“This looks like the ultimate spa day. Only the spa comes to us.” She read the list on her schedule. “Pedicure, manicure, hair, makeup.”
“Be happy I convinced my mother that spray tans weren’t necessary.” Heloise brushed her hair. “Otherwise, we’d be orange.”
Kat grimaced. “That would stand out in our white dresses. Especially with the red sashes.”
“The pictures would be awful.” Heloise made a face. “But now we’ll look like princesses in our pretty dresses and sparkly tiaras.”
“Tiaras? I thought we’d wear flowers in our hair.”
Heloise placed the brush in the cosmetic bag she’d brought with her to Kat’s room. “The tiara was Sophie’s ideas, and, surprisingly, neither the queen nor my mother objected.”
Growing up, Kat’s only tiara had been a pink plastic one with fake jewels glued on the front. Nothing fancy, but she’d felt like Cinderella wearing the crown and drinking tea with her grandfather. She couldn’t wait to wear another one today.
There was a little bit of princess still inside her, and tonight she would get to dance with a prince.
“I cannot wait for the wedding ball. We’ll be fighting off the eligible bachelors tonight.” Heloise picked up her cup of tea. “Is there anyone you want to kiss under the mistletoe?”
Gill’s face appeared front and center in Kat’s mind. “I’ll have to think about it.”
“I have my eye on a duke.” Heloise drank.
“Good luck.” Kat hoped for some herself. She wanted a kiss from Gill, but she also didn’t want to lose her heart.
Liv knocked on the door and entered. “Princess Sophia and Queen Louise are finished with their pedicures. It’s your turn, ladies.”
“Time to get gorgeous,” Heloise said.
Kat wanted to look good. And not just for the pictures.
Three hours later, after more pampering and plucking than a show dog went through, Kat’s hair had been put in a gorgeous up-do by a fairy godmother of a hairstylist named Melinda and flawless makeup applied.
At least that was how everyone described what she was having done. Kat hadn’t been allowed to look in a mirror. Sophie wanted her bridesmaids to be surprised.
Liv helped Kat into the gorgeous white bridesmaid dress. She wrapped the red sash around Kat’s waist and tied the ends into a big bow at the small of her back. “So lovely, Miss Kat.”
She wriggled her toes—well, as much as she could in her bridesmaid shoes—in anticipation. “I can’t wait to see.”
“Soon.” Liv showed her a pair of pearl earrings. These were also a gift from Sophie. “Would you like me to put these on you?”
“Thanks, but I can do it myself.”
A teardrop-shaped pearl hung from posts encrusted with crystals. At least Kat assumed they weren’t real diamonds, but she had no idea. She secured the first earring and then the second.
“May I look now?” she asked.
“You’re missing one item.”
Liv held a silver tiara covered in small crystals.
Kat inhaled sharply. The elaborate design reminded her of filigree, only this was a much larger design. “It’s stunning.”
Liv placed the tiara on Kat’s head and then secured it with hairpins. “That shouldn’t fall out.”
She wrung her hands. “Can I look now?”
“Yes.” Liv removed the sheet covering the full-length mirror.
Kat turned. Her mouth gaped. She didn’t recognize the reflection staring back at her.
“That’s me?” She blinked. The image hadn’t changed. She squinted to see better. “I look so…different.”
Liv smiled. “You look the same. Only the accessories and dress are fancier than you’re used to.”
Kat gently touched the tiara. “But I almost look like a princess.”
“Not almost, you do.” Pride filled Liv’s voice. “You’re stunning.”
Kat couldn’t believe the transformation. One thought ran through her mind. What would Gill think?
She wanted him to like how she looked. Who was she kidding? She wanted him to fall at her feet with a combination of adoration and desire.
Grinning, she turned side to side. The gown’s hem swooshed one way and then the other. She might not have any place to wear a dress like this, but she could do so in the privacy of her apartment.
And would.
She giggled at the thought. “What’s next?”
“Photos here at the castle, and then you’ll put on the long, red velvet cape with a hood and elbow-length gloves for the ride to the church. You’ll wear those home again to keep warm.”
“Talia thought of everything.” The wedding planner was waiting downstairs for them.
“This wasn’t her idea, Miss Kat,” Liv said. “Princess Sophie took care of the bridesmaid details herself. She wanted today to be as special for you and Lady Heloise as it will be for her.”
Leave it to Sophie.
“She succeeded.” And then some.
Liv carried the outerwear. So festive, yet regal.
Excitement shot through Kat. She hoped Gill was having as good a day as she was. “This is going to be the best royal wedding ever.”
Chapter Thirteen
‡
At the altar, Gill stood next to Jamie. Bertrand was on the other side of his older brother. The doors at the back of the church were closed to keep people from seeing the bride in the vestibule.
Gill glanced at his watch. The wedding was supposed to have started five minutes ago. “Who bet the wedding would begin on time?”
Bertrand shook his head. “That was me. I thought today would be different.”
Jamie laughed. “Set all the clocks ahead by a half hour and you may come close to being on time in the future.”
A flourish from the pipe organ sounded.
“Five minutes isn’t that bad.” Impressive for Sophie, actually.
Gill straightened. He couldn’t wait to see his sister walk down the aisle. Kat, too. She’d been on his mind all morning. He’d enjoyed spending time with her these past two days from building snow soldiers in one of the pastures to decorating Christmas cookies with the kitchen staff.
The back doors opened.
“This is it, little brother,” Jamie said to Bertrand. “It’s not too late to back out.”
Sweat beaded at the groom’s temple. He shifted his weight between his feet. “Shut up, or I’ll tell Mom.”
Gill laughed.
Music played. The well-dressed and coiffed guests stood.
Sophie appeared in the center of the doorway in a breathtaking white gown. She wore a tiara and veil. The same tiara their mother had worn on her wedding day.
Instead of stepping into the church, Sophie reached out her arm. A beaming grin lit up the princess bride’s face.
A man stepped from behind the door. He placed his hand below hers and faced the crowd.
A collective gasp sounded.
This wasn’t any man. This man was a priest assigned to the Vatican. Father von Strausser. Their older brother Jacques. He wore a black cassock and stared at Sophie with the love and adoration of a big brother.
Gill stared in shock, but the relief that flowed through him was palpable. Sophie loved her oldest brother, so did Gill, and Jacques needed to be here.
The organist continued to play.
Jacques escorted her into the church and down the aisle. Exactly what he should be doing according to protocol. As the eldest son, regardless of relinquishing his title, he was the one who should be standing in for their father.
Sophie had known that. She had wanted to include her older brother in her most special of days. And had.
Little Sophie, their sweet baby sister, had pulled off the unthinkable—a miracle.
A wave of emotion overwhelmed Gill. Pride and respect for the woman she’d become filled him. His eyes stung. He blinked and then refocused on the pair walking toward him.
Jacques had always resembled t
heir father with his lanky build, tall height, and easy smile, but now that he was older, the similarities between the two were more apparent.
No wonder Sophie had insisted on walking herself down the aisle. She’d had other plans for her wedding, ones she knew Mother would never approve.
Gill didn’t dare look at their mother. He didn’t want anything to ruin this special moment.
Bertrand rubbed his eyes. The emotion—his love—for Sophie was written on his face for all to see.
Gill had no doubt this was the right man for his sister. He was so happy for both of them.
As Sophie and Jacques reached the halfway point, Gill saw Kat.
He gasped.
Something fluttered inside his stomach, and a ball of warmth settled at the center of his chest.
She looked spectacular in her white dress and tiara. She walked next to Lady Heloise, beautiful in her own right, but overshadowed by Kat. The young attendants, children of cousins dressed in fancy white suits and dresses, followed behind. The two women kept the four-to-seven-year-olds from stepping on the bride’s train.
He looked at Sophie and Jacques, but Gill’s gaze wanted to stay on Kat. She looked like a princess in her dress and sparkling tiara.
His princess.
In that moment, he could imagine himself standing in Bertrand’s spot and watching her walk down the aisle toward him.
A weight pressed down on him, so heavy he couldn’t breathe.
Kat. A bride. His bride.
He felt lightheaded.
“You okay?” Jamie whispered, putting his arm around Gill’s back to steady him.
The support allowed Gill to recover. He straightened. “I’m fine.”
He forced his gaze onto the bride and his brother. The two were almost to the front of the church.
But a voice sounded in his head.
You’re next.
The two words didn’t frighten him the way that they might have a week or two ago. He could imagine a future, a life, with his sister’s bridesmaid. His sister’s BFF.
Kat could make him a happy man.
But would he be able to do the same for her? Would she want him, too?
*
Outside the church, a crowd gathered to greet the princess bride and her groom. People shouted and cheered, much to Kat’s delight. Wearing the red cape and gloves, she climbed into one of the five horse-drawn carriages waiting outside the church. She dried the happy tears from her eyes.
Such a lovely wedding ceremony.
And now Sophie was a married woman.
Liv carefully placed the hood over Kat’s head before covering her with a heavy wool blanket. “It’s not that far to the castle. This will keep you warm during the ride.”
“Thank you.”
“Remember to wave as the queen instructed.”
Isaac had taught her that, so Kat had only had to spend an hour with the queen learning to wave. Queen Louise had scheduled three hours of lessons. The woman was meticulous.
“I won’t forget.”
“I’ll be at the castle when you arrive to get you ready for the ball.” With that, Liv scurried into the crowd.
Kat had spent the morning getting ready. She couldn’t imagine anything else being done.
Gill climbed into the carriage. “Is this seat taken?”
Her heart galloped in her chest. “It’s all yours.”
She wished he could be hers.
He wore a black uniform with gold epaulets. The fringe hung down each shoulder. A blue-and-yellow sash ran diagonally from his right shoulder to his left side, and medals hanging from colorful ribbons were pinned near his heart.
So handsome.
She nearly sighed. “You look like Prince Charming.”
He sat and then settled back against the bench seat. “Is that a good thing?”
“It’s not bad,” she teased. “Though I don’t need to be rescued by a prince.”
His thigh pressed against her. The blanket and their clothing was between them, but heat emanated at the point of contact. She fought the urge to scoot closer to him.
“You are more than capable of taking care of yourself and everyone around you.”
Did that include him?
She wished.
The crowd shouted, “Kiss, kiss.”
A thrill shot through her.
If only the people of Alistonia wanted their crown prince to kiss her, but Kat knew they were calling for a kiss between the bride and groom.
More cheers sounded.
Kat grinned. The newlyweds, who sat in the last carriage, must have obliged the crowd.
Gill’s gaze softened. “You are exquisite.”
Her cheeks warmed. “So are you. I love your uniform.”
“It’s only worn on formal occasions.”
One of the horses neighed as if anxious to get moving.
She was content to sit beside Gill and never move. “Then as crown prince, you should add more of those to your schedule.”
He bowed his head slightly. “I shall do that.”
The carriage moved forward.
She waved at the crowds that stood on the street with paper cutout hearts colored like the Alistonia flag.
A child waved frantically at her to catch her attention. She waved back and blew him a kiss.
The young boy jumped up and down. His mother mouthed thank you.
Down the road, a group of young girls wearing thick coats over snow pants and boots blew bubbles into the air.
The scene was like something out of a movie.
Christmas magic or wedding magic? Perhaps a mixture of both thanks to Sophie’s fairy godmother who must be out there waving a sparkly wand.
“It was a lovely ceremony,” she said.
He nodded. “Did you know my brother was coming?”
“Not until we had photographs taken. He surprised us outside while the queen was still inside.” Kat hoped he understood what this meant to his sister. “Having Father Jacques walk her down the aisle was important to Sophie. Maybe the most important part of today other than saying ‘I do.’”
“I’m thrilled my brother is here, but my mother—”
“Will get over it,” Kat interrupted. “Father Jacques is riding in the carriage with your mother.”
Gill’s face tightened. He looked to the first carriage in the wedding procession. “My brother is in there with her? This could turn into a disaster.”
The tension in his voice tugged at her heart. She leaned closer against him. “Or lead to a reconciliation.”
He half-laughed. “I wish I had your optimism.”
She wanted to make him feel better. Otherwise, he might not enjoy the rest of the day. That wouldn’t be fair to him or to Sophie and Bertrand.
“Whatever happened between your brother and parents is in the past. He’s still your and Sophie’s brother. She wanted him here, and I can see on your face that you did, too.”
Gill nodded.
“Your mother knows better than to throw a scene on her only daughter’s wedding day.”
“As queen, she’s aware of the public’s perception, but as a mother, she tends to let emotion get the best of her.”
“That’s because she loves you all so much. Jacques, too.”
Gill covered his hand with hers. “I hope you’re right.”
Kat stared at their linked fingers. Contentment flowed through her.
Someone shouted at Gill.
Smiling, he waved back with his free hand. If he was concerned about his brother and mother, he showed no signs. That made Kat happy.
He also hadn’t let go of her hand. She loved that.
Maybe she had a shot at a happy ending like Sophie.
Kat grinned and ignored the warning voice that told her not to hope for what she couldn’t have. She couldn’t forget about Rowena, who kept trying to get Gill alone or his mother interfering in her son’s life. Gill would never be Kat’s, but she didn’t mind living in a dream for a fe
w more days. Besides, she’d never sent her Christmas list to Santa. Maybe it wasn’t too late to ask for a happily ever after.
*
The royal wedding ball was in full swing. As the orchestra played, Kat danced with one partner after another. Twirling this way and that. Her heart was full of joy. Sophie had given Kat a list of dances to learn months ago, but there was nothing like putting the dance steps into practice. Several of the dances, including waltzing, were new to her.
“Enjoying yourself?” Jamie asked as he spun her around the dance floor.
“Yes.” She valued his friendship and how he’d helped with the mama dog and puppies the other day. That had brought them closer. No flirting or fun required. It was nice. “Especially now that we’re dancing together.”
“I hope you’ll save another for me.”
“Of course, but I see some beautiful women who would love to be in my place.”
“Let them stew a little.” Laughing, he dipped her. “Playing hard to get often works in my favor.”
“I’m sure it will in this instance.”
Not even Jamie’s handsome face and witty charm could keep Kat from searching the sea of guests for Gill. She wanted to dance with the prince, too, but she didn’t see him in the crowd.
As a song ended, she curtsied. “Thank you.”
Jamie took her hand and kissed the top. “My pleasure.”
She didn’t notice a waiter walking around with drinks so headed toward the bar for a glass of water.
Against the wall, away from others, Prince Luc and his wife Emily talked. The prince still had his trademark shoulder-length wavy hair and to-die-for thick eyelashes, and though his looks hadn’t changed, he seemed more focused and centered than when he starred on the reality TV show. He, like Gill, wore an official uniform. His wife looked elegant in a forest-green gown that accentuated her green eyes and blonde hair worn up.
Kat had met them earlier, and they were as personable as on the show and very much in love.
“I thought I’d never find you without a dance partner.” Gill appeared at her side and held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”
She had no idea where he’d come from, but she curtsied. “I would love to dance with you.”
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