The prince nodded and gave her arms a squeeze. “Go on then.”
Suddenly all the important details and reasons she’d collected to be her explanation vanished. Her newfound boldness waned. Was she really the woman being washed by light in the Heart of God? While wearing a mystical wedding gown?
“Gemma?” John said.
“Sorry, now that I’m free to speak about it, I can’t. I almost don’t want to give it another moment of my life.” Oh the irony. “I spent over two years hiding the fact I did the show, worried sick that people would find out, and now that it’s in the light, I feel like I was screaming the sky is falling when really it was just a bit of rain.”
“I didn’t watch the whole thing, but you didn’t seem like you wanted to be there.”
“Not in the least. The only way I could get through filming was to check out. My body was there but my mind was not. I fell off the stage that day.” She patted her hip. “Woke me up, really. Best thing that ever happened to me.”
“I assume the chap Matt Biglow was involved.”
“Yes, but in the end, John, I walked out on that stage. Leading or being led makes no difference. I surrendered to it.” She reached for his hands. “I’ve learned though. No one will ever force me against my beliefs or values again. I won’t do what I know is wrong in my heart.”
“That’s the woman I know and love.” He pulled one hand away, reached in his pocket and slipped a cool band down Gemma’s ring finger. A diamond surrounded by gemstones. “When the jeweler brought me this piece, I knew it was the one, except if you don’t like it then we can shop for—”
She pressed her full lips to his. “Do you forgive me? For the video and—”
“There’s nothing to forgive. I admire you all the more for having the courage to change your life, to walk away from a dream that was dying. For trying to protect me. But Gemma, love, will you marry me?”
“Yes, Prince John, darling, honey—”
His kiss came hard and fast, and with an electric passion. Taking her in his arms, he raised her up and spun her around. Now she was where she was always meant to be. This was the world in which she’d make her mark, leave her peace. It would be for a lifetime.
“THERE’S GOING TO BE A ROYAL WEDDING IN DECEMBER!”
—@LoyalRoyalsBlog
“Prince John says mysterious white feathers played a part in his journey to finding love after the tragedy of losing his wife. Find out more as royal reporter Melissa Faris interviews Prince John and Gemma Stone tonight at 9:00 on LTV-1.”
—LTV-1Voiceover
“Gemma Stone will wear a hundred-and-ten-year-old wedding gown for her wedding. She told me the dress was very special. ‘It helped me heal from past pain. I know God is with me.’”
— Tuppence Corbyn onTuppence Corbyn & Friends
Prince John and Gemma Stone, to be styled Her Royal Highness Princess Gemma, were married Friday evening, December tenth, outside Clouver Abbey by the fountain in the Heart of God. The bride stunned in her antique wedding gown. Prince John dressed in the official military uniform of the House of Blue. Gemma’s daughter, Imani Shumaker Stone, wore a Melinda House gown and served as maid of honor. His Royal Highness Prince Gus served as best man.
—the News Leader
“The crown prince has officially sworn his oath to be the King of Lauchtenland. The investiture ceremony was performed after he and the newly styled HRH Princess Gemma exchanged vows. She also swore her allegiance to Lauchtenland and the cause of the crown.”
— Perry Copperfield, Cable News PF
I love Gemma already. She’s cool. I know the video thing was weird, but I think she’s going to be great for our prince. For us.
— @StefwithanF on Instagram
“Wow, what a story, Maddy.”
“I agree, Hy. From widowhood to a raucous video to a proposal in a barn—I loved those photos—to a wedding outside in December. I think we can safely say Prince John has found his happily ever after. As well as Gemma. And she’s stunning. More beautiful in person than in photos. There’s a light in her eyes I can’t describe. Well, to you Prince John and Princess Gemma, many years of happiness.”
— Madeline & Hyacinth on the Madeline and Hyacinth Live!
“The Chamber Office announced today the queen’s daughter, Ms. Scottie O’Shay, will join the family at Hadsby Castle for Christmas and New Year’s. ‘This is a joyous occasion for us all.’”
“Her Royal Highness Princess Daffodil was delivered safely of a daughter, Tuesday, December fourteenth, at 6:20 in the evening. Mother and child are doing well.”
