Nothing else mattered. Not the people, or the noise, or the fact that my heart was currently trying to beat its way out of my chest.
She stepped forward slowly, the light shining on her in a way that felt unfair to everyone else in the room. Like the entire universe had decided to beam its spotlight on the most amazing woman in the world.
When she finally reached me, her eyes met mine, and for a second, I forgot that breathing was a prerequisite for staying alive. She was ravishing, the dress plain but gorgeous, with some twinkling crystals on the lace bodice and a soft, flowing skirt.
“Hi,” I murmured as I looked into her blue eyes and did my best to swallow past the lump in my throat. “I’m Will.”
Her lips curved into a soft, knowing smile. “I know, my love. I know exactly who you are. Now.”
Pride punched at my ribs. My chest swelled until my tux felt too tight. I took her hand and we turned toward the pastor together. I didn’t really know how long it was going to take me to believe it, but this was the beginning of our lives together.
It felt like the stars had somehow aligned to make it so that, for once, I didn’t have to step aside and Eliza didn’t have to make herself smaller. In just two days, we’d yanked everything she hadn’t wanted from the wedding, and now, here we were, at her perfect, fairy tale wedding in the village she loved.
I would never have to let her go after all and Jesse had assured me about a dozen times that he was sure about takingover as COO. For the longest time, I’d thought all three of us had been victims, doomed to fates none of us wanted, but I’d been wrong.
In the end, we were all exactly where we were supposed to be, and I, for one, had never been happier.
CHAPTER 48
ELIZA
The reception at the castle felt like it was fit for a queen. I hadn’t thought I would ever get exactly what I wanted out of today, but at the last minute, Will and I had changed a few things to make it feel likeours, and it was stunning.
Lights had been strung across the courtyard and music drifted through the open doors. There were candles and wildflowers in tiny vases on the tables instead of the elaborate decorations my sisters had chosen. Those hadn’t gone to waste, though. We’d simply used them at lunch, along with the massive flower arrangements.
Tonight, however, was all about us. Our music. Our choices. The intertwining of our lives forevermore.
Laughter echoed off the stone walls, people I barely knew and those I loved celebrating Will and me. His hand brushed mine as he moved past me, pausing just long enough to squeeze my fingers before being pulled into another conversation, this time by Zach and Theo.
Kate caught my eye across the room and winked. Charlotte gave me a subtle nod, smiling like she’d known me forever. Even Jesse lifted his glass in my direction, genuine warmth on his face as he looked around the room.
Once again, it was a lot but in the best possible way. My heart felt so full, I’d hardly stopped smiling all day.
“Not bad,” a voice said beside me.
I stiffened, instantly recognizing it. Bracing for what was sure to be yet another round of catty criticism, I turned and lifted my chin just a fraction higher than usual.
Eugenie looked me over from head to toe, her critical gaze probably picking up a dozen things she hated about this dress. Meanwhile, I loved it. Somehow, Will’s sister and sister-in-law had managed to pick out at least a dozen options that were absolutely exquisite, flying them across an ocean to get them to me before the big day.
That had really put it into perspective how little my own sisters cared. Kate and Charlotte barely knew me and they’d already done more for me than Eugenie or Winnie ever had. They’d also gotten ready with me today, with Jane on video call from America and even Will’s aunt, CC, chatting to us for a while.
“Go on then,” I said to my sister, feeling fortified after spending the day with so many incredible women. “Let me have it, then leave.”
“You made the right choice with that dress,” she said, surprising the heck out of me.
I searched her eyes for any hint that she was mocking me, but she seemed completely serious and oddly serene. “Excuse me?”
“It suits you,” she said easily, as if this was the sort of conversation we had all the time. “Soft and pretty but with structure.”
I frowned. “What are you talking about?”
“The boning in the corset.” She gestured vaguely. “The way the skirts fall. There’s a shape to the design. Intent. I wouldn’t have said so before, but now, I know that it suits you. Deepdown, it’s got a backbone made of steel, regardless of how soft it seems on the outside.”
All I could do was blink at her, absolutely baffled. “How much champagne have you had? Are you feeling alright?”
She smiled, but it wasn’t even her usual cool, calculating smile. This one seemed strangely sincere. “I was glad to see that Will helped you find your lady-balls.”
I choked on nothing but air. “My what?”
