staff through the carriage window. The beginning of the rest of my life. Oh help.
“You are trembling nearly as much as me,” Johann said as if attempting to get his daughter to relax as they reached the cathedral. He tucked her arm in his ready for the long walk down the aisle.
“I wish the Bishop had refused to marry us, seeing Jack is divorced.”
“Well, he didn’t and I, for one, am very glad you’re getting married in our cathedral,” her father replied. “Besides, it’s a little late to think of such things now.”
“At least if I faint it will make for great news coverage.” She knew it was nerves making her chatter and say ridiculous things. She couldn’t stop. Her eyes widened as she looked ahead of her. Was the aisle really that long yesterday at the rehearsal?
“Your train is all correct and in place,” Jade announced from behind her as she and Kate moved into their places.
She tried to smile as they began the long walk but her face was stiff and strained with nervous tension. Her thoughts whirled as step-by-step they made their way to the altar. I don’t mind the cameras and millions of people watching my every move but I do mind that I’ve agreed to marry Jack, this man who has taken over my life and turned it upside down.
She wondered for a fleeting moment if she should turn and run. What a scene that would cause, fleeing in her golden coach like Cinderella at the ball. Then she saw him, her future husband waiting for her. He looked perfect. Tall and elegantly dressed in a deep gray morning suit and, at his side acting as Jack’s best man, Carl in ceremonial uniform. You have a lot to answer for Carl Albert Frederick Henri Challoner, she decided, gritting her teeth.
Mike and Joe also stood with Jack. Lara had learned they were friends of his from Port Margaret when she had met them last night, together with his parents, making her realize how little she knew of Jack’s family and his friends.
At last, she drew level with Jack and her father graciously passed her hand into that of her soon-to-be husband. She wished she had agreed to a veil to shield her from the scrutiny of those intensely blue eyes. It would have given her some protection, and she could have continued to hide her emotions from him. He must have sensed her tension as disregarding all protocols, he bent and rested his cheek against hers.
“Hang in there, princess. The deed is nearly done,” he whispered and she closed her eyes as the elusive scent of his aftershave assailing her nostrils.
His words and his hands holding hers had the desired effect. She had made this commitment and she had to get on with it, she decided, giving Jack a lingering smile as they turned to the Bishop to begin the ceremony.
~ * ~
“I understand there is an especially prepared bridal suite for us.”
Jack turned to his bride. She had grown even paler over the past few hours, but they were almost there now. They had made it through the long, drawn-out service when fortunately the parts where he had to respond were spoken in English. He knew a moment of intense satisfaction as he’d slipped his gold wedding band on Lara’s finger. The ring he’d had made, not another family heirloom.
Her hands had trembled as she had tried to place the matching ring on his finger and he had ended up helping her, slipping the ring firmly in place. We belong together now, my love. You might have preferred to marry your Prince Michael but you are married to me.
The afternoon had taken on an ethereal quality as they had been greeted by thousands of enthusiastic well-wishers as they drove through the streets of Challoner in the open golden carriage. The exacting wedding photographs, the greeting of hundreds of wedding guests most of whom he didn’t know, the endless banquet, had taken their toll on him, let alone Lara. But, he had to acknowledge she had behaved with such grace and charm throughout the service and reception, she had literally taken his breath away. His parents had been enchanted with their new daughter-in-law and as he had watched, it seemed Lara had been similarly taken with them and his two friends.
Now, they were nearing the end of the reception and he and Lara would be able to politely take their leave. He glanced at her again