The Crown Prince's Bride (Royal Duology 2)

to her. A family member, a good friend.”

“She has a good friend with her, but even so, you two are friends. And you are family, Steph. Not sure when you’re going to believe it, but everyone knows how much you helped Rose and Diego find their way to each other. Rose is sending the dress to the church, and you can change there.”

“The dresses are champagne-colored. I need other shoes . . .” She looked up into Raoul’s amused eyes. “I can’t do this. I have to make sure everything else runs smoothly. It’s my job.”

Raoul reached down and took her hand, and she was momentarily stunned as his fingers squeezed hers.

“Stephani Savalas. You have planned this down to the minute and tiniest detail. Everyone knows their jobs. Trust them. Besides, we both know this isn’t about your job. It’s about you feeling like you don’t belong. Everyone here says you do. Maybe you should start listening.”

Problem was it hurt too much to listen. It gave her hope for something that could never be and that she could never truly voice for fear of ruining the relationship they already had.

He squeezed her hand again. “Go change your shoes. I have Marco on standby to take you to the church right now, and come back for us.”

“Okay.” She switched into crisis management mode and slid her hand out of his grasp. “Okay. Right. Bridesmaid down, filling in. Dear God, I hope that dress fits.”

Raoul chuckled. “It will. And honestly? I have a strange suspicion that Rose’s sister did this out of spite. Having the situation fixed so handily gives me a strange sort of pleasure.”

His eyes twinkled at her and she let out a breath. “She’s not a happy woman, is she? And doesn’t seem all that happy for Rose.”

“Which you are. So go. And I’ll see you at the altar.”

She turned to go back to her room, hoping he didn’t see how her mouth had fallen open at his last words. Good God. See you at the altar? It struck her that she would be paired with Raoul now, since he was serving as Diego’s best man. Every time she tried to keep her distance, something kept throwing them together.

Navy pumps were substituted for neutral slingbacks that would match the bridesmaid dress. She hustled to the back entrance and slid into the limousine. Marco smiled at her. “Beautiful day for a wedding, ¿sí?”

“It is. Thank you, Marco, for accommodating our new schedule.”

“It’s no problem. We always expect something to go a little sideways and we make adjustments. Everything will run smoothly, don’t worry.”

Maybe she did need to loosen her grip a bit.

She got to the cathedral in record time. The press and security were already present, and she scanned the area to make sure everyone was in their places. Marco was right—everything was running like clockwork. Once inside, Diego’s assistant, Sofia, was waiting with a garment bag. “Your dress.” She lifted an eyebrow. “And if that cow is sick, I’ll give up my salary for a year.”

“You have a copy of the day’s plans, right?” Stephani asked the question as she took the garment bag.

“I do. Between us this will be a breeze. Now go put this gown on. I have pins if we need to make any quick adjustments.” Her smile was just a little bit catty. “Hayley is a little hippier than you.”

The dress did end up being a little big through the waist and hips, though not much. A few deft safety pins from Sofia had the gown fitting nearly perfectly, with a few tiny puckers that would only be noticeable to anyone who knew to look. Her shoes matched fine and Sofia said the sapphire and pearl pendant was perfect. They emerged from the room in time to see the first of the guests being ushered inside.

“Your bouquet is coming with Rose and Becca,” Sofia said, referencing Rose’s friend. “You look gorgeous, Steph. So glam.”

“Thanks. I’m nervous.”

Sofia laughed. “You planned this whole thing without turning a hair, and this has you nervous? Relax. It’s going to be lovely.”

Sofia gave her a quick hug and left to check in with the ushers. It would normally be Steph’s job, but she forced herself to take a breath and loosen her death grip on the reins. Delegating wasn’t something she was always good at, but Sofia was proving herself up to any task she was given.

Thirty minutes later the guests were nearly all seated and families started to arrive. Rose’s sister-in-law was seated, then her parents. Brody went up the steps carrying baby Alyssa, Lucy and Imogene beside him, as well as the four children who would soon walk up the aisle as well. Alice and Emilia were dressed in sweet white dresses with champagne-colored sashes, little bouquets in their hands. Max and Alex were in miniature tuxes, their shoes shined perfectly. Before the day was out they’d likely be covered in dust, but for now they were pristine.

“Tía Stephani! You are beautiful!” Emilia came forward, her eyes shining. “I’m so glad you are here.”

“Me too, darling. Your dress is so pretty.” She gave the little girl a hug, knowing she must be missing her mother on such an occasion. She kissed Emilia’s cheek, then snuck a little glance at Alice, who looked uncomfortable and unhappy. “I’m sorry your mum isn’t feeling well,” she offered gently. “But you look lovely, Alice.”

Alice smiled a little. “Thank you.”

“Let’s go inside the doors where we can wait for the big moment, okay?”

She held out her hand to the girl. She knew what it was like to feel like you didn’t quite belong, and Alice was among strangers except for the small number of Rose’s family in attendance and the other children, who seemed to have easily accepted her. Annoyance slid through Steph. If Hayley wasn’t really sick, she was inconsiderate not just to Rose, but to her daughter as well, for leaving her alone on such a day.