Free Amelia (The Marriage Market Book 1) by Stevie MacFarlane Page A

as they stood before Judge Phillips. She was shaking so hard the netting on her little pink hat trembled. This morning at breakfast, she seemed calm and collected, but that was before she changed into her wedding finery. For some reason, once she put on her wedding dress, she fell apart.
    It was lovely and he was glad he'd thought to hire a photographer at the last minute. While not a typical wedding dress, the pink satin gown with the fitted waist suited her. He didn't like the small bustle, he preferred to have a good view of her bottom, but that was just him and the bustle was in fashion. At home he would insist she wear more natural clothing with easier access as he intended to avail himself of her charms on a regular basis. Based on her response the first night, he was certain she would come to enjoy the physical benefits of marriage. First he had to get through the wedding night.
    It seemed some women were very attached to the little scrap of flesh protecting their virginity. He'd been told it wasn't unusual for certain females to cry for days. That wasn't something he was prepared to tolerate. No wife of his was going to try to make him feel guilty for claiming what was rightfully his.
    He would be gentle, yet firm, but come morning there would be no doubt in her mind to whom she belonged and what was expected of her. Amelia would have the benefit of his name, protection and money. He would have a warm, willing woman in his bed to give him the sons he desired. If they got along, so much the better, but there would be no hysterics or vapors or any of the nonsense his mother pulled to get her way or his sweet wife would be sitting on a very sore hind end.
    It took a moment for him to realize both Judge Phillips and Amelia were staring at him curiously.
    "What? Excuse me," Hugh stammered as a blush spread over his face. Amelia apparently found it amusing.
    "I asked if you take this woman to be your wedded wife," Judge Phillips repeated, scratching his gray head.
    "Yes," he replied a bit too loudly. "I do."
    "Do you promise to love, honor and cherish her for as long as you both shall live?"
    "I do," he repeated, clearing his throat and tugging at his collar.
    "Amelia, do you take this man to be your wedded husband?"
    "I do," she whispered.
    "Do you promise to love, honor and obey him as long as you both shall live?"
    Her slight hesitation was noted by both men who released identical breaths when she replied.
    "I do."
    Hugh smiled and stood oblivious while Judge Phillips made faces at him with an arched eyebrow, obviously waiting for something.
    "What?" Hugh demanded when Amelia looked down at her bouquet and giggled.
    "The ring man, the ring," the judge sighed in frustration.
    "Oh." Searching through multiple pockets, Hugh finally came up with the ring he'd purchased.
    "Place it on her finger and repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed."
    "With this ring, I thee wed," Hugh repeated as he slipped the gold band on her finger with a huge sigh of relief.
    "Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride."
    Hugh smiled at Amelia and tipped her face up to his with a gentle finger under her chin. His lips were soft and warm as he brushed them against her and she felt her shoulders relax.
    Well, it was done. For better or worse she'd married Hugh Jordon. There was no point in worrying about it now. Judge Phillips was congratulating her new husband and signing the certificate.
    "Good luck my dear," he said kindly. "Hugh here is a good man. You could have done a lot worse. I hope you'll be very happy with him, but if not, his money will make up for quite a bit," he chortled merrily.
    "Thanks," Hugh said, shaking his head.
    "I'm just teasing your husband, my dear. I've known Hugh since he was a boy and a finer, more honest man you'll never find. If Hugh Jordon tells you it's so, it's so."
    Amelia leaned in to kiss the old man's cheek just before Hugh took her arm to lead her out of the