happened?”

Rex shook his head. “It’s a story for another day. But I will stay long enough to attend your second wedding.”

Theo smiled gratefully. “I have to head north to find a replacement ship. I’ll search for you as well. But I am wondering if you’ve time to do something for me.”

Rex nodded. “I’m sure I can.”

“Fetch Violette’s brother and sister. Violette’s mother is in no condition to travel and I am certain she’ll want her family to attend our more public ceremony.”

Rex let out a long breath. “Last week I was sailing across the Atlantic. This week, I’m to play nanny.”

Theo grinned. “I do apologize.” Then he paused, his eyes narrowing on his friend. “Make sure to bring a proper chaperone and keep your hands to yourself.”

Rex grimaced. “What are you talking about? Are they not children?”

“Daffodil is eighteen and, from what I hear, a beauty.” Theo stepped closer. “Do not put her in a compromising—”

Rex held up his hand. “Say no more. I’ve no wish to acquire a wife.”

Theo nodded. “Thank you, Rex.”

He was glad the conversation ended when it did because Violette was by his side. Placing his arm at her waist, they mingled together.

The ship was already returning to the harbor, to allow their guests to depart. They would stay on board however and continue on to the boat yard.

“What will Tricia and Ryker do?” Violette asked as they stole a quiet moment.

“Wait for us. We’ll have to return together.” Theo kissed the back of her hand. “But Luke will return home. He is anxious to be with Tabbie. And Rex is going to fetch your brother and sister.”

Her eyes widened and she gave him a broad smile. “Wonderful.”

“Now,” he leaned down close to her ear, “Let’s see our guests off. We’ve a honeymoon to begin.”