Chapter 335: Chapter Three Hundred And Thirty Five
They spent the next hour in the bedroom, slowly getting ready for the long day ahead, both of them dressing each other.
Rowan stood behind her, his large, nimble fingers carefully fastening the tiny row of buttons running down the back of her cotton dress. He pressed soft warm kisses to her bare skin before hiding it beneath the fabric.
After that, Delaney stood in front of him, her small hands reaching up to carefully tie his crisp white linen cravat. She smoothed the dark lapels of his casual morning coat, ensuring he looked perfect.
They went downstairs and had a wonderful, hot breakfast together in the small dining room. For the very first time in their lives, they did not have to sit at the opposite ends of a formal dining table. They sat completely next to each other, sharing their food and talking quietly.
They did a lot of peaceful relaxing activities together till the evening finally arrived.
They walked hand-in-hand through the wide, open green meadow. They picked bright wildflowers and brought them back to the cottage. Rowan read aloud from a book of poetry while Delaney sat comfortably on his lap. They ignored the outside world, entirely focusing only on each other.
The sun eventually set, painting the sky in deep, dark shades of purple and black.
After having a delicious roasted dinner, Mrs. Emma cleaned the kitchen, bowed respectfully, and left the cottage to return to her own home in the village. The cottage was completely theirs once again.
Delaney walked up to the master bedroom. She went to the large wooden chest sitting at the foot of the bed. She opened the lid and brought out a thick warm dark wool blanket and three soft white pillows from the bed.
She carried the bedding out through the double glass doors and walked directly onto the spacious balcony.
Rowan was standing near the fireplace. He watched her carry the blankets outside. He followed her out onto the cool balcony, curious about her new plan.
"What are you doing, Del?" Rowan asked softly. He leaned his tall frame casually against the wooden doorframe, crossing his arms over his chest.
Delaney did not answer him immediately. She laid the thick wool blanket flat on the floor of the balcony. She arranged the soft white pillows neatly at the top, creating a comfortable warm pallet on the floor.
"Just watch," Delaney replied playfully, offering him a secretive smile over her shoulder.
After she finished arranging the comfortable blankets, she sat down on the wool. She patted her hand firmly on the empty space right beside her.
Rowan smiled. He unfolded his arms, walked across the balcony, took off his boots and sat down beside her.
The night air was slightly crisp and cool, but the thick wool blanket protected them from the chill. Rowan immediately reached his arm out and wrapped it securely around Delaneyโs shoulders. He pulled her against his side, offering her his warm body heat.
Delaney rested her head comfortably against his broad shoulder. They both tilted their heads back and looked up at the sky.
The night sky was filled with thousands of bright, sparkling stars.
They stayed right beside each other, holding each other tightly as they watched the glowing stars light up the night.
Delaney looked at a particularly bright star that seemed to flicker slightly.
"Do you think the stars ever get tired of staying exactly in the same place?" Delaney asked softly, breaking the peaceful silence. She pointed her small finger toward the sky. "I think that one over there wants to run away." She made a joke about a star running away from its constellation.
Rowan looked up at the sky, and then he looked down at her.
A teasing light danced in his eyes. He absolutely could not resist the perfect opportunity to tease his wife.
"Run away?" Rowan spoke, his deep voice taking on a slow thoughtful tone. "Like a certain person running away by jumping a high balcony in the middle of the dark night?"
Delaney gasped softly. Her hazel eyes widened completely.
She turned her head and looked directly at him. He was making a direct, teasing callback to the very night she ran away from the ball three years ago.
"If you tease me too much, Your Grace," Delaney warned him playfully, narrowing her eyes at his amused face. "I will jump off this balcony right now and run away again."
Rowanโs playful, teasing smile vanished.
His face became completely serious. His eyes darkened. He moved his hand from her shoulder. He wrapped both of his arms around her, pulling her onto his lap so she was completely surrounded by his strength.
He leaned his head down, bringing his face close to hers.
"No matter where you go," Rowan spoke softly. His deep voice was low and rough. He looked deeply into her soul. "No matter how many years it will take, Delaney... I will always find you. Always."
Delaneyโs breath hitched in her throat. The depth of his love completely overwhelmed her heart.
She reached her arms out and hugged him tightly. She buried her face into the warm, safe curve of his neck. She knew, with certainty, that he spoke the entire truth. He would completely tear the entire world apart to find her if she was ever lost.
"I know," Delaney whispered softly against his skin. "I will never run away from you."
Rowan closed his eyes and hugged her back fiercely, resting his cheek gently against the top of her dark hair.
After a long quiet moment, Rowan pulled back just slightly. He looked down at her face.
"Can you do something for me?" Rowan made a soft, gentle request.
"Anything," Delaney replied immediately.
"Can you sing that exact Lullaby you were singing when you wanted to jump off the balcony that night?" Rowan asked quietly. "I also heard you singing it in your room. It was the most beautiful, sad sound I had ever heard. I want to hear it again, but this time, I want to hear you sing it when you are happy."
Delaney nodded her head slowly.
She leaned her head back against his strong shoulder. She looked up at the sparkling night sky.
Then she started singing.
Her sweet voice carried clearly in the cool, quiet night air. The old lullaby, which used to be a sad comfort in her dark, lonely room, now sounded like a joyful song of peace.
As the final note of the lullaby faded away into the silent night, a bright streak of white light suddenly flashed directly across the dark sky.
They both watched a shooting star pass by over the silent, green meadow.
Rowan closed his eyes and wished. " I wish to be with Delaney forever in good health and happiness."
He whispered to her as he kissed the top of her hair. " I love you, Del."
Delaney smiled. " I love you too, Rowan."
THE END...
