Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66387 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 332(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 221(@300wpm)
I’m positive I look ridiculous.
I don’t care.
“Do you still think you’re going to hyperventilate?” Jenna asks, watching me carefully. She and Ellie have been hovering as Mary and the representative from Givenchy, the designer of my dress, make the final tweaks to the gown.
“I might pass out.”
“A princess doesn’t faint,” Mary says sternly.
“I’m not a princess yet.” Jenna holds my gaze, keeping my attention on her. She’s so pretty in her pink dress with its matching jacket and hat. “You look really nice in pink.”
“It’s my signature collah,” she says with a wink.
“I love Steel Magnolias,” I whisper. “Good grief, I’m sweating.”
“Do not sweat in my dress,” the designer says with a pointed stare. “We don’t want sweat stains under your arms in your wedding portrait.”
“No pressure.” I take a deep breath. “It would have been better if I could have seen Sebastian this morning. I wouldn’t be so nervous.”
“It’s bad luck to see the groom on your wedding day,” Ellie reminds me as she takes the paper bag out of my hand and replaces it with a glass of water. “Drink this. No more blowing in that thing. You’re ruining your makeup.”
“You’re bossy,” I accuse her. Ellie laughs.
“I’m the youngest. Of course, I am.”
“She’s ready for the veil,” Mary says, and Jenna retrieves it from the hanger, then passes it to Mary.
“It’s the best part,” Ellie says as I bend at the knees so Mary can attach the lace to my tidy up-do.
“There now,” Mary says as she steps back, and everyone stares at me. Ellie starts to cry. Jenna grins.
“I’ve never seen a more beautiful princess.”
I turn at the voice, relieved to see my brother.
“You’re biased.”
“Not even a little bit.” He kisses my cheek before turning to his wife. “You and Ellie should get over to the church. I’ve got it from here.”
“Okay.” Jenna hugs me carefully, Ellie does the same, and then they’re off. Mary and the dress designer help me gather my skirts to walk out to the car.
“I’d like to talk to my sister for a moment.”
“We’ll be right outside.” Both women leave.
“Have you heard from Mom?” he asks, his blue eyes clouding with concern.
“No.” I shrug and skim my hands down my skirt. “She swore she wouldn’t be a part of this, and you know Mom is too proud to go back on that kind of promise.”
“It’s her loss, Nina,” he says. “If she’s willing to let her own pride stand in the way of watching her only daughter get married, she doesn’t deserve to be here. But I’m sorry that she’s hurt you.”
“It’s what she does.” I shrug again. “Now, let’s not talk about her.”
“Okay, I have other sweet things to say.”
“Don’t get mushy on me now.”
Christian smiles and looks me up and down as if he can’t believe his eyes.
“I never imagined this is where we’d end up,” he says after a moment. “Me with the woman of my dreams, and you, a princess.”
“I mean, I’ve always been a princess.”
He laughs. “You know what I mean. It’s your wedding day. Let me be mushy for five damn minutes.”
I mimic buttoning my lip and wait for him to gather his thoughts.
“I know you don’t think you deserve to be loved,” he begins. “That being in love is risky and doesn’t last. But I’ve seen the way Sebastian looks at you. Royal or not, he’s a man who cares for you. And that makes me happy. I know you have your reasons for this marriage. I respect that. But seeing you together these past couple of weeks has eased my mind a lot. You care for each other, and you’re good together.”
“I think so, too.”
“If you ever need anything, I’m only a phone call away. And I may not be royalty, but I’m just as rich, and I can get to you no matter what.”
“I know, and I love you, too.”
He smiles that million-dollar smile that’s been plastered on countless magazines and offers me his arm.
“Just to warn you,” he says, “there are literally millions of people in front of the church. This is being televised live across the globe.”
“No pressure at all,” I repeat. “Jesus, Christian. I’m not the actress in the family. I’m scared shitless.”
“Smile. Don’t look anyone in the eye until you see Sebastian, then just hold onto him.”
I nod as he opens the door, and we’re ushered out to the car.
Once we’re on our way, my eyes almost bug out of my head.
“You weren’t kidding.”
People, thousands of them, wave and yell. Hold signs and try to get our attention.
“They like you,” Christian says.
“I’m glad,” I whisper and wave back, offering smiles. “This is so weird.”
We only drive for about ten minutes before we arrive at the chapel. Christian exits the car first and walks around to help me out.
When I step on the concrete and manage to pull all of my dress out with me, I turn and smile at the loud crowd.