An American Cinderella

“Yes,” I whispered. A slow smile spread across my face turning into an all-consuming grin. “Yes!”

Henry jumped to his feet, his face bright with joy. He kissed me, tangling his fingers into my hair and crushing my mouth to his.

All around us the tourists turned into family. I recognized Henry’s brothers as they ran forward to congratulate us. Jaqui whooped her approval as she ran forward with Gus. I could even see Senator Glenn walking along the grass toward us.

I turned to look at Henry. “I thought you’d want them here,” he said with a small blush.

I kissed his cheek. “You know me perfectly.”

He grinned and dodged a punch in the arm from his younger brother.

“He asked me for permission, you know,” Gus said, coming up beside me. “Poor guy was a nervous wreck.”

I looked over at the giant man standing beside me. “What’d you say?”

“He gave me a bottle of Paradisian scotch,” Gus replied. “Of course I said yes.”

I laughed. “I’m glad I’m worth a bottle of scotch to you,” I teased him.

“I would have told him yes even if he brought me a bottle of water,” he said. “Henry makes you happy, so that’s enough for me. Even if he wasn’t a prince. He makes you smile brighter than I’ve ever seen you smile. Your dad would approve.”

My chest tightened at the mention of my father. I looked to the monument to see the sunlight glimmer off the two-toned marble. My father was here in that sunlight. I knew it deep in my bones. He was here and he approved.

I went to Henry and wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed him to the cheers of the people that mattered most in my life and his.

My future was with him. Wherever he was, I knew I would be happy.

Chapter 31

One year later in the Kingdom of Paradisa

* * *

“You look beautiful,” Gus told me.

“Thanks,” I whispered, making sure I had a good grip on his arm. The last thing I wanted was to trip wearing this dress.

Organ music filled the hallway, echoing in from the main chapel. The sound of a full choir mixed in after a moment, giving me the signal that it was time for my entrance.

The queen mother, King Liam, Prince Freddrick, and my Prince Henry were already inside. Jaqui and the rest of my bridesmaids had already gone ahead. It was time for me to walk down the aisle to my beloved.

Gus was to give me away. He and Jaqui traveled all the way out to Paradisa to be part of the ceremony. I loved them for it.

Gus squeezed my arm and we began to walk through the ancient church. I’d been told it had been around for fifteen hundred years and was where nearly every Paradisian monarch had been married. As far as I knew, none of them had tripped on their lace gown.

I was determined not to be the first.

The main doors opened to reveal the inner sanctum of the church. I swallowed hard as what looked like the entire kingdom of Paradisa had crowded into the church to watch me marry the prince. I knew it wasn’t the whole country because I could hear the cheers of the giant crowd outside, but that did nothing for my nerves.

I clung to Gus as the choir sang around me. My dress was satin and covered in lace, making a graceful yet classic wedding gown. I couldn’t see Henry yet. My stomach was in knots and I was having a hard time breathing.

And then I saw him.

He stood with his two brothers, wearing his military dress. His gold hair gleamed with red highlights, but it was his eyes that caught me

As soon as our eyes met, my nerves vanished. This was where I was supposed to be. This was how my story was supposed to go. All the hardship and trials were to get me to this point. I knew there would be more. I knew that our life together would have its challenges and ups and downs, but I was ready.

I was ready because those challenges would be with Henry by my side.

Gus willingly gave me away to the man of my dreams. I could feel my father’s love through him as he gave me one last hug. My mother’s light filled my heart.

The officiant began the ceremony. I recited my lines without fault as I looked at Henry. He grinned like he’d just won the prize of a lifetime when he slid the ring onto my finger and promised to love me for the rest of his life.

The ceremony was a wonderful happy blur. I knew I said the words I wanted, but there was so much joy in Henry’s eyes when he looked at me that it was hard to think of anything else. I nearly missed it when the minister announced that he could kiss the bride.