Lucy Surrenders by Maggie Ryan, Blushing Books Page A

reassured her twin, knowing that every single day would be spent in learning what Lucas demanded. Lucy appeared unconvinced, her eyes darting to the door of the chapel where the men were waiting.  "Perhaps Charles would not have wished for all that Lucas might desire," she said as she lowered her eyes and allowed her hands to run down the front of the childish yellow dress.  "I am not frightened to become a wife ... I am frightened to become a child-wife.  I ... I don't think ... I'm not sure I can ... can be like you," Lucy whispered as she finally faced the true aspect of her hesitation.
    Louisa shook her head slowly as her heart ached with the desire to reassure her sister that she could fulfill whatever role her new husband would demand.  "Lucy, you chose Lucas.  You did not choose Charles.  I will not lie to you," she said softly.  "It won't always be easy, but your heart made your choice and you must trust in yourself."  Neither girl was aware when Edward quietly approached them.  He had wondered what was causing their delay and had heard the conversation, though it was quietly spoken.
    "Lucille," he said, and saw both girls give a small start of surprise.  "Lucille, now is the time to tell me the truth.  Is your choice true?"  He held out his hand to her.  If she hesitated, if she showed true fear of marrying the man she had chosen, he knew he would support her.  Though this knowledge truly surprised him, Edward understood that living the life that Lucas would demand would be difficult.  He knew that giving herself to his care, learning at his feet, would require not only love but complete and total submission in all ways.  He knew his ward would often learn her lessons while receiving painful discipline.  Accepting that pain would be hard enough; accepting it without the true desire to submit to the man doling out the discipline would bring neither Lucy nor Lucas the true joy and deep love that he shared with Louisa.
    "Do you truly wish to learn to be the wife in Lucas' bed?  Do you wish to submit and learn to become the special little one you know you must be for your new Papa?  Tell me, Lucy, are you anxious to become the student at Lucas' feet as he becomes your teacher, even though your lessons will be difficult?  Is Lucas the husband, the Papa, and the teacher you desire?  Is Lucas the one man you feel you cannot live your life without?" He asked, his voice soft and full of concern.  Lucy's eyes never left his own, though her face flushed at his words.  Louisa held her breath as she listened to Edward's questions, her mind flashing back to remember her own vows and all the things she had since learned.  She watched as Lucy's face seemed to light from within, her eyes clearing of any doubt, her face flushing prettily as she stepped forward and placed her hand in Edward's.
    "Yes," Lucy whispered only the one word, but it was enough to set her upon the path she would follow for the rest of her life.  Edward pulled her to his chest, hugging her and closing his eyes briefly.
    "Then it is time," he said as he released her to place a kiss on her cheek.  She nodded, her smile accenting her incredible beauty and happiness.  Edward took Louisa's hand as well and led them to the open door of the church.  Lucy's eyes found those of the man she had chosen and her heart filled.  As the three walked slowly to the front, she found all she needed to know reflected in the eyes that held hers captive.  Love and promises of things unimagined flowed into her.  Her blood began to race through her veins.  Her body seemed to vibrate with the desire to fall at his feet; begging to begin to learn to become all he desired.
    Louisa and Edward stepped to the side as Lucas stepped forward.  He took Lucy's hand and placed it in the crook of his arm before covering it with his own.  They stood in front of Pastor Reed, though each only had eyes for the other.  Lucy listened to the pastor read the vows that would