“Bonjour, madame,” a footman greets Amanda as he opens the door, assisting us inside. “You look very beautiful this morning.”
“Merci,” she exclaims, beaming with pride.
We settle ourselves and the doors close.
“Don’t get me wrong, your family’s carriages are amazing, but you have to admit, there is something extra special about this baby!” Amanda says.
I nod. “One, it’s much comfier. And two, it’s theCinderellacarriage. Riding inside of it is one of the things my brother was most looking forward to.”
Amanda sighs. “I can’t wait to take a sunrise ride around the park with him in it.”
Taking out my mobile, I take the opportunity to snap a few photos of us, the horses, and a view of Disneyland Paris without any people inside of it. The popcorn lights of the Main Street shops elicit a soft yellow glow. A few maintenance workers are power washing the street, but stop and wave to us as we pass them.
The sun has just begun to rise, and as we get closer to the castle, it transforms from an inky black to a purple and golden orange. With the twinkling Christmas lights of the castle as a backdrop, it’s as if we’ve stepped into a real-life fairy tale.
Suddenly the carriage slows, and my pulse begins to race. Amanda slips on a pair of gloves. I make one final adjustment to her fascinator. “You look perfect. Are you ready to do this?”
She nods.
The door opens, and as we descend, I notice that a white carpet has been sprinkled with red rose petals. At the end of the aisle, standing under an archway of fairy lights twined with red and pink roses, I spy Eddie. He’s fidgeting as he speaks to Art. Both men look handsome,but I have to admit, Art in a form-fitting tuxedo is an image that will live in my mind for a long, long time to come.
“Ladies.” The deep voice of my cousin David causes us to spin around. He, too, is dressed in a black tuxedo.
“David! What are you doing here?” I squeal.
“You didn’t expect Clara and me to miss this, did you?”
Clara is seven-and-half months pregnant. Travel around London has been uncomfortable for her; neither Amanda nor I thought she’d be coming. But now that she’s here, I’m extra excited. A moment like this necessitates Amanda having her bestie here. And from way she looks like she’s about to burst out of her skin, she shares my thoughts.
“When? How?” she sputters.
“We flew in last night. Clara can fill you in on the details later. She’s sitting at the end of the aisle, waiting for us.”
I turn my head and see her petite form covered in a few blankets as she watches us. I wave and she waves back.
David extends his arm to Amanda. “First, let’s get you married. Then we can spend the rest of the day talking and celebrating.”
I accept a bouquet of fragrant roses from a Disney cast member and trail behind Amanda and David. A hidden string quartet plays the traditional wedding march. It’s a strange sight to see Clara as the only guest sitting among the ten chairs on either side of the aisle.
Both my parents and Amanda’s were invited to the affair at the last minute, although Amanda’s mum technically knew about it. After some heated conversations, they both agreed it would be best not to intrude on the event and that the happy couple should be allowed to have the ceremony of their dreams. Especially since their London ceremony, scheduled for next June, has turned into a circus.
I release my breath and begin down the aisle after Amanda and David. The moment my brother spots her, his head snaps up and he stands at attention. His eyes are locked on Amanda. All the tension in his face melts away and he smiles wider than the Grand Canyon. I’ve never seen him appear so happy. My heart leaps with joy. This moment has been a long time in coming, and I’m beyond thrilled to be able to share it with them.
We reach the end of the aisle. David places Amanda’s arm in Eddie’s,kisses her on the cheek, and takes a seat on the bride’s side next to Clara. She snuggles into his chest. I take up my spot to Amanda’s left, directly opposite Art. Our eyes meet and he mouthsYou look beautifulto me. I mouthRight back at you.
The ceremony is over in the blink of an eye, and after Amanda and Eddie share a long, passionate kiss, I officially have a new sister.
It’s only after the photographer steals the newly married couple away for a few minutes that I finally have the chance to greet Art.
“Good morning.” I kiss him on the cheek.
“Good morning to you too, Ali.” He chuckles and wraps his arms around me. “You must be freezing—that cape doesn’t look like it’s doing a very good job of keeping you warm.”
I shrug. “Up until now, I really hadn’t noticed it. I’ve been thinking about other things.”
Art slips his jacket over my shoulders. “Better?”
“Much, but aren’t you going to be cold?”
