“It’s from my grandmum. It was what Granddad proposed with.” The ring isn’t extravagant but has three stones set on a gold band. Nothing over-the-top, but perfect for Zara.
“If we have half the love they do, we’re going to be just fine.”
“That we are, love. That we are.”
Epilogue
Zara - Five Months Later
Ihardly slept a wink last night. Butterflies threatened to overtake me anytime I thought about today. It is the day people have been looking forward to since James and I announced our engagement a few short months ago.
“You doing alright?” Charlotte’s voice brings me back to the hotel room we’re occupying before the service.
“Little nervous.” My voice is quiet as I run my hands over my dress.
“Any second thoughts?” Marnie’s voice is filled with laughter. “If he really isn’t up to snuff,”—she waggles her pinkie in my direction—“you can back out now.”
“Gross. Things I don’t want to know about my brother.” Ellie’s pacing the room, swinging her new bundle of joy in her arms.
“You look stunning. James isn’t going to know what hit him.” Charlotte clasps my hand in hers, settling my nerves. “I don’t know how anyone will ever compare to you.”
I look in the mirror. The high-necked embroidered gown with cap sleeves is perfect. It hugs every curve before the skirt fans out around my hips. The veil covering my face has elements from all the countries of the commonwealth woven in. The tiara, loaned to me by the Queen, completes the ensemble. In short, I look like a Princess.
I don’t know how my designer managed to create this masterpiece in a matter of a few months, but it’s everything I dreamed it would be. James and I moved fast. After he proposed to me after the launch of my charity, we thought a winter wedding would be perfect. We had joked we’d be getting married fast when this whole arrangement started. And now, we didn’t want to wait another second to start our lives together.
A knock at the door has everyone quieting down. The wedding coordinator pops her head in the suite. “The carriages are here. Are you ready?”
“We’ll be down in a moment.”
She looks down at her clipboard. “We need to leave in five minutes to stay on schedule.” Her lips are drawn tight.
“They won’t start without her. We’ll be down in a moment.” The Queen dismisses her. “Girls, would you mind heading downstairs? I’d like a moment alone with Zara.”
“You look beautiful. Don’t let her scare you off,” Ellie whispers in my ear as she follows Charlotte and Marnie out the door. It shuts with a soft click.
“I know we need to get downstairs, but I didn’t want you to leave without giving you a small something.” She pulls a long, velvet box out of her bag that sits on the bed.
Opening it, I find a diamond halo bracelet in white gold. A gasp escapes my throat. “This is beautiful.”
“May I?” She takes it out as I extend my hand to her. “My father gave it to me on my wedding, and I would like you to have it today.”
Tears glisten in my eyes as I try to hold back my emotions of receiving such a thoughtful gift. “I will cherish this. Thank you.” I spin my wrist, the light catching the diamonds from the sun shining in through the window.
“Thank you for being the woman my son needs.” She cups my cheeks. “I know most people don’t know how the two of you met, but you are the epitome of strength and grace. It will be many years to come, but you will be the Queen James needs at his side when the time comes. And I rest easy knowing that you two have each other to take on all that this life throws at you.”
A single tear trickles out, carving a hot path down my cheek. “Thank you for saying that. I love James with all that I am. Whatever is thrown at us, I’ll be ready.” Hearing those words from her means more than I could ever say.
She sucks in a deep breath, trying to calm her own emotions. “Come now. We best get downstairs. I don’t want to be blamed for your makeup being messed up on a day like today.”
I let out a bark of laughter. “She is rather scary, isn’t she?”
“All good wedding planners are. Now, let’s get you to the church.”
“You ready, darling?”Dad’s voice is barely audible over the cheers as I step out of the carriage at the entrance to the abbey. The ride from the hotel to the church took no time at all. My cheeks hurt from the smile pasted on my face. The wedding planner told me hundreds of times that any break in my face would be captured on film for the entire world to see.
“As I’ll ever be.”
I give a small wave to everyone outside the church, and cheers explode from the crowd. I take Dad’s hand as we prepare to walk into the church. Marnie’s behind me, fluffing out the back of my dress. She gives me a wink as we start to walk inside. The noise of the crowd dies out as soon as the heavy wooden doors close. As the music starts, everyone stands.
