Free To Love, Honor, and Obey... (Fated for Love) by Ella J. Quince

with my father’s health, exceptions will have to be made.”
    “Oh.” She probably should have been disappointed that she wouldn’t get a large wedding, but in fact, that was farthest from her mind.
    “We will marry by special license as soon as one can be procured ,” he added. “Is that all right?”
    “Yes, given the circumstances, that would be best. I’m not sure my mother will be particularly pleased, absurd as that sounds.” She faced forward again and frowned at that thought.
    “Don’t worry about that. Father already insisted he be the one to inform your family, so there won’t be any mischief. You’re my betrothed now, and that means you have the Willowton name behind you, though you’ve really had it all along.” Chance smirked. His father would be exceedingly pleased, and Chance was very pleased, if a little uncomfortable. It was hard to focus with her bottom pressed against his groin. It took all his self-control to keep his thoughts banal enough to not shock her to her innocent toes. Cresting a hill, he could see the stables of her family’s small manor.
    “I will leave you in the stables, if that is all right with you.”
    “Of course.” She turned and smiled at him. “You smell like a cow pat.”
    Chance chuckled. “I could say the same of you, porcupette.”
    *~~*
    Chance returned home and changed. His father was resting in his room, so Chance headed to the Library to work on estate matters. A little while later, his father’s man summoned him to his room. Chance was surprised to find his father standing, leaning heavily on the windowsill as he looked out over the land.
    “Father, should you be up?”
    “It feel’s good to stretch my limbs occasionally. A man needs to move, Chance.”
    “Not if it might kill you.”
    The duke shuffled around to face him. “I’ll not leave this world until I see you put a ring on her finger. Do you have good news for me?”
    “I do.” Chance took a seat on an ornate chair by the empty hearth. “Obedience is agreeable.”
    “Good.” His father smiled. “I sent a letter to the Archbishop immediately after breakfast. He and I are long standing acquaintances, and he owes me a favor. ” The duke chuckled.
    “She is also aware that the nuptials will be hasty.”
    “Good, let the begetting of an heir also be hasty.”
    “Father,” Chance groaned. “We can rush one, but I’m afraid the other is completely out of my hands.”
    The duke sighed. “I can live with that. I look forward to the ceremony and having Obedience under our roof. She brings the warmth of the sun with her wherever she goes.”
    “Yes, she certainly does,” Chance mused and thought of her barely clad bottom in the breeches. She certainly made him feel warmer. “When can we expect to hear from the Archbishop?”
    “Most likely the end of the week, but I see no reason to delay our plans . He won’t deny a dying man. Obedience may wish to have a dress made, you know how women are, and I wish to have dinner with her family, so I can inform them properly.”
    “Obedience was grateful to have that burden shed from her shoulders.”
    “Yes, well, dealing with her mother is as tricky as kissing a snake. I’ve seen it done, mind you, but I’ve never done it myself. If I can, I will spare Obedience any venom.”
    Chance nodded. “It will be fine. With your reputation and my status in town, it would be social suicide to be cut from us.”
    “Be that as it may, that woman is short a few bells in her steeple. I want to ensure there is nothing that could ruin the moment. It should be special, something you both will always remember without regret, though I will regret that things must be done in such haste.”
    “Do not waste any more time with talk of regrets, Father. Although unorthodox, this is still a time for celebration for all of us.”
    “Ever the optimist, Chance. I know our tenant’s will be in good hands. They call me The Bear Duke . Perhaps they will call you The