The Duke's Rose (Completed)

Chapter 12. 1815 

Nathaniel stared at his fiancé, his heart overflowing with love and his eyes swimming with tears. He was going to be a father. Olivia was carrying his child.
Olivia took his hands, squeezing them gently. "Are you happy?"
Nathaniel smiled brilliantly and kissed her. "I am thrilled my love."
Olivia relaxed, returning his kiss. "I'm glad, because I am thrilled as well. I cannot wait to become a mother."
Nathaniel held her tightly. "I cannot wait to become a father. Which means we must change the date of our wedding."
Olivia giggled. "Dearest, we have not even set a date yet. Unless you had one in mind."
Nathaniel chuckled. "I was wanting to do it next month, however I believe we may have to do it sooner."
Olivia. "Why not a small intimate service two weeks from this evening?"
Nathaniel beamed. "Wonderful. We can have our family present without any other guests."
Olivia. "A perfect idea."
Nathaniel. "For the moment, let us enjoy our night."
Olivia smiled. "I agree."
They danced together for the remainder of the waltz, and the other waltzes that followed. They couldn't take their eyes away from one another, knowing their bond was growing stronger. Within two weeks, they would become husband and wife. And, before the year was over, they would welcome their first child into the world.
***
Three hours later, Nathaniel and Olivia arrived to Sutherland Park. Climbing out of the carriage, they walked into the estate and headed up the stairs toward their chamber. They had their own celebration to enjoy.
Once the door was closed, Nathaniel brought Olivia tightly against him, his lips crushing hers with a passionate kiss. "I desire you."
Olivia felt her body become hot. "I desire you as well."
Within moments, their lips came careening together once more, their fingertips quickly removing one another's clothing without the use of magic. Skin against skin, they fell onto the bed, their bodies becoming intertwined. Fire and passion consumed them, and they fell into ecstasy.
***
Two weeks later, on a clear and beautiful morning, Nathaniel and Olivia stood before the minister in the London chapel. The intimate service was observed by their mothers and their siblings, along with Arthur and Cornelia. Sunlight sparkled brilliantly through the large glass windows.
For their wedding attire, Nathaniel and Olivia decided to keep things simple. Olivia wore an elegant cream silk gown with off the shoulder sleeves, a sweetheart neckline decorated with lace, and cream silk gloves. Her hair was fixed into a braided bun with two curls on either side of her temples.
Nathaniel was wearing a cream button up shirt under a black satin waist coat, white cravat, black trousers and black boots. He decided to not wear his jacket, due to the lovely weather they were having. He didn't want to overheat.
Minister. "Do you, Lord Nathaniel Anthony George Dawson, Duke of Sutherland, take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?"
Nathaniel. "I do."
Minister. "And do you, Olivia Elizabeth Adelaide Hathaway, take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?"
Olivia. "I do."
The minister smiled. "Then by the power given to me by the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife."
Nathaniel took Olivia into his arms and kissed her passionately. He would have easily continued, if not for their family watching them with smiles of joy. He came away, his eyes dancing. "I love you my darling."
Olivia smiled, returning his kiss. "I love you my dear."
Kissing once again, they turned and smiled at their families. At last, they were united, both in matrimony and as bonded dragons. They're burning future was only beginning.