by Ellie Hall
In the background, the bride and groom said their vows but it faded away as Wyatt pieced together the identity of the man Charlotte fixated on. A guard gave him a long, side eye and Wyatt made a vow of his own. If that man so much as raised a finger or his voice and disrupted the event, he’d pay.
Then the minister told Will he could kiss the bride. Wyatt had practically missed the moment as concerned as he was about Charlotte and then making sure the uninvited guest didn’t spoil Emma and Will’s union.
The bride and groom paraded down the aisle. There was confusion with the pairing of bridesmaids and groomsmen when the flower girl rushed up and gave Will and Emma, along with everyone else, a hug before being swept up by a nanny or grandmother.
Charlotte stood alone at the altar. Her lips were turned down, but her eyes were steely. However, the sunlight shining through the stained-glass windows illuminated her in gold. Wyatt swallowed hard and dutifully lifted his elbow for her to take, reminding himself she was his best friend’s sister.
The pair slowly followed the processional amidst cheering, clapping, and congratulations for the bride and groom. As they neared the end of the aisle, Charlotte stared at the man with the salt and pepper hair and then stiffened.
Wyatt didn’t need to ask for confirmation. He broke away, leaving her because he wouldn’t have that man interfere with Will’s day. Wyatt strode over and backed the man toward an alcove.
His voice was a low growl when he asked, “Were you invited?”
“Of course, it’s my son’s wedding.”
“Did you receive an invitation? Show it to me,” Wyatt demanded.
“I don’t have it with me.”
“All guests had to bring it as evidence because it was imprinted with the royal seal. Did you sneak in or bribe someone?”
Wyatt was certain that Fabian Baxter, Will and Charlotte’s father, was not welcome. The two men had spoken about it when Will gave him the rings. Before that, Will had told Wyatt that his father had abandoned his mother when he learned she was pregnant and only came around a few times when Will had been in the newspaper for being one of the wealthiest men alive or some other outstanding accomplishment. Considering he was marrying Emma, a princess, perhaps Fabian thought there was money to be had. Will had several choice words for the man who only wanted in on his son’s wealth and none of them were kind or welcoming.
“If some small part of you wanted to witness Will’s wedding, fine, you saw it. You can leave now.”
The man, though older and smaller than Wyatt, surged forward, aggressively shoving his face in Wyatt’s. “What if I don’t want to?”
“Sir, I am William’s best man and I think it’s best you leave before I introduce you to my best men.” Wyatt clenched each of his fists and stretched to his full height.
The man shrunk back and said, “You can’t get rid of me that easy.”
Wyatt fumed and leaned in, imposingly. “If I see you again, I’ll—” He stopped himself from saying more and gestured to a passing guard.
Blocking Fabian from exiting, Wyatt informed the guard the man did not have an invitation and was not welcome. Then he left the guard to deal with Will’s father and did his best to shake off his anger at the nerve Fabian had.
Outside, the last carriage hadn’t left yet and Wyatt hopped in. When he looked up, Charlotte sat opposite him and wiped away a tear.
Chapter 5
Charlotte
As the carriage moved forward and passed the swarms of bystanders wishing the royal couple well, one of Emma’s friends and bridesmaids rested her hand on Charlotte’s arm. “I got emotional too. It was such a beautiful ceremony.”
Charlotte smoothed the icy-royal blue fabric of her gown and forced herself to smile. The movement cast disco-ball like sparkles onto the walls of the carriage.
Charlotte was distinctly aware of Wyatt, seated across from her. His strongly-built figure took up most of the space and somehow sucked much of the air from her lungs. Freshly shaven, he looked dashing dressed in the tuxedo with a tie that matched the blue of her gown.
He was a perfect gentleman as he accompanied her down the aisle and she couldn’t deny how good he smelled as the spicy scent of his cologne mixed with something that was purely him, but one she couldn’t quite identify.
However, before she’d spotted her father during the ceremony, he too had looked upset. Perhaps he was lamenting the loss of his wingman, as Will had said the friends once called each other.
Charlotte still avoided Wyatt’s eyes, fearing she’d lose herself in their deep blue depths. His hands rested on his knees and she looked away from those too because they were masculine and capable. She wanted no part in the way they’d made her feel during the dance at the Wedding Eve party the night before or when he’d rescued her from landing in the meringues.
Yet, his eyes roved over her, making her feel self-conscious. Did she have something on her face? She’d hardly been able to eat anything, she was so riddled with nerves earlier that morning. Perhaps her makeup had smudged. She caught her reflection in the shiny metal of the carriage structure and everything looked as perfect as when the makeup artist had first applied all the products. Her earrings glinted. Once more, simmering on the carriage walls. Charlotte’s chest rose and fell with an exhale.
Emma had gifted each of the members of her bridal party with a piece of jewelry. Charlotte wore a pair of pearl earrings studded with a ring of diamonds. Will must have made the suggestion because their mother had a beloved pair of pearl earrings but had lost one of them during a trip to France. Who was that sentimental guy and what had he done with her brother?
The morning had been filled with pampering. Each of the girls had a massage before they had their hair and makeup done. Birdie was thrilled by how fancy it all was and how much attention everyone gave her, but the real highlight was when she’d get to meet Prince Oliver and Princess Ava—mother and daughter shared a love of all things royal. Thoughts of her daughter brought a small smile to her face. She hoped Birdie, in a separate car and with a nanny, was minding her manners. Will and Emma’s wedding was royal and followed a strict set of procedures, including the trip to the reception—never mind how it got bungled when she’d tried to avoid Fabian.
Although Charlotte knew it was her duty, she felt on display all dressed up and parading down the aisle in front of everyone. Her wedding to Montgomery had been a small affair. The memory of it and the misery that followed caused her chest to tighten. She’d cried enough over the man who’d broken her heart and left her, much as her father had done to her mother. Nonetheless, Charlotte was happy for the couple and their big day.
However, when she’d spotted her father at the back of the church, it felt like the walls were closing in, cutting off her breath as sadness swept through her followed by anger. Will hadn’t invited him. Not after the trouble he’d caused over the years, not to mention abandoning their mother.
Beside her, the woman’s phone beeped, drawing Charlotte from her thoughts. She spoke in a low voice to keep the conversation private.
“Thank you,” she whisper-mouthed to Wyatt when the eyes still lingered on her.
“Didn’t want a fuss,” he said in a low voice.
“How’d you know it was him?” She didn’t think there had ever been an occasion when Will had introduced Wyatt and Fabian. Both brother and sister kept their father completely out of their lives, except the few times Fabian had harassed Will for money.
“I noticed you suddenly looked upset then panicked. I followed your gaze. He was too old to be an ex…”
Charlotte snorted.
“There was a hunger in his eyes that I didn’t like. I wouldn’t let him interfere with my best friend's big day or upset his little sister.”
Part of her was thankful Wyatt was a loyal friend, but the comment about being Will’s little sister stung for reasons she knew she ought to dismiss. Nonetheless, she said, “I’m grateful you took care of it. I’m sure William will as we
ll.”
Wyatt shook his head. “Probably better we don’t mention it today.”
“I hope that’s the last we see of him.” A chill worked over Charlotte because it was an empty hope.
Wyatt nodded. His grim expression lightened. “Also, now I know exactly what Will is going to look like in thirty years.”
She smirked.
“He’s a spitting image, especially with that tan from Isla Encanta.”
The mention of the island washed over Charlotte like a warm wave and left silence between them as it receded. It had been ages since she’d taken a vacation and wouldn’t mind visiting someday. Perhaps when Birdie was older.
After much pomp and formality, the wedding party entered the grand dining room. The couple, Princess Penny, Prince Oliver, and several other royals sat at the main table opposite a large window.
Although Charlotte had a simpler approach to life, she’d toured much of London and had a secret fascination with the crowned family and their lifestyle.
She stood to the side of the entry, gazing around in awe, before making her way over to the assigned table near the bride and groom. The ceilings were coffered and inset with painted sky-blue panels alternating with others depicting scenes of cherubs and angels. They were also inlaid with gold filigree giving the illusion of a sunny sky. Crystal chandeliers dripped from the ceilings and sparkled in the light from the big set of windows opposite the newlywed’s banquet table.
The rest of the room was dotted with round tables for many of the guests. Others were in a second dining room, and a third group would dine from a buffet in yet another room. Afterward, everyone would gather in the grand ballroom. Charlotte sat up a little taller and her smile spanned a little wider at the grandeur.
A trumpet sounded and Charlotte hurried over to her table, adorned with bouquets of white roses. The silverware was gold and the blue napkins folded elegantly atop the place settings. It was all so lovely. She gave Birdie a little wave as Will kissed her forehead and then the nanny brought her to the children’s dining hall.
Charlotte knew her daughter took the wedding and reception very seriously and understood why they weren’t seated together. They were obligated to follow formality and the seating hierarchy. However, had it been up to her, she’d have preferred Birdie sit by her side. If it had been up to Birdie, she’d have sat on Princess Ava’s lap, who was seated several spots down from Emma.
The trumpet sounded again and Queen Beatriz paraded in, looking as regal as ever. Standing near an exit, Charlotte watched as Birdie’s mouth fell open. The little girl had said she’d trade her entire snow globe collection to try on the queen’s crown. Charlotte suppressed a smile.
Once the queen sat, the rest of the room took their seats. Wyatt pulled out the chair for Charlotte even though the groomsmen she’d been paired with was supposed to tend to her per custom. However, he’d been MIA—rumor was he had a bout of food poisoning.
In his absence, Wyatt had remained close to her side though perhaps that was to look out for her after they’d sighted Fabian. Wyatt settled to Charlotte’s side, keeping his back angled to her. She noted the thick metal wristband of his luxury Tissot watch. Only seven hours until she could go home.
As the meal convened, one of the other groomsmen inquired about his life on the ranch. Charlotte listened politely didn’t feel quite herself. It wasn’t that she felt particularly alone or out of place. She was among friends and knew several of the people at the nearby tables. It was true she wasn’t used to getting so dressed up, but she was enjoying being something of a princess for the day and was especially happy because Birdie savored every moment. Sure, Charlotte’s father’s presence had disturbed her, but that wasn’t why she felt off either.
Butterflies in her belly dipped and swooped at the sound of Wyatt’s low drawl as he engaged with the other groomsmen. In her case, the feeling in her stomach had nothing to do with food poisoning. Thankfully, Wyatt’s back was to her because she couldn’t face him right then.
In a booming voice, Leo Simpson, a groomsman, said to Wyatt, “You live the perfect life: open range, horses, sunshine, no one to tie you down.”
“Just the way I like it,” Wyatt replied.
“Unless you’re getting ready to settle like our man Will.”
“I don’t think I’m the settling down, family man type.”
Leo leaned closer. His words were muffled until Charlotte heard her name and single then a comment about how he saw them dancing together the night before. Leo lifted and lowered his eyebrows.
She pretended not to hear or notice any of it.
Leo went on, “She’s a lovely woman. Too bad she’s alone now. You probably saw her daughter, the flower girl. Shame about what happened.”
Charlotte’s fork clattered to the plate. Wyatt turned sharply to her at the sound.
“Sorry. Clumsy,” she mumbled, focusing on her salad.
She didn’t want anyone’s pity. Not over her failed marriage, her lousy ex-husband, or the fact that she was single, alone. She didn’t hear Wyatt’s response, but he probably wasn't the man for her. A full body flush worked over her skin. She edged away from Wyatt.
Not the man for her? That was not how she thought about him. He lived in another country. He was wild, like Will once was. How had she even entertained such a ridiculous notion? But the butterflies dipping and swooping in her belly confirmed the truth. She was attracted to her brother’s best friend.
Leo continued to talk to Wyatt’s ear off and she was grateful because it meant she could try to ignore the way his presence so close to her made her feel: like the air between them was charged with electricity, like a static pull surged between them, pebbling her skin, sending little whooshes through her chest.
But she couldn’t ignore the low rumble of his voice when he got a word in to answer Leo. “Will won the island from me in a card game. He got the smaller one.” Wyatt chuckled.
“Do you own a lot of property?”
Wyatt nodded. “Texas of course and some on the eastern seaboard, the Caribbean, and a chalet in Concordia.”
“Then you must know Prince Oliver,” Leo said.
The footman took away the empty plates and as he did so, Wyatt tried to shift out of the way but accidentally elbowed Charlotte.
He turned and started apologizing at the same time as she moved to rub her skin. His hand landed on her arm and she jolted like she’d been shocked. “Are you okay?” he asked.
“I’m fine. Just fine.”
“Charlotte,” Leo called. “Is that you over there? This bear of a man was blocking my view of you. You’ve met Wyatt. He was just telling me about his many properties.” He laughed genially.
Charlotte preferred hiding in Wyatt’s shadow instead of engaging with him—at least until she quelled the way his eyes on her made her insides swell and radiate heat to the surface, pinking her cheeks.
Leo returned to his conversation with Charlotte, but in the shuffle, Wyatt had politely pushed his chair out slightly so Charlotte was no longer excluded, hidden. It was as if he’d ceded to her presence, no longer able to ignore her.
“Do you like to travel?” Leo asked Wyatt.
“I like it well enough but there’s no place like the ranch. How about you Charlotte?”
She didn’t want to be involved. Not in the conversation or the experience of Wyatt’s attention.
“Sure. Although, I don’t have the opportunity these days.”
“I’m sure you’ll be visiting Isla Encanta before long. That’s all Will has been talking about.” Leo folded his napkin and set it on the table.
“He’s eager to get back.”
“Now that Emma’s a princess, will she have duties to fulfill, keeping them here?” Leo asked, ever curious about, well, everyone.
“Emma is royal by title only and although she’ll receive a small inheritance and the comforts of palace life if she so chooses, she’s not bound by too many obligations unless requested by the queen
.”
“I think she’ll like whatever little palace Will is going to build her on that island,” Wyatt hinted.
“Will you retire to your island?” Leo asked. “You know, I’ve never been to the Caribbean.”
“Not sure yet.” Wyatt’s voice was measured and he hid a smirk. He was likely as sure as Charlotte that Leo fished for an invitation to one of Wyatt’s exotic residences.
Once the dinner was over, Leo spotted a real estate mogul also possessing an impressive roster of properties. He waved for the man’s attention as he crossed the room.
As Charlotte excused herself, it appeared as if Wyatt opened his mouth to say something more, but she fled, eager to diffuse the tension she experienced from sitting next to him and anchor herself to her responsibilities: namely, her daughter.
She found Birdie in the children’s dining hall and the two, along with the nanny, made their way to the grand ballroom.
“Mummy, I had asparagus and fish and potatoes.”
“Were they yummy?” she asked.
She nodded. “So does that mean I can have cake later? Auntie Emma said I could have an extra big slice.”
“Of course, darling,” Charlotte cooed, grateful for the feel of Birdie’s little hand in hers. It provided her with purpose, meaning, and kept her focused on motherhood and not handsome cowboys.
When they set foot in the ballroom, Birdie squealed with delight. “It’s fancier than I imagined.”
Much like in the dining room, the ceilings were painted and along with the walls, gilt in gold leaf woodwork. From above, the chandeliers sparkled much like the gowns worn by many of the guests dressed in their finest. The polished wood floor shone as they shuffled inside, practically shoulder to shoulder with the crowd. However, the mass of people didn’t stop Birdie from spotting Prince Oliver.
“Mummy, there he is.” Birdie bounced on her toes. “And he’s with Princess Penny. She’s as pretty as Princess Emma.”
Charlotte smiled. “I suppose we’ll have to let them know Miss Birdie requests their audience,” she said in her most regal tone.