Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 25039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 25039 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 125(@200wpm)___ 100(@250wpm)___ 83(@300wpm)
Oh, God.
Heaven felt like laughing and crying again. His answer was clear as day while His peace allowed her to see how hard Micah was trying (but failing) to bask in everyone's adulation.
The other woman didn't know it yet, but God had already marked her as His. And whether Micah wanted it or not, she had no chance of stopping Him from changing her heart.
Just like Heaven had no chance of changing hers...when Hale strode into view.
Panic had Micah trying to block his way, but Rush gently pulled her back. "It's over, Mikey."
Hale's chest tightened in pain at the way Heaven seemed to shrink away at the sight of him.
Heaven braced herself for the worst. Memories of Hale's cruelty were still vivid in her mind, and that...that was a good thing. The shock of his anger would therefore be minimized, and so whatever he...he...
What in the world?
Hale had sunk to his knees in front of her, and the sight had their audience squirming in discomfort.
"Forgive me."
Heaven started to cry.
They were just two words.
Two words, oh God.
Just two words spoken hoarsely in a voice ravaged by remorse.
But it worked better than any command could.
"I know I don't deserve it," Hale said hollowly, "but please..."
His voice cracked, and the sound of it was the final nail in everyone's coffin. It convicted them in the way no accusation could, and forced as they were to remember their own callous enjoyment of Heaven's suffering—-
"Forgive me, Heaven."
Everyone walked away in shame as they heard their boss's voice shake, and while none of them knew this yet, it was also at that moment God had marked them as His.
"I'm begging—-"
"Don't," Heaven choked out. "Please don't."
Hale felt as if his world had stopped spinning with those two words.
It's over. I'm too late. You fucking idiot. Did you really think—-
—-Heaven would suddenly start tugging your hands as if asking you to stand?
God.
Because the sight of her crying as she stared down at him with eyes that were full of love and compassion—-
God.
He rose unsteadily to his feet, and she smiled up at him just like the first day.
God.
That was it in a nutshell.
The miracle of her forgiveness.
Her ability to adore him despite the countless ways he had hurt her.
And the way she was now throwing her arms around him.
Only He could've made this happen.
God, God, God.
His heart felt as if it was about to burst.
And all he could do was squeeze his eyes shut.
God.
He had so many things to explain to her.
So many things to ask forgiveness for.
But right now, there were three words he needed to say above all else.
"I love you."
And in response, his Heaven cupped his face.
Gave him another one of her precious smiles.
Before making Hale yank her back into his arms with her answer.
"I love you, too...but can we please get married before you change your mind again?"
"I love you," Hale groaned as he buried his face in her hair. "I love you. I love you. I love you."
Epilogue
Playlist: Joy to the World (Joyful, Joyful) by Phil Wickham (The Chosen: Live)
FOXTOWN ON CHRISTMAS was always a majestic spectacle, with management sparing no expense in recreating a 19th-century Christmas for its guests. Carriages were adorned for the holidays with silver and gold trimmings. Modistes boasted of new seasonal collections to those wanting to make a splash. And as this was often requested, more and more mistletoes were added in the unlikeliest places to help usher "matches" for the romantically inclined.
Invitations to the most coveted balls usually came with the most prohibitive price tags. This year, however, offered a special surprise. Aryan Hale, the Duke of Ice, was to marry Lady Heaven Gaines in a private ceremony, after which every registered guest of the Regency-themed entertainment park was warmly welcomed to join the newlyweds in this Season's grandest ball.
Aside from a gasp-inducing guest list populated by eligible bachelors (one of which was a mysterious Russian prince who had yet to be named), there were also rumors of a new non-playing character that the management had yet to unveil.
It was the most exciting Christmas yet, but for now...
"Ladies and gentlemen, our newlyweds, His and Her Grace, the Duke and Duchess of Ice."
Thunderous applause greeted the couple as they slowly descended the carpeted staircase, but instead of the traditional waltz, Heaven and Hale were joined by their friends for a wonderfully choreographed quadrille.
Oh, be still, my heart...and lips!
It was Harry who had first spilled the beans about Heaven's dreams of a Regency wedding, and her huband who had then cunningly suggested that Hale make it up to his bride by playing his role to perfection.
Hale had agreed without hesitation at that time, but the thing was...
Absolutely no one had expected her dashing bridegroom to be so incredibly bad at dancing, and she had a feeling even Hale himself hadn't realized he would be this, er, challenged.