Secrets of a Prince (The Princes of New Sargasso #3) - Carol Moncado Page 0,43
“Would it bother you if we had another ceremony in the gardens somewhere? Not the same place you and Caleb used but out there. Something more official than what we had and including pictures we can release whenever it’s time.”
Rosie tilted her head as she thought. “It doesn’t bother me. I suppose if you went for an exact replica of our wedding it might, but otherwise no.”
“I really loved the Trilunium theme. I would have totally done that if I remotely thought it was an option, and you hadn’t done it first.” The idea that she couldn’t made Minnie’s heart ache a little bit.
“That could be all right.” Rosie shifted, tucking her leg underneath her. “Maybe different characters, but I know how much Joss loves the stories. I know you are part of The Literacy Council and are at most of the events.”
Minnie wrinkled her nose. “If anything, I’m a bigger fan than Joss. I just haven’t been as free to express it.”
Rosie laughed. “That’s awesome, though I’m sorry you’ve had to hide that part of you. What if you dressed as Anne and Joss as Joshua. Caleb could be, well, Caleb, and whoever you choose to stand up with you could be someone else.”
“I love that idea. I think Joss will, too, if it’s not too much of a copycat.”
“Not at all. We’ll find a different spot in the gardens with a backup spot inside in case of inclement weather.” Rosie popped up from her chair. “Come on. Let’s go look around.”
As they walked unescorted through the hallways and corridors, with staff members curtsying or bowing as they walked past, Minnie found herself feeling supremely uncomfortable.
Like a kid sneaking around somewhere she shouldn’t be.
As Rosie pushed open the heavy door leading to the garden, she whispered to Minnie. “It’s weird, isn’t it?”
“And they don’t even know I’m married to Joss, unless word has already gotten around.” Minnie stood on the top step leading to the garden and closed her eyes, turning her face to the sun. “This is the first time I’ve been outside in weeks, except for the car ride yesterday, but even then, I entered and exited in a parking facility.”
The warmth felt so good she didn’t want to move.
“Why were you inside?” Rosie’s voice sounded puzzled, but Minnie didn’t move.
“We didn’t want my father to find me. I stayed in Joss’s secret apartment in the city.”
After a couple of minutes, Minnie sucked in a deep breath. “Okay. I feel better.” She lowered her head and opened her eyes. “Thank you.”
“I can’t imagine not being outside for that long without weather being a significant factor.” Rosie led the way to a spot not far from the door. “This is where Cale and I had the ceremony.”
Minnie looked around. “It’s gorgeous.”
“This whole place is. You know if you look at it from above, you can tell it’s one of the gardens in the books.”
“I didn’t know that.”
“Caleb just realized it a few weeks ago,” Rosie led the way toward the entrance to the gardens. “Now, let’s find you two an amazing place to have your ceremony.”
When he returned to the apartment for lunch, Minnie was nowhere to be found, but her phone lay on the side table in the sitting room.
Where could she be?
Maybe his mother had come by, and they’d gone somewhere else for lunch.
He’d ordered a meal to be sent up for them, but it never occurred to him that Minnie might not be there.
A knock on the door told him the food had arrived. He opened it and took the cart, thanking the member of the kitchen staff that brought it.
He wanted to wait for Minnie to return to eat, but he didn’t have a lot of time.
About the time he finished his salad, the door opened to Minnie laughing as she walked in.
With Rosie.
“Joss!” Her face lit up when she saw him. “I didn’t know you’d be coming back up.”
“I didn’t either,” he admitted. “But I’d thought we could have lunch so you wouldn’t have to spend the day alone.” He grinned. “I’m glad you didn’t.”
“We found the perfect spot in the garden for the wedding,” she gushed. “And Rosie said she’d be fine with us doing a Trilunium theme, too. You as Joshua, of course, and me as Anne. Anyone standing up with us dressed in costume, too. What do you think?”
He glanced at Rosie, who had a grin covering her face. “I think that sounds perfect, as long as Caleb and Rosie