The Thorn of the Rose

It felt like more

Six months later and October's POV...

I stared at the picture of Damaris and I at the gala. She was right, the rose red, mermaid style dress with corset was stunning on her. Her hair was crafted into a beautiful French twist with wisps framing her face. Her makeup was prefect with that bold red lip.

I was in my finest black suit with my hair unbound. I had a red rose pocket square that I did not know would complement her gown, but glad it did. I remember just how my breath was taken away when I watch her walk down the main staircase. I have yet to see a more beautiful sight since.

The night was full of magic with the courtyard bathed in fairy lights with good food and classical music playing from a string quartet. The rose garden was a picturesque backdrop to the gala. Alex and her assistant were like bees, taking pictures of the guests and event.

Damaris was far removed from her usual cold and lofty manner. Her smile was warm and inviting. She chatted and mingled through the gala. A few people had been old acquaintances that were there at the ruins of her engagement party. I heard a handful of comments about how happy Damaris seemed, it was a good thing to see her after all the years, and saying she really looked stunning after her health scare.

I tried not to take up too much of her time and attention, but we always found each other through the night. I lost how many times I took her into my arms and twirled her about the stone floor. Not going to lie, dancing with Damaris amongst the roses with the highlight of the party. She voiced since it was such a drive home, we were more than welcomed to stay the night or longer. I wish I could have stay longer.

The beauty of that night was rocked with another tragedy. Sweet Martha, dressed in a lovely yellow gown with her late husband's tartan sash draped across her chest. She was sitting at one of the tables, watching the dancers when a smile broadened on her face. She reached out her hand to the air. Then...she was gone. She simple slumped into her chair, passing away as the music played. Damaris was at her side the moment after it happened for, we noticed her hand rising into the air. Martha looked so serene in her passing.

This time, Damaris did not lock up the estate or hide in pain. The grand re-opening still happened, now in honor of Martha who was buried next to Stuart on the estate grounds in the family cemetery. The estate was bursting with life with the touring and the overnight guests. Every social platform seemed to be flooded with pictures of the estate and people sharing their wonderful experiences.

Damaris was there, ensuring what Martha had wished for would come to fruition. With the distance between us, we made sure to make time to talk on the phone. She talked about the events that were lined up and what was coming. I talked about my latest projects and what we had planned. I always joked about her joining only fans to see what I was doing. She would laugh, I knew she was rolling her eyes. When we were able to be together, it was mind blowing and always leaving us wanting more.

I was pulled from my thoughts would I heard a knock on my front door. I slipped my phone into my pocket to see who it was. Hoping it was the delivery guy with dinner, I got some money out, ready for a tip. I opened the door.

"Paying me to see you is not necessary." A familiar voice sounded. Looking up, a smile broke across my face. Damaris was there in a black winter coat. Her hair was hidden in a knit hat to keep the cold air from her ears. There were two large suitcases next to her.

"You're home." I gathered her into a hug. Damaris had been out of the country for the last several weeks, visiting her father in England. In Martha's will, she expressed to Damaris to reconnected with her father before it was too late. Martha had been keeping tabs on Lord Dennis over the years. I was holding Damaris's hand when she called her father after the reading of the will. Just say, it turned out to be a good conversation between the father and daughter.