"I will," Delaney replied clearly. Her voice was steady, sweet, and completely confident.
The vicar smiled kindly. He closed the large book slightly, resting his hands on the cover.
"Before we proceed to the giving of the rings," the vicar spoke softly, altering the strict ceremony just slightly to allow for a deeply personal moment. "The Duke has requested a brief moment to speak directly to his bride."
A soft murmur of pleasant surprise rippled through the seated guests. Personal vows were highly unusual in a proper of that era wedding, but the Duke of Hamilton was a very powerful man, and he made his own rules.
Rowan completely turned his body to fully face Delaney. He reached out his left hand and took her other hand, holding both of her hands firmly in his. He gently pulled her just an inch closer.
He looked down at her face, visible through the soft mist of the lace veil. His eyes were entirely serious, completely open, and deeply vulnerable.
