I don’t recognize half the people here. Nods and bows are directed my way as we make our way down the aisle. We practised this only last night, but it didn’t feel so endless then. When we make it to the archway, dissecting the church, James finally comes into view. He’s wearing his military uniform today, his hair slicked back.
He’s never looked more perfect to me than he does right now. I start to walk faster, but Dad slows me down. “You’ll get there soon enough, darling.” I turn to face him and see tears in his eyes. “Just let me have one more moment with my daughter before the entire world gets you.”
I stop, right there in the middle of the aisle, and wrap my arms around him. “I’ll always be your little girl.”
He squeezes me a little harder before pulling back. “I know your mother would love James.” His voice breaks a little, as I hold on just a little tighter.
“Come now, time to get you to your groom. He’s looking a little antsy.” James is rocking side to side as I catch his eye. He gives me a smile.
Linking my arm through my dad’s, we make it to James. “Take care of each other.” Dad clasps James’s hand before giving me a kiss on the cheek. He goes to take his seat as James takes my hand.
“You think you could speed it up next time? I’ve been waiting here all day.”
“Sorry. I’ll be sure to hurry it along the next time we get married.” I squeeze his hand as the minister calls everyone to be seated.
Now to make it through the next hour without fainting and I’ll be okay.
James
“How do you feel,my darling wife?” We finally have a quiet moment on the dance floor. It’s been a whirlwind of a day. From the moment I saw Zara walking towards me, I’ve been in a state of pure bliss. She looks like an angel, unlike anything I’ve ever seen before in my life.
From the carriage ride through the city, to our very public kiss on the balcony with people screaming from the streets, it’s been nothing but insanity. But insanity of the best kind.
“Hmm, I’m kind of hoping we get to leave on our honeymoon soon.”
I twirl a loose lock of hair around my finger. “Oh yeah?”
She tucks her face into my neck, dropping a kiss there. “We’ve been around people all day. I’m ready for it to just be the two of us.”
I spin her away from me, pulling her back in a dip. “Only a little while longer, my love.”
I haven’t left her side today. After a huge party for all the foreign dignitaries, we came to Clarence House for a smaller gathering of family and friends. One that I’m ready to cut and run from.
“It has been a pretty spectacular day.” Zara is glowing.
“That it has, my beautiful wife.” I can’t get enough of it. Calling Zara my wife. I never thought the day would come, but here I am. I’d lay down my life for this woman.
“Excuse me. Prince James. Princess Zara. The fireworks are about to begin and then you can take your leave.” Charles is at our shoulder. Zara beams at him.
“Thank you.” I tuck her hand in mine, following the guests outside. “I believe that is the first time someone has called you princess.”
“You would be correct.” She wraps her arm around my waist as Marnie hands her the fur stole to keep warm. The temperature has dropped, but it cools my heated skin. Everywhere we’ve been today, people upon people have been congratulating us and wishing us well.
As we step out onto the balcony, fireworks burst into the dark February sky. Oohs and aahs echo around us. Pulling Zara in front of me, I wrap her in my arms, resting my chin on her shoulder. She leans into my touch.
“You know, I never imagined my wedding day would be like this.”
“Oh yeah?” I ghost my lips along her ear. It’s been too long since I’ve been able to touch her how I want. We’ve spent the last few nights apart while the final preparations were done for the wedding. Several people told us it would be crass if people saw either one of us leaving the other’s home in the morning. We knew it, but we didn’t like it.
“I thought it would be just a few close family and friends. Nothing broadcast all over the world for everyone to see.”
“Any regrets?”
“Not a one.” My heart picks up as the fireworks continue to explode across the London sky. “This was better than I ever could have dreamed.”
“I never thought I’d get married, but then you came along. I couldn’t have wished for a better person if I tried.”
She laughs, the sound warming me from the inside out. “Not bad for an arranged marriage, huh?”
No, not bad at all.
The End
