PROLOGUE
“You know what this means, don’t you?” The beaming princess bride, Her Serene Highness Christina Armstrong de Thierry of San Montico, didn’t give Kelsey time to answer. “You’ll be the next one to get married.”
“No.” Kelsey Armstrong Waters stared at the breathtaking all-white royal bridal bouquet in her hands. The sweet scent of the roses tickled her nostrils as if the flowers got the joke. The last thing she’d intended to do was catch this stupid bouquet, but before she knew what was happening, she had. Her first thought had been to let the flowers fall to the ground, but as maid of honor—not to mention a wedding consultant herself—she couldn’t allow that to happen. Nor would she allow herself to believe the silly myth. Not even for her favorite cousin. “I won’t be getting married.”
“You say that now.” Christina gazed longingly at her handsome husband, Prince Richard de Thierry, and her smile widened. “Just wait until you meet Mr. Right. Trust me, you’ll change your mind. Fast.”
Kelsey didn’t want to spoil her cousin’s perfect wedding day, so she held her tongue. The institution of marriage might be perfect for Christina and many others, but it would never be for Kelsey. “Why don’t you toss the bouquet again so someone else can catch it and not ruin any…traditions?”
“You won’t be able to stop this tradition from coming true.” Christina floated with joy in the crowded ballroom. Given her fairy-tale romance and royal wedding, no one could blame her, Kelsey included. Even the most cynical would have had a hard time not getting caught up in the magical atmosphere. No doubt this couplewouldlive happily ever after. Christina sighed. “There’s something about the magical power of love.”
Magic was one thing, but love?
Forget it.
Kelsey knew firsthand that most marriages were doomed for failure—her parents and many of her clients were a part of the statistic. Marriage was as easy as saying “I do,” but divorce was even easier. All that took was an “I don’t” and a signature on the dissolution-of-marriage paperwork. A sad but true fact of life. And one she never wanted to be a part of. Ever. “I only caught the bouquet. I didn’t get a royal engagement ring stuck on my finger like you did.”
“Doesn’t matter.”
As Christina gave a royal wave with her left hand, the enchanted ring that had brought her and her prince together acted as a prism, sending a colorful spectrum of light flashing through the room. The sparkles landed ethereally on wedding guests as if the ring were spreading its magic on all it touched. Kelsey took a step back to avoid being hit, but the light still managed to glint on the bouquet in her hands. Better the flowers than her.
“You won’t have any choice,” Christina continued. “One day, your own Prince Charming will enter your life, and the next thing you know, you’ll be married.”
That only happened in fairy tales. And for Christina. Kelsey couldn’t help but smile at her cousin’s good fortune. Butshewas another story.
Kelsey was open to casual dating, but marriage?
No, thank you.
Too much hassle.
Too much trouble.
Too much heartache.
She tightened her grip on the bouquet. “Don’t forget, I’m never getting married.”
“Never say never.” Christina grinned. “Trust me on this one, okay?”
CHAPTER ONE
January 31
A perfect match.
At her office, Kelsey Armstrong Waters stared at her reflection in the three-panel mirror and grinned. The vintage lace veil her friend Serena James, wedding dress designer extraordinaire, had found in London looked as if it had been woven specifically for the pearl, diamond, and porcelain flower wreath Kelsey found in Paris. That was why Serena was in such high demand these days—she knew what worked together.
A satisfied feeling settled in the center of Kelsey’s chest. She adjusted the veil slightly to ensure it fell exactly as it should on whichever of her brides would wear the exquisite pieces.
Oh, my.Kelsey blinked. Once. Twice.
The unbelievable happened.
She looked like a radiant bride and felt like one, too.She could almost imagine herself getting ready on her wedding day even though she never planned on getting married. Still…Love, happily-ever-after, and even magic seemed to fill the room.
An unexpected rush of emotion overtook her. Kelsey sighed.
Serena had mentioned this happening when clients found their wedding dresses. Other dress designers and boutique owners had said something similar. But Kelsey thought it was hyperbole or an inside secret for those involved with the gown side of weddings. Now…
