She was my wife. No man deserved such a prize. I felt like the luckiest man in all the land and sea.
The ceremony was short and traditional, then we all circled round for hugs and hearty handshakes.
It was lovely to see my precious girl chatting with other women. They seemed to welcome Maggie completely, as I overheard Clementine inviting her to visit anytime she liked.
I thanked the pastor before he left for another wedding, then we descended on Clementine’s lavish feast. The afternoon was a blur of chatter, wonderful food, stories, and plans for the future.
It was hard to concentrate on anything but Maggie’s pretty face, but she was so determined to be polite that I couldn’t drag her away.
Just as the sun was beginning to set, I noticed that everything had been put away, as Clementine’s friends bustled around the kitchen. The festivities seemed to be drawing to a close.
The crew all shook my hand again, leaving quickly.
Clementine gave Maggie a quick hug, then embraced me. “I’m staying at Beatrice’s house tonight.”
Before she could say another word, the ladies dashed out the front door, leaving Maggie and I blissfully and completely alone.
I checked that both the front and back door were locked so we wouldn’t be disturbed. Taking Maggie’s hand, I led her up the stairs.
At the end of the hall, Clementine’s bedroom door was wide open. The simple furniture was all in solid oak, elegant and timeless. There was an enormous bed with a few rose petals scattered across it, and a dim lamp to the side.
Maggie was already smiling as she looked around. I closed the door behind us, then gathered my beautiful new bride in my arms.
“That was the best wedding a girl could ever hope for,” she said softly as she gazed up at me. “I’ve heard of families fussing and fighting for weeks over wedding details, but this was just perfect.”
“Always good to put the lads to work,” I chuckled.
Her beautiful blue eyes shone up at me, full of love and promise.
“You’re so beautiful, my darling girl,” I murmured. “But I also love that you’re kind, clever, and resourceful.”
She looked so delicate in that nearly-white dress, a flower tucked in her hair. Sweet and innocent. A deep shudder ran up my spine as if the devil himself had danced on my grave.
“What is it?” she whispered.
I shook my head. “To think what might’ve happened to you yesterday. You were clever to keep that handful of herbs and drop some as a marker.”
Maggie nodded gravely. “I know. If I had gotten on that boat…” She shivered, hiding her face against my chest. “Please – let’s never speak of it again.”
“Anything you wish, my darling.”
I would never mention that I would be inquiring with the local dockmasters for news of any strange occurrences, knowing full well I would eventually hear of a certain man’s disappearance. I needed to confirm that he was well and truly gone.
“I’m glad you like it here at Clementine’s,” I said softly as I began unbuttoning the back of her dress. “I’ll never put you in danger again, so you’ll be staying here from time to time. But also, it seems that being with other ladies for a few days might be good for a young lass.”
“I don’t ever want to be away from you.” Her exaggerated pout made me laugh. “But I understand.”
After helping her remove her clothing, tossing the garments over a chair, I sucked in a harsh breath.
My blushing new bride was breathtaking in every way. My hands instantly latched onto her soft but firm breasts, caressing her gently. I stared down at the curve of her hips, and the lovely shadow between her thighs.
A soft cry escaped her lips as my thumbs passed over her dusky rose nipples, then she reached up to unbutton my shirt. “Undress with me,” she barely breathed.
“Anything for you, my darling.” I picked her up, loving her squealing giggle as I laid her across the center of the bed.
I loved that she was so quick to laugh. So full of life. Pulling off my shirt, I tossed it aside as I leaned in to give her a deep, passionate kiss. “I love you, Maggie,” I murmured. “I truly am the luckiest man on land or sea.”
Her eyes softened as she reached up to stroke my cheek. “And I’m the luckiest girl, Levi.”