The valet cleared his throat. “And I think I’ll let Miss Rives answer your last question.”
In a daze, Ian allowed Hepburn to oversee his toilet, which involved a loud protest over the state of his former employer’s hair as he trimmed it, the best shave Ian had received in months, and a full report on how Henry had fared during Hepburn’s brief tenure with his friend.
“If I may be frank, sir,” he said. “Mr. Eden doesn’t need me half as much as you do.”
Ian fought a smile while the valet helped him into a gray morning coat. “I missed you too, old man.”
Hepburn made a harumph in the back of his throat and held the door open. “Your lady awaits.”
As Ian tore down the corridor, he ignored the pleas to mind his hair.
When he emerged on deck, the sun rising over the English Channel momentarily blinded him. It was a miracle it had appeared at all in the dead of winter. His eyesight adjusted, and he scanned the open deck. A small cluster of people huddled in two groups, forming a makeshift aisle.
Diana stood at the end, shining brighter than the winter sun.
She wore a simple ivory gown with little embellishment beyond a lace overlay. A fur capelet and muff protected her from the frigid air. No veil would have survived the wind on deck.
Instead, she wore a tiara of emeralds.
As she caught sight of him, her face broke into a smile that no artist could capture. The one that could have launched a thousand ships and broken a thousand hearts.
It had healed his own.
Ian staggered across the deck. Before he could reach for Diana, Hepburn interceded and forced his arms into an overcoat of fine black cashmere.
Finally, he curled his arm around Diana’s waist and gathered her close.
Her smile glittered as she raised her beautiful brow. “Did you know that a ship’s captain has the authority to preside over marriages?”
“I did,” he confirmed as he caressed her face.
“Then, Ian Genaro Holt. My scheming friend. My love. Will you promise to spend forever with me, in an official and legal capacity, as my wedded husband?”
Ian slipped the emerald and diamond ring around her finger as his mouth descended on hers. He warmed her cold lips with the heat of his kiss.
“I do.”