Chapter 301: Chapter Three Hundred And One

Rowan and Delaney walked slowly down the center stone aisle. They were officially husband and wife. Their arms were linked firmly together. Rowan kept her hand tucked safely against his side.

As they walked closer to the main entrance of the church, Delaney looked at the front doors. She slowed her steps just a little bit.

Her hazel eyes moved away from the doors and looked at the very last row of wooden seats. It was the back pew, hidden slightly in the dark shadows near the entrance.

A sudden, clear memory flashed in her mind.

Just a few months ago, she remembered wearing her dull gray dress. She remembered hiding in the dark shadows of that exact same back pew. She used to sit there, entirely quiet and completely invisible, watching the wealthy lords and ladies walk down this very aisle.

She remembered watching the individuals she had secretly matchmade take their holy oath of marriage. She had watched them smile, kiss, and leave the church to start their happy lives.

She had helped them find true love, but she had always believed that such happiness was strictly forbidden for her. She thought she would die a lonely spinster.

Delaney turned her head and looked up at Rowan.

Rowan was looking down at her, a gentle, highly attentive expression on his face. He saw the slight change in her eyes.

"What is it, my love?" Rowan asked softly, leaning his head closer to hers so he could hear her over the loud organ music.

Delaney smiled. It was a beautiful radiant smile that reached all the way to her bright eyes.

"Nothing is wrong," Delaney replied, her voice filled with wonder. She squeezed his arm gently. "I was just looking at that back pew. I remembered when I would sit in the shadows back there, watching other couples get married. I always watched them from the dark. And now..."

She let out a soft, happy sigh.

"Now," Delaney finished, "I am the one standing in the light. I am the one getting married."

Rowan’s eyes softened completely. He stopped walking for a brief second. He ignored the hundreds of guests standing in the pews around them. He lifted his free hand and gently touched her warm cheek.

"You will never hide in the dark ever again, Delaney," Rowan promised her quietly, his voice a deep, steady rumble. "You belong in the light. You belong with me."

Delaney’s smile grew even wider. She nodded her head.

"I know," she whispered happily.

Rowan smiled back. He guided her gently away from the main doors and turned toward a small door on the side of the entrance.

"Come," Rowan said softly. "We have one final, very serious duty to complete before we face the crowds outside."

Rowan led her out of the main church and into the church vestry.

The vestry was a small, quiet private room. The door closed behind them, completely cutting off the loud, booming music of the organ. The sudden quiet was very peaceful.

Waiting for them inside the room was the elderly clergyman. He was standing behind a solid wooden desk. On the desk rested a massive, thick, leather-bound book. It was the official parish register.

Aunt Margery and Aunt Renee followed them into the small room a moment later. They were there to serve as the two official, legal witnesses required by English law to sign the register.

The mood in the vestry was entirely different from the joyful, loud church. It was deeply serious. This was the exact moment where the religious ceremony became a firm, unbreakable legal reality.

"Welcome, Your Grace. Welcome, Duchess," the clergyman said politely, bowing his head.

Delaney felt a sudden, sharp thrill shoot down her spine at the new title. Duchess. It sounded completely foreign, but incredibly nice and wonderful.

Aunt Margery walked over to Rowan. She reached out and patted his arm affectionately. Her eyes were still red from crying happy tears.

"That was the most beautiful ceremony I have ever seen in my entire life, Rowan," Aunt Margery sniffled softly, holding her lace handkerchief tightly. "Your father and mother would be so incredibly proud of you today."

Rowan smiled kindly at his aunt. "Thank you, Aunt Margery. I know they would be."

Aunt Renee stepped forward and stood beside Delaney. She placed a gentle, comforting hand on Delaney’s shoulder.

"Tu as parfaitement fait, mon cher," (You did perfectly, my dear,) Aunt Renee whispered proudly in her musical French accent. "You spoke your vows so clearly and bravely."

Delaney smiled at her aunt. "I meant every single word."

The clergyman cleared his throat softly, bringing their attention back to the desk.

"If we may proceed, Your Grace," the clergyman requested politely. He gestured to the large, open book.

He picked up a long, white feather quill. He dipped the sharp tip of the quill carefully into a small glass bottle of black ink. He tapped the edge of the glass to remove the extra drops, so the ink would not ruin the pages.

He held the quill out toward Rowan.

"The groom must sign first," the clergyman instructed.

Rowan stepped forward. He took the quill firmly in his right hand. He leaned over the desk. He did not hesitate. His hand was completely steady.

He pressed the tip of the quill to the thick paper. He wrote his full, formal signature with bold, sweeping strokes. Rowan Hamilton, Duke of Ford.

He finished signing and stood up straight. He looked at the black ink on the page. A look of satisfaction crossed his face. It was done. It was legally binding.

Rowan turned and held the quill out to Delaney. He offered her an incredibly warm, encouraging smile.

"Your turn, my wife," Rowan said softly.

Delaney took a slow, deep breath. She stepped up to the wooden desk. She took the feather quill from his hand. Her fingers brushed against his, and he gave her hand a quick, highly reassuring squeeze before letting go.

Delaney looked down at the large book. She saw Rowan’s bold signature. Below it was a completely blank line, waiting for her.

She placed the tip of the quill onto the paper. She focused carefully on her handwriting, making sure it was neat and perfectly elegant.

She wrote her new name. Delaney Hamilton, Duchess of Ford.

She lifted the quill. She stared at the words she had just written. The dark ink looked permanent and absolutely beautiful. She had officially taken his name. They were legally bound together, completely and forever.

Rowan stepped close behind her. He placed his hands gently on her waist. He leaned his head down and pressed a very soft, warm kiss directly to her temple.

"Perfect," Rowan murmured against her skin.

Delaney smiled and handed the quill back to the clergyman.

Next, it was the witnesses’ turn. Aunt Margery stepped forward and signed her name with a dramatic flourishing signature. Aunt Renee took the quill next. She signed her name neatly and precisely, officially witnessing the joyful union.

The clergyman carefully sprinkled fine drying sand over the wet ink. He blew the extra sand away and closed the heavy, leather-bound book with a solid, highly satisfying thump.

"It is completely finished," the clergyman announced with a warm smile. "May God bless your long and happy marriage."

"Thank you, sir," Rowan nodded respectfully.

Rowan turned to Delaney. He offered his right arm to her again.

"Are you ready to face the world outside, my Duchess?" Rowan asked playfully, his brown eyes shining brightly.

Delaney placed her white-gloved hand firmly onto his arm. She held her head high.

"I am completely ready," Delaney answered confidently.