Compromised by the Duke (Completed)

Chapter 10. 1812 

One month after discovering she was with child, Jacqueline was standing in Bridget's bedroom at Bradford Park, smiling as her soon to be sister-in-law slid into her wedding gown. She couldn't believe that James and Bridget would be having their wedding and bonding ceremony two months after she and Nathaniel did. What was more, she and Bridget were sharing motherhood together.
Bridget smiled, placing one hand on her small round belly. She had discovered she was carrying her pups two weeks ago, and couldn't wait to meet them. "I cannot believe today is the day."
Jacqueline smiled. "Believe it my dear Bridget. James is going to take very good care of you. You are going to be Lady Bridget Bradford, Baroness Bradford."
Bridget giggled, her bright blue eyes sparkling. "I know, it doesn't seem real. It also doesn't seem real that you and I are going to be mothers together."
Jacqueline giggled. "That I cannot believe either. However, I wouldn't share this beautiful journey with anyone else but you."
Bridget. "I wouldn't want to share this with anyone else except you."
Jacqueline took a few steps back to admire Bridget. She was wearing a cream silk gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Blue and lavender diamonds decorated the bodice, and her dark brown hair was fixed into a braided bun. Cream silk gloves completed her ensemble.
Bridget. "How do I look? Is the gown too simple?"
Jacqueline shook her head. "You look magnificent Bridget. James is not going to be able to take his eyes off you."
Bridget giggled. "Thank you Jacqueline. You look magnificent."
Jacqueline returned her smile. Her baby bump was exposed perfectly in a powder blue silk gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Blue and white diamonds decorated the bodice, and her hair was fixed into an elaborate bun with a soft curl on either side of her temples. "Thank you Bridget."
Bridget took a breath. "All right, I think I'm ready. No, I know I am ready."
Jacqueline giggled, squeezing her fingers softly. "It is completely normal to feel nervous, I was on my wedding day. But don't fret, you and James are going to be with Selena, and she is going to take care of you."
Bridget. "But what if something happens?"
Jacqueline took her gloved fingertips into her own gloved hands, squeezing them gently. "Nothing is going to happen, I promise. Everything is going to be fine."
Taking a breath, Bridget slowly relaxed. "You always know what to say Jacqueline. I am so grateful that you and I are going to be sisters."
Jacqueline gave her a gentle squeeze. "I am grateful for that as well. And Nathaniel and James are going to be brothers."
Nathaniel. "We certainly are."
Jacqueline and Bridget turned and smiled at him. He was looking very dashing in a three-piece black silk suit with a powder blue button up shirt white cravat and black boots. His blue green eyes danced with excitement and admiration.
Jacqueline walked over and kissed him sweetly. "You look ravishing my dear."
Nathaniel returned her kiss, caressing her cheek. "Thank you my love, and you look beautiful."
Jacqueline. "Bridget looks lovely as well doesn't she?"
Nathaniel glanced at Bridget and smiled. "She looks equally as beautiful. James is going to be very pleased."
Bridget smiled before taking another breath. "All right, I believe it is time we make our way downstairs to the bonding hall."
Nathaniel and Jacqueline agreed, and the three of them stepped out of the bedroom and made their way downstairs to the hall that would be used for the bonding ceremony. Like the one at Rutland Park, the hall at Bradford Park was decorated elaborately with candles and crystal vases filled with roses. A large and glittering chandelier hung on the ceiling.
Jacqueline squeezed Bridget's hand softly before stepping away with Nathaniel to join their families. She smiled proudly as she watched Bridget and James come together in the center of the hall, their eyes fixed on each other and no one else. Moments later, she noticed Selena materializing into the room and stepping toward the couple.
James and Bridget performed the same rituals that every other bonded couple performed. Their wrists were bound with a silver ribbon, and then their palms were sliced, their blood joining together in the chalice. They were on their knees before Selena, receiving her blessings for a happy union. Their eyes never left each other.
Nathaniel squeezed Jacqueline's hand. "We get to share everything together."
Jacqueline smiled, squeezing his hand back. "We certainly do."
Moments later, Selena gave the final blessing. James and Bridget stood before the moon goddess, their eyes fixed on each other with a magnetic gaze of love and passion. They were declared husband and wife, Barron and Baroness Bradford.
Jacqueline smiled brightly, wiping away a few tears as she watched her brother and his mate finally come together in marriage. She noticed that their markings were a little different from her own. They were beautiful, consisting of a dark red heart surrounded by a silver crescent moon.
James and Bridget came away from their passionate kiss and embrace, smiling at their guests before turning and leading them to the ballroom next-door. They had found their happily ever after, and no one would take that away from them. Their bond was unbreakable.