He nodded. “Did you know my brother was coming?”
“Not until we had photographs taken. He surprised us outside while the queen was still inside.” Kat hoped he understood what this meant to his sister. “Having Father Jacques walk her down the aisle was important to Sophie. Maybe the most important part of today other than saying ‘I do.’”
“I’m thrilled my brother is here, but my mother—”
“Will get over it,” Kat interrupted. “Father Jacques is riding in the carriage with your mother.”
Gill’s face tightened. He looked to the first carriage in the wedding procession. “My brother is in there with her? This could turn into a disaster.”
The tension in his voice tugged at her heart. She leaned closer against him. “Or lead to a reconciliation.”
He half-laughed. “I wish I had your optimism.”
She wanted to make him feel better. Otherwise, he might not enjoy the rest of the day. That wouldn’t be fair to him or to Sophie and Bertrand.
“Whatever happened between your brother and parents is in the past. He’s still your and Sophie’s brother. She wanted him here, and I can see on your face that you did, too.”
Gill nodded.
“Your mother knows better than to throw a scene on her only daughter’s wedding day.”
“As queen, she’s aware of the public’s perception, but as a mother, she tends to let emotion get the best of her.”
“That’s because she loves you all so much. Jacques, too.”
Gill covered his hand with hers. “I hope you’re right.”
Kat stared at their linked fingers. Contentment flowed through her.
Someone shouted at Gill.
Smiling, he waved back with his free hand. If he was concerned about his brother and mother, he showed no signs. That made Kat happy.
He also hadn’t let go of her hand. She loved that.
Maybe she had a shot at a happy ending like Sophie.
Kat grinned and ignored the warning voice that told her not to hope for what she couldn’t have. She couldn’t forget about Rowena, who kept trying to get Gill alone or his mother interfering in her son’s life. Gill would never be Kat’s, but she didn’t mind living in a dream for a few more days. Besides, she’d never sent her Christmas list to Santa. Maybe it wasn’t too late to ask for a happily ever after.
*
The royal weddingball was in full swing. As the orchestra played, Kat danced with one partner after another. Twirling this way and that. Her heart was full of joy. Sophie had given Kat a list of dances to learn months ago, but there was nothing like putting the dance steps into practice. Several of the dances, including waltzing, were new to her.
“Enjoying yourself?” Jamie asked as he spun her around the dance floor.
“Yes.” She valued his friendship and how he’d helped with the mama dog and puppies the other day. That had brought them closer. No flirting or fun required. It was nice. “Especially now that we’re dancing together.”
“I hope you’ll save another for me.”
“Of course, but I see some beautiful women who would love to be in my place.”
“Let them stew a little.” Laughing, he dipped her. “Playing hard to get often works in my favor.”
“I’m sure it will in this instance.”
Not even Jamie’s handsome face and witty charm could keep Kat from searching the sea of guests for Gill. She wanted to dance with the prince, too, but she didn’t see him in the crowd.
As a song ended, she curtsied. “Thank you.”
