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(Tw: Brief Sexual Content)

Dearest reader,

It has been said it is always calm before the storm, but this author believes otherwise. After all the scandals this season endured, a celebration finally came to light after the rain, indeed. To many, it may come as a surprise, but to this author, it was a garden waiting to be tended. It seems love prevails over all thorns, finding our most precious flowers blossoming with the other for all eternity. Yes, dear reader, the day Miss Elizabeth Windsor and Anthony Bridgerton marry has arrived.

Lady Whistledown, 1814

Anthony Bridgerton used to consider the sunset after the rain the most beautiful thing to exist. The way a mixture of fiery orange, vibrant bronze, royal blue, and deep purple colors would collide against the other was a sight for sore eyes. It was a time where he felt truly at peace, granting him the needed breath of fresh air and an escape from the weight of responsibilities. The sunset was the most beautiful phenomenon that God had created and he felt the most blessed to witness it to its magnitude.

But the sunset didn't come close to what he considered beautiful now.

The church was lavishly decorated with an assortment of flowers. A combination of tulips, lilacs, and lilies roamed in every corner. Everyone was dressed in their extravagant dresses and tuxedos, their faces becoming adorned with smiles and excited anticipation, but Anthony couldn't care less about them.

How could he?

It was impossible when the sun of his life was approaching him – Elizabeth, the representation of beauty and his future wife.

Never in his entire life could he have imagined finding happiness. He had settled for a life of darkness and a life full of black of white, but meeting Elizabeth painted his life golden. She was resplendent, the most magnificent and ethereal woman to have ever graced his existence. He had never seen true beauty until her and no sunsets could compare to how breathtaking she is.

With every step she took, the more in love with her he fell. It was something maddening, but enchanting to experience. Something out of fairytales and romance novels. The more he admired her, the more full his heart became. He loved her with his entire being, more than he ever has. Even if they weren't united under the eyes of God, he already considered her his wife.

Tears of happiness gathered in Anthony's eyes and Elizabeth's smile couldn't be contained. After years of putting others above her, she finally chose herself. She chose to follow her heart and chose love. It didn't matter how many people were watching her as all she cared for was reaching the light of her life. All she cared for was marrying the man she loved with her entire existence and the man she already considered her husband.

As Elizabeth and her mother reached the altar, Victoria placed a kiss on her cheek before leading her to Anthony. The soon-to-be newlyweds smiled at each other as Anthony reached for her hand and held it tightly. She handed her bouquet to Adelaide and hastily locked her remaining hand with his, gently squeezing it and relishing in his warmth.

The archbishop began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God and this congregation to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony."

Both of them felt their hearts pounding against their chests and the adrenaline rushing through their veins. It was exhilarating knowing they would be connected for life after today. Their lives would now begin and they were more than joyous for their start. The formalities of the wedding continued, but the words faded as they could only focus on each other.

Anthony's rich brown eyes were the most beautiful she had ever seen. With the light striking them, they resembled a melted pot of gold and brought out the sparkle she loved. His smile was captivating and entrancing, making her forget about everything and everyone as her world was standing right in front.

Nothing else mattered, but them.

"I, Anthony Bridgerton, take you, Elizabeth Windsor, to be my wedded wife to have and to hold," Anthony firmly declared, admiring the beauty of her smile becoming brighter than all the stars in the night sky. "I vow to always protect you and bring you eternal joy. I will forever love you with my entire heart and soul, through thick and thin, my heart will always call your name."

"I, Elizabeth Windsor, take you, Anthony Bridgerton, to be my wedded husband to have and to hold," Elizabeth proclaimed, her voice speaking in a softer voice that was only addressed to him. "With every beat of my heart, I will love you unconditionally and be your comfort. In every lifetime, I will choose you, always and forever."

"And by the joining of hands, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the archbishop finally proclaimed the most anticipated words.

Anthony and Elizabeth came together at the same time. Their lips connected into a delicate yet passionate kiss, expressing everything they cherished in their hearts and were now able to express freely. The crowd stood up with applause and celebrated the newlyweds, but it was as if the world around them became forgotten. The time, the place, the reason, everything was faded as the only important thing was happening right in front.

After all the hardships, the pain, the scandals, it was finally their time. A life full of joy and love had finally arrived and they wouldn't waste a second of it. For the first time, they chose themselves and nothing would wreck the heaven they created.

__________________

The newlyweds approached the center of the floor for their first dance as husband and wife. Guests and family gathered around them, excitement and joy emitting from those closest to them as finally after the storm, the calm arrived.

A gentle bow was exchanged between them as the melody began. Their right hand came around as they circled each other, allowing their eyes to express the love that had once been contained. From their left hand coming around, the world soon became a distant memory. It was as if everyone had vanished into thin air and they were the only ones remaining. Soon, both of their hands came together, their fingers colliding against the other and embracing the tenderness of their warmth.

Not even when the gentle applause emerged did their spell disappear. Only their touch, their love, and their connected souls were present. Their carefree smiles and laughter drowned out the melody, both of them creating their own song that would be treasured for all eternity.

Elizabeth and Anthony were each other's half. Without the other, they would be destined to perish into the abyss. Neither would be able to continue just like no one would be able to survive without their heart. Like the sky needs stars, the earth needs the sun, and the moon needs the sun to shine, the link between them tied them together into their invisible string.

Amidst the chaos, they found their missing piece and completed each other. It didn't matter if from the start they pushed their love away. One look into each other's eyes brought them the spark that had been turned off. The light returned to their lives and for the first time, their fates were brighter than all the stars in the universe.

Deep inside, Elizabeth always knew it was him she was destined to be with. No amount of convincing or claiming to dislike him sufficed. She loved him from the start. She became whole at first glance and she would forever thank the heavens for making her realize it on time. With Anthony, she was right where she belonged.

Just like she knew it from the very beginning, Anthony was certain that she was the paradise he was seeking. Ever since she appeared, he was frightened by the electricity that shocked him. He tried running away from it by hiding, believing it would be an answer to the mesmerizing enigma she was. All of those attempts were foolish of him and he would be eternally grateful for having followed his heart.

God, he loved Elizabeth.

And she loved him.

They coursed through the floor in perfect sync. Anthony's face was aching from how much he was smiling and Elizabeth was certainly experiencing the same. They didn't even notice when the melody ended and switched to another, or when the rest of the guests joined their dance. Like mentioned before, nothing mattered. As long as they had each other, it was enough. They were husband and wife and nothing would bring them apart. Not even death, for both of them would find each other in the afterlife.

"You are breathtaking, my beloved wife," Anthony softly spoke mere centimeters from her. "And that dress, it is one in a million like you."

Elizabeth placed her hand against his cheek, soon tracing it down to his chin to bring him closer. "And it will look amazing on the floor of our bedroom."

He pulled her closer by the waist, a grand urge of passion traveling across his body and making him savor their imminent wedding night. "I, for one, cannot wait to remove it."

"Are you flirting with me, Lord Bridgerton?" Elizabeth teasingly said. "I happen to be married, so I am afraid your attempts are in vain."

"Married?" Anthony pretended to be shocked as he held her with potency. "What has that lad done to deserve someone as mesmerizing as a woman like you? Surely, I can steal you from him."

"I am afraid you cannot, because I am incredibly in love with my husband," Elizabeth stated, her gaze lowering down to his lips in desperate need for a taste.

He hummed in thought for a moment, "That is remarkable to hear, because I heard that your husband loves you more than anything. You are truly the brilliance of all the stars combined and his guiding light amidst the night."

Beaming with delight at the man she was overjoyed to call her husband, Elizabeth didn't waste a second longer and leaned in to land a tender kiss. "I love you, more than anything. You have bewitched me ever since our first sight and I will spend the rest of our lives assuring you of it."

Anthony collided his lips against hers, holding her firmly against him and memorizing every moment of today. "You are incomparable and the most beautiful woman to exist. I love you more than you can ever imagine and I promise to always remind you until my last breath."

She smiled, "Is that a promise, Anthony Bridgerton?"

He leaned forward, their foreheads now pressing against the other, "It is a promise, Elizabeth Marjorie Bridgerton."

__________________

Running hand in hand to their forever home, Elizabeth and Anthony stumbled over various steps from how high they were with all the happiness and love. Today had been the best day of their lives and now it was time for their special moment.

Anthony gently pushed Elizabeth against the door of his chambers. His lips ran down her neck all the way down to the start of her breasts, where her dress allowed him to touch. "You are sensational," he whispered to her, his hands hastily searching for the straps of her dress and untying them.

Elizabeth didn't have a chance to respond back as she was astounded by his lips tracing from her neck all the way down. She gasped with pleasure, the adrenaline coursing through her veins and making her body burn with desire. Her hands ran through his silky locks before resting against his chest to unbutton his white dress shirt, quickly tossing it across the room and hungrily kissing him as if her life depended on it.

Anthony brought her to their bed and lowered himself to where he was on top. He placed a kiss against her forehead before crashing his lips unceremoniously against hers. She breathed heavily as he went lower, emitting pleasurable kisses down to her stomach and to the side of her legs. His hands wandered to every corner of his wife's body, learning the hidden secrets and unlocking the vault of her dreams and desires. She truly was the most exquisite and beautiful woman he had ever seen.

"Is this still alright?" Anthony asked and put a pause on his touches. "Are you certain about this?"

Elizabeth eagerly nodded as she leaned forward, her hand cupping his cheek and her lips placing a kiss onto his. "More than alright. I have never been more certain about anything in my life."

He smiled at her words and placed love marks all around her body. Despite this not being his first time, he considered this moment the only one that mattered. She was his first and he was hers. The past didn't matter as only the present and their futures were of importance. If Anthony could go back in time, he would choose Elizabeth every single time as long as she would also choose him. He was hers and she was his. Forever and always.

Overcome with love and passion, Anthony hastily unbuckled his belt and removed his pants. She felt her heart race at the sight and the blood rushing to her cheeks, casting a warm glow upon her skin. Her body burned with lust as all she thought of was how she wanted him. More than anything.

Elizabeth followed his guidance and gasped as he positioned himself between her legs. He ran his fingers against her thighs, emitting shivers to run down her skin and make her desire less uncontrollable. She had dreamt of him many times. More than she could count. They involved the forbidden and how exhilarating it felt, but her dreams were nothing compared to this.

This moment was better.

So much better.

Anthony eased himself inside her, a groan of pleasure escaping his lips and matching her delighted moan. With every thrust, every touch, and every breath, they were overcome with adrenaline and immense ecstasy. They held each other's hand through every movement, their fingers intertwining into a strong hold that would forever connect them.

"My Elizabeth," he gasped at her touch, "You are perfect."

"My Anthony," she breathed against him, pulling him closer by his shoulders.

After many years of perdition, they had finally reached heaven. They were free of their burdens and free to be themselves. It took lots of searching and acceptance, but in the end, it was worth it. They were finally one and nothing would ever change that.

Anthony kissed her passionately and gazed into her enchanting eyes, "I love you, my beautiful wife."

Elizabeth smiled as stars flooded her eyes at the glorious sight, "I love you, my incredible husband." 

Months later

"Viscountess," Anthony whispered into his wife's ear as she finished dressing herself. "You really outdid yourself today."

Smiling, she dove into his touch and melted at his kiss, "You know me. My duties are extremely important."

He closed his eyes at her dulcet aroma of lilacs, admiring her scent and becoming devoted to her enchantment. "Perhaps we should go again since you are so dutiful."

Elizabeth softly laughed and turned to face him, her arms wrapping themselves around him to pull him closer. "I would love nothing more, but our family is waiting for us outside. We do not want them to think we have forgotten about them."

Anthony groaned in complaint as he followed her out the door, "Fine, but tonight, it will be ours."

She gazed at him with a flirtatious look and squeezed his hand, "Prepare yourself to be amazed."

Both of them had to focus extremely hard on their family waiting for them outside to refrain from heading back to the bedroom. It didn't matter if they just returned from their honeymoon. They only wanted each other and the location wouldn't change a single thing, but for now, they needed to head out to the garden at Aubrey Hall for a game of pall-mall.

"Ah! Here they are!" Lady Danbury announced as they walked down the steps toward the others.

"Yes," Violet smiled in delight. "And not a moment too soon."

Colin breathed in relief, "Perhaps we may begin playing?"

"Hoping to get your inevitable defeat over with, brother?" Benedict teased as he and Colin took their spots.

Daphne eagerly acquired her mallet while Eloise tossed the ball in between her hands. Clearly dismayed over the newlyweds taking their beloved time.

"Right, we've all picked, but left the mallet of death," Eloise pointed out.

Elizabeth and Anthony exchanged mischievous looks, but before he could prepare himself for her next move, he suddenly felt a stomp against his foot. Sure enough, she acquired the mallet just like she did the first time they played together.

"I believe this is mine now," she teased and twirled with it victoriously.

Anthony pretended to be vexed, but he loved seeing her smile and the delight her triumph brought her that he couldn't contain his happiness. "Only because you cheated."

She gasped and placed a hand against her heart, "I did no such thing."

Eloise quickly agreed, "She's right. She won fair and square."

Anthony teasingly rolled his eyes before grabbing the pink mallet, "Never mind then. I guess this will be mine from now on."

Daphne tilted her head at him, "I rather think it will match the shade of your embarrassment when you use it." She chuckled at his supposed vexation before turning back to the rest, "Now, who is to begin?"

Eloise and Benedict rushed to the ball in an attempt to take the first shot, but in spite of being smaller, she acquired the upper hand and sent the ball flying across the garden straight into her wicket. She raised her mallet into the air and cheered, "I got it!"

Colin chuckled, "The game has finally started, then."

Anthony gazed in his wife's direction and approached her, "You do know it was your turn she took."

She shook her head in denial, "It was not. You are just trying to cheat your way into winning."

"That is not true," Anthony remarked as both of them followed the others. "She is now your sister, so she did take your turn."

"And since when has this become a rule?" Elizabeth questioned, narrowing her eyes in curiosity. "If anything, she took your turn as well."

"You could not be more wrong."

She quickly disagreed, "Oh, I am sure you'd like that. Won't you?"

"Hmm, perhaps I do," Anthony rested his hands on her waist and she smiled delightedly. She turned around and rested against his chest, melting into the feeling of his lips against her cheek.

"I suppose that means they are cutting out," Daphne said as she looked to the rest of her siblings for agreement, to which they greatly offered.

"No! We are not cutting out!" Anthony declared.

Elizabeth agreed, "Not a chance!"

However, Anthony seemed to reconsider when imagining all the time they could have alone. "Or perhaps we could take the opportunity to return upstairs?"

She scoffed and slightly leaned away, "And lose the game? I thought you knew me better than to believe I would accept defeat."

Anthony smiled at her competitive nature. There would be no use arguing against her since she would emerge as the winner. Instead, he caressed her cheek and brought her closer to land a kiss to her beautiful lips. She softened at his graze and lost focus on everything, holding him tightly and diving into this divine splendor.

The others watched happily at the couple, finally finding peace in knowing happiness was finally obtained after months of complications. They knew from the very start that they would find their way to each other and it was a remarkable sight seeing their beliefs come to light.

As everyone walked away, Daphne smiled in ecstasy at finally seeing her brother choose happiness. It was all she ever wanted for him and now she felt much more at ease heading home, knowing her brother would be in great hands with the woman that reciprocated his love.

Elizabeth smiled through their kiss and ran her hands through his locks, "Ready?"

Anthony landed a kiss on her forehead and nodded, "Always."

With their arms interlocked, they headed further into the garden as they prepared themselves for the greatest afternoon and all the rest that would follow.

Author's Note

And just like that, season 2 is now over! Next up, season 3!
You have no idea how excited I am to write them in their happy, married era! After everything they went through, they deserve something good!

Hope you guys liked the chapter!
Let me know what you think!

Don't be a ghost reader! Comment and vote!

Not to self promo, but if you'd like, you can read my other stories as you wait for the next act!

Also, since I'm posting this before the year ends, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year! Thank you for all the support and lovely comments! It means everything!

Here's to 2025 being an incredible year!