The Duchess of York (Colin Bridgerton)

20) A Happily Ever After

Duchess' POV

My heart had been beating abnormally fast all morning. I'm not sure what is making me more uneasy the wedding or the events of the wedding night, to consummate the marriage and the love between us.

Anna had been tying my hair up slightly different to my normal style. Diamond grips in place of soft subtle curls. A spray to keep it from straying to my face. My collar bones strategically enhanced by light powders and I truly did feel beautiful. I felt like a bride.

All the preparation had come down to this very day, all the build up and all the pressure. The perfect flower assortments, the glorious décor, the guest list and the artist for the portrait. It all had taken so much time and exhaustion. But it all had to be completely perfect. And it truly was starting to feel that way.

Colin and I will be married and soon the rest will all be history. Soon all will be well in the world.

My wedding gown was one of Lady Delacroix's bespoke gems. My gown was to the floor in length, an off white shade similar to ivory. The dress exposed my collar bone and the skirt stuck out similar to a princess style dress. My silk gloves went up to my elbows covering my bare arms. Something like no other bride, my gown was something definitely somewhat futuristic. Definitely something far too beautiful for this century.

Lady Danbury would be walking me down the aisle any minute now. My nerves increasing with anticipation. A warm smile appeared beside me as we stood at the church doors.

I felt my lips twist into a smile myself as my mind worked frantically reminding me of all Colin and I's recent encounters. The first night at Lady Danbury's ball when my feet hurt and Colin sat beside me, we joked about everyone at the ball and the eagerness of the ton to marry. How we promenaded, how we chose to lose the expectation of formalities and called each other by our first names.

"The rest of your life is about to begin Annabelle." Lady Danbury's words made my stomach twist into knots.

This was the moment I had spent my life preparing for. I was about to marry my Duke of York.

I took Lady Danbury's arm in mine, both linked together we made our way through the double doors. I I felt a niggling sense of sadness seep though my body. Wishing my own Mama and Papa had been here to see me on my wedding day.

I looked over to Lady Danbury with interest and she simply nodded.

"It's time, your Grace."

Taking each stride slowly, absorbing all the warm smiles of those closest to us.

Viscountess Bridgertons eyes glazed over. Daphne and Simon had a bright smile on their faces. Meanwhile Benedict and Anthony whispered between one another, Lord only knows what that would be about.

My eyes finally landed on the only person I truly wanted to see. Colin, he stood strong at the end on the alter. Stood with his back towards me he made a memorable glance behind his left shoulder. Peering just enough to catch a slight glance at me. Enough to make him turn his full body informally to face me.

It took everything in my body not to giggle at his lack of patience. He seemed more attractive than ever, his eyes full of ocean blue, his smile with his perfect dimple. I know he loves me and my word I love him. So very dearly.

Reaching him, Lady Danbury placed my arm in his.

This was really happening.

Colin gripped my hand with his gentle touch and the ceremony began. What I hadn't expected was that the ceremony would continue for somewhat three hours before our vows could begin.

The archbishop nodded towards Colin after announcing we must now provide our vows.

"I, Colin Bridgerton take you, Annabelle Rothwingham to be my lawful wedded wife. To be true to you, through the good and bad. In sickness and in health. I promise to look after you, protect you and to have and to hold you..." The vows touched my heart and truly made me close the door completely on my past.

"I, Annabelle Rothwingham, take you, Colin Bridgerton as my lawful wedded husband. To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse. Richer or poorer, in sickness and in health. To love and to cherish; from this day forward until death us do part."

Once our vows were exchanged, Colin ever so smoothly slipped off my silk glove, feeling exposed, goose bumps arose on my skin. Colin's touch creating a sensation I had never felt before.

A gold band approached my wedding finger and slid on perfectly.

"With this ring, I thee wed." Colin's words brought a pink flush to my pale cheeks.

Following his actions I placed a similar ring on his wedding finger.

"With this ring, I thee wed."

The archbishop requested everyone to stand.

"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

This was the moment, the one that had brought us both great anticipation.

His ocean eyes starring deep into my soul. His hand extended to my waste, a subtle quiet gasp escaped my mouth. Taking a step closer to one another, I tilt my head up to towards his, he closes the space between us. His tender lips connect to my soft ones. Moving in perfect sync.

We both pull away and I rest my flustered face on his chest for a brief moment.

"I love you wife." He whispers into my ear as he gently rubs my back.

"I love you too, husband" I pull my head back and look up towards him.

My arms linked with his as we walk back down the aisle together. Smiling from ear to ear, our family congratulated us and wished us luck as we made our way out the church and to the carriage that was waiting for us.

"Thank you" I spoke as I took Colin's hand as he helped me into the carriage.

"Annabelle, you truly are glowing." Colin spoke once we had both got ourselves comfy. Before I could respond he continued to speak to me.

"You and I are going to have a wonderful time away, are you excited?" Colin's questions had my thoughts spilling.

"If I am to be truly honest I am just looking forward to spending time with you. Some alone time with you." I rested my hand on his knee.

Colin chuckled.

"I love your enthusiasm, I really do-" His hand moved to rest on mine. "But I am a man of honour and I do not wish to attempt more than you are ready for. For that is all on your terms, my love." My heart fluttered.

I gushed at what he thought I meant. Going along with his conversation I responded.

"I know. It is on my terms that I wish to be close to you on our wedding night." Unaware of this new found confidence, I scooted over closer to his embrace. His arm now wrapped around my body.

"Well my wife shall get whatever it be that she desires." His hand made its way up to my cheek, his fingers resting behind my ear before joining our lips together once more.

The rest of the journey back to the Bridgerton house hold was spent dreaming of our honey moon and what our future will be like.

Wondering how our first day as official Duke and Duchess of York will go.

My future and my life really does begin tonight. My hopes to make history in many ways, to educate myself better, I know Colin will let me have a life that I had always dreamed of. We can build a life together, a life we love. So much certainty came with out marriage, physically, emotionally and financially. We will have a prosperous future.

A happily ever after.

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There we have it, the couple are at last married.

I hope this chapter is all you dreamed of for the new Duke and Duchess of York.

Yet this is just the first part of the wedding day.

Lets see what happens next...

- K x