Chapter 13
Lately, Gideon and the maids had been acting all kinds of suspicious.
Every time they saw me, they looked like they’d just seen a ghost.
At first, I was curious. But no one would say a word.
All they’d tell me was that the General had a surprise for me.
Eventually, I got tired of asking. If it was a surprise, they’d spill eventually.
And sure enough, one day I walked into my room and there it was-a red wedding gown spread across my bed.
Delicate butterflies and blooming flowers embroidered on the sleeves,
gold thread, sequins, and lace sewn into the collar.
The General was sitting at the edge of the bed, watching me.
So, darlin’. Do you like it?”
ran my fingers over the fabric, smiling without meaning to.
Jack when I took Seraphina’s place, the dress had been made for her.
his one was mine. All mine.
I’ve been meaning to do this right,” he said softly.
You’ve been calling my name in your sleep lately.”
Sounded like you were scared I’d leave you. Broke my damn heart.”
Captain Silas says it’s a lack of… security.”
That even though you’re my wife, we never had a real ceremony.”
So I want to fix that. I want to marry you-properly.”
knew he wasn’t the kind of man who cared much for romance.
le lived in the barracks more than our home, didn’t bother with sweet talk.
ut this… this meant everything.
When the wedding day came, he wanted a full parade-horse-drawn carriage, trumpets, banners.
refused.
We were already husband and wife.
here was no need to draw attention or hurt his reputation.
We decided to hold the ceremony quietly at home.
The whole garrison showed up.
had no family to speak of, so he arranged for boxes of dowry-things he’d gathered for me over time.
de wore his dress uniform, I wore the red gown he gave me.
We stood before the altar, offered prayers to his ancestors,
bowed to heaven and earth, and finally, to each other.
Then I was carried into the bridal chamber.
Outside, the soldiers drank and laughed and cheered.
And inside, I waited, heart racing, veil over my face.
I heard his footsteps approaching.
He lifted the veil slowly-he looked different today, softer, calmer.
No armor, no weapons. Just him. A little drunk, a little flushed.
“Everyone’s been tellin’ me I hit the jackpot marrying you.”
I couldn’t help but smile.
It wasn’t long after that we found out-I was pregnant.
