Ivy stood in front of the mirror, her heart fluttering with excitement and nerves as she smoothed down the skirt of her wedding gown. The ivory dress was a simple cut with intricate beadwork that caught the light with every movement. Her blonde hair was swept up into an elegant chignon with tendrils framing her face. It most likely wouldn't stay this tidy for long, but she enjoyed knowing she looked proper, at least for now.

"Oh, Ivy." Lady Wycliffe's voice, thick with emotion, drew her attention. She stood in the doorway, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "You look absolutely beautiful, my darling."

"Thank you." Ivy turned, her own eyes welling up as she embraced the older woman. "I can't believe this day is finally here."

It had taken two weeks to get everything in order, which—all in all—wasn't too terrible, but had still been too long as far as she was concerned. She wanted to be Sam's wife, and she wanted it now. But today was finally the day.

"I always knew you were destined for great things." Her mother, Mrs Edwards, had helped her get ready and cupped her cheek with a tender hand. "And now look at you, about to marry the love of your life. I couldn't ask for more."

A knock on the door interrupted their moment, and Ivy's sisters, Lily, Marigold, and Rose, entered, their faces alight with excitement.

"Oh, Ivy!" Lily exclaimed, rushing up to embrace her. "You look stunning!"

"Mr Hemsworth won't be able to take his eyes off you," Marigold added with a mischievous grin.

Rose, always the more practical one, stepped forward with a gift box in her hands. "We have something for you," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "A gift from all of us."

Ivy accepted the box with trembling hands, her heart swelling with love for her family—both old and new. Inside, nestled on a bed of muslin, was a delicate silver locket. She lifted it reverently, running her fingertips over the intricate engraving.

"Open it," Rose urged softly.

With a gentle click, the locket opened to reveal a miniature portrait of the Edwards on one side and a portrait of the Wycliffes on the other. Ivy's breath caught in her throat, tears spilling down her cheeks.

"This way, you can keep your parents with you wherever you are," Lily said, then added with a smile, "Both sets of them."

"It's perfect," Ivy whispered. "Thank you."

As her sisters helped her fasten the locket around her neck, Ivy tried to hold back the well of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. So much had happened, but no matter what, she knew she was loved. And that meant everything.

"Are you ready?" Lily asked. "Everyone is waiting for you."

Taking a deep breath, Ivy allowed her mothers and sisters to help her with the final touches before taking her downstairs. The Edwards family home had been transformed for the occasion, flowers adorning every surface and the scent of freshly baked cake wafting through the air. Ivy couldn't wait to return home for the wedding breakfast.

Especially as she had not eaten that morning, and her stomach made a loud rumble as another waft of fresh baked goods tickled her nostrils.

Lily giggled. "I thought that might happen. You forgot to eat, didn't you?"

"Yes." Ivy nodded glumly. "Did the men already go to the church?"

"They did, so let's get going." Her mother ushered her into the waiting carriage before following behind while Lady Wycliffe, Rose, and Marigold climbed into a second one.

Lily sat down next to Ivy, and as the vehicle lurched into motion, she opened her reticule and pulled out something wrapped in a napkin. As she revealed a piece of lemon cake, Ivy's stomach growled.

"Here." She smiled, handing Ivy the cake. "We can't have you fainting at the ceremony."

"Thank you," Ivy said in between bites. She was ravenous. How had she not realised until now? Oh right, because she's been busy fretting about getting married. "You're definitely the best sister. Don't tell the others."

They glanced at their mother who rolled her eyes, but the corners of her mouth twitched.

It didn't take long for them to reach the small Tilbury church, and they were met at the doors by her father, Mr Edwards, and Lord Wycliffe. An agreement had been reached that both men would be allowed to walk Ivy down the aisle, and with a smile, she linked her arms with theirs while her mother and sister snuck into the church to take their seats.

With her nerves aflutter, Ivy entered the church, rather happy that she had someone on each side to make sure she didn't faint from the spurt of anxious energy flowing through her. Or lack of food. But then she caught sight of Sam at the front of the church, waiting for her, and everything calmed. He looked devastatingly handsome in his dark tailcoat and white shirt, his smile warm with love and anticipation.

As she walked down the aisle, she could feel the eyes of their gathered friends and family upon her, but her gaze remained fixed on Sam, her heart swelling with each step. Soon he would be hers. And she would be his.

Forever.

The ceremony passed in a blur, and before Ivy knew it, the vicar was pronouncing them husband and wife. Once everything finished, and they could exit the church as husband and wife, her stomach was grumbling again and she couldn't wait for the wedding breakfast to start. Or if Lily had some more of that lemon cake hidden away.

Hand in hand, they made their way down the path by the church, grinning from ear to ear as their guests showered them with rose petals and well-wishes. Darcy bounded alongside them, his tail wagging furiously and his bark joining the chorus of cheers.

As they reached the carriage that would take them back to Orchard Cottage, her father and Lord Wycliffe appeared next to them. After placing a kiss on Ivy's cheek, he turned to Sam, his eyes suspiciously bright.

"Take care of our girl," he said gruffly, clapping Sam on the shoulder.

Lord Wycliffe stood behind him, nodding with a grim set to his mouth, but even his eyes were moist in the corners.

"Always," Sam promised, his fingers lacing with Ivy's as they climbed into the carriage.

As soon as they rounded the corner and were out of sight of the crowd, Sam pulled her close for their first kiss as a married couple, and a rush of love and happiness so intense it took her breath away washed over her.

"Finally," Sam mumbled against her skin as he traced kisses down her neck. "These past two weeks have been awful. Everyone has been intent on keeping us apart until the wedding night, I swear."

She giggled as he nipped the sensitive skin below her ear. "Well, no one can keep us apart tonight."

Lifting his head, he grinned. "Damn right."

The wedding breakfast was held in the Orchard Cottage gardens, the trees and bushes decorated with white ribbons and lanterns. Tables scattered amongst the blooming flowerbeds were laden with food and drink. Ivy found herself swept up in a whirlwind of hugs and congratulations, her cheeks aching from smiling so much.

Was it normal to be this happy? She wasn't sure but also didn't care if it was.

"Congratulations, my dear." Lady Wycliffe embraced her warmly, her eyes sparkling with joy. "I'm so happy for you both."

"Thank you." Ivy returned the hug, still marvelling at the unexpected turn her life had taken. "I can't tell you how much it means to have you here today."

"We wouldn't have missed it for the world," Lord Wycliffe said, his usually stern features softened. "You are a part of our family, Ivy. Never forget that. Any time you need anything—anything—you can call upon us."

Tears pricked at Ivy's eyes, and she nodded, not trusting her voice. She had gained so much in the past year—not just a husband, but a whole new family who loved and accepted her unconditionally. It was unfair how she had two loving families, while Sam had none. She hoped one day he could reconcile with his father. Or if not with him, at least with his half-sisters. Everyone deserved to have a family.

Until then, she would be his family.

As the afternoon wore on, Ivy found herself gravitating towards her oldest and dearest friends. Olivia, Alice, Imogen, and Nell were all there to celebrate her special day, their unwavering support never-ending.

"I can't believe our Ivy is a married woman now," Olivia said, linking her arm with Ivy's as they strolled through the garden. "It seems only yesterday we were giggling over gothic novels and dreaming of our own adventures."

"And now Ivy is living her own love story," Nell added, her eyes twinkling. "Complete with a dashing hero and a happily ever after."

Ivy laughed, her cheeks flushing. "It hasn't always been easy," she admitted. "But I wouldn't change a thing. Sam is my everything."

"And you are his," Imogen said, her American accent lilting with warmth. "Anyone can see the way he looks at you. Like you hung the moon and stars."

"I feel the same way about him," Ivy confessed, her gaze drifting to where Sam stood, deep in conversation with her brother Ash. As if sensing her attention, he looked up, his eyes locking with hers. Heat welled up inside her as she remembered they had a whole night ahead. Would it be terribly rude of her to suggest the guests all leave now?

"No one but Ivy could fall in love with a former butler and end up with a future viscount." Alice shook her head but a smile played at the corners of her mouth.

"No one but Ivy," Olivia agreed with a giggle.

"Well, I for one can't wait to see what the future holds for you both," Nell declared, raising her glass of champagne in a toast. "To Ivy and Sam, and a lifetime of love and happiness!"

"To Ivy and Sam!" the others echoed, their voices ringing out over the garden.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the proceedings, Ivy found herself in Sam's arms in a secluded part of the garden, away from prying eyes and ears. They swayed to music only they could hear, Sam's hand warm against the small of her back, and his breath tickling her ear.

"I can't believe you're really mine," he murmured, his fingers tracing the delicate row of buttons on her back. "I keep thinking I'll wake up and find it was all a dream."

"It's not a dream." She tilted her head back to meet his gaze, smiling. "And if it is, then it had better never end because I'm quite fond of it. You and me, together forever."

"Forever," he agreed, lowering his head to capture her lips in a sweet, lingering kiss.

As they swayed together under the twinkling light of the stars, surrounded by the love and laughter of their friends and family, Ivy felt a sense of peace and belonging settle over her. This was where she was meant to be. In the arms of the man she loved, with a future full of endless possibilities stretching out before them.

And as Sam held her close, his heartbeat steady and strong beneath her cheek, she knew that whatever challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. For they had something rare and precious, something worth fighting for.

They had love, in all its imperfect, messy, wonderful glory.

THE END

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