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Courtney closed her eyes, savoring the absolute rightness of Slayde’s e surrounded by those she loved, beckoned by a future that held naught but happiness No other ht fervently This over-whel sense of joy was an incomparable, once-in-a-lifetime experience

She rong

Five days later, on her father’s arreater joy as, clad in exquisite yards of white and silver, she walked down the aisle of a small Devonshire chapel and, before God and man, became Mrs Slayde Huntley

The chapel was filled to capacity, the wedding attended by the entire Pee, Cutterton, and a swarm

of guards, all of ere relaxed for the first tie that, just this once, neither Courtney nor Aurora had any intention of bolting At the head of the chapel were Lexley and Mr Scollard, bealow, her s itself around Courtney as it declared them sisters

Courtney’s heart swelled as she reached Slayde’s side, saw the pride and love reflected on his handso Arthur Johnston a reassuring look that told Courtney’s father all he needed to know—that his child would be loved and protected for the rest of her life With an answering smile, her father squeezed Courtney’s arm and turned her over to the man she loved

They exchanged vows, Slayde’s voice strong and sure, her own equally certain, their gazes locked as Slayde slid the gold band onto the fourth finger of her left hand

“Two halves, now a far greater whole,” heher lips with his

“Far greater” Tears shimmered on Courtney’s lashes “Greater than all life’s obstacles combined” She sed “I love you, Slayde”

Slayde’s eyes darkened and, defying protocol yet again, he framed Courtney’s face between his pal kiss “God, I love you, Mrs Huntley”

As if on cue, the entire chapel rang with applause

Chuckling, Slayde raised his head, capturing Courtney’s hand in his “Come, love,” he said, “I believe our future awaits”

With that, he guided his bride into the throng of ishers

And the Huntley name lived on