The Prince and the Wedding Planner
The deep rumble of laughter filled the air. “Bianca, do you trust me?”
“No. I mean... I guess—” She halted her rambling. Why did this man get to her and make her a blubbering mess?
When her gaze met his, she found that no harm had been done. He was still smiling.
They headed toward the side of the building. There was a nondescript door with a red light next to it. As they approached, the light went out.
Leo opened the door and stood aside for her to enter. It was darker inside and it took a moment for Bianca’s vision to adjust. She let Leo take the lead. He quickly made his way to a group of people and bright lights.
“What is this?” she whispered while glancing up at the spotlights suspended from the ceiling. Then the cameras came into view. “A television station?”
“Close. It’s a sound stage. And they are filming your advertisement for your business.”
“What?” She slapped a hand over her mouth when her voice was a little too loud and heads turned in their direction.
Leo’s smile lit up his eyes. “I told you I would take care of you. And soon this will be on the internet and network television.”
“Quiet on the set,” a man called out.
No one seemed to notice that beneath the dark baseball cap was the prince. She stood next to him and watched as a bride entered the scene carrying the biggest, most splendid bouquet of pink and white ranunculus and peonies. They were hands down Bianca’s favorite flowers.
Leo guided her over to one of the monitors. It was there that they could see the background. In the distance were the green rolling hills of home. In the foreground was her courtyard. But how?
Her gaze moved to Leo. He sent her a knowing smile. That man was good, very good.
They stood quietly while lines were spoken, scenes and retakes were filmed. Bianca wasn’t sure how much time passed as she was totally mesmerized by everything that was going on around her.
Leo had taken her marketing preferences and taken them a step further. As the reality of the situation sank in, it was getting harder and harder for her to stifle her excitement. She wanted to speak. She wanted to celebrate the moment.
This wasn’t just any commercial. This was a chance to make her dream a reality. This was going to make her a household name in the wedding world. And it was all thanks to Leo.
She didn’t know how to thank him, but she would figure out something special. She just had to think about it for a bit.
During a break, someone nudged the director and then pointed over his shoulder at them. Oops! They’d been spotted.
The director rushed toward them. The man made a big flourish of bowing to the prince. Leo stiffened ever so slightly. If she hadn’t been standing so close to him, she never would have noticed. So, all of the pomp and circumstance didn’t come so naturally to him. Interesting.
“Your Royal Highness, I didn’t know you’d be stopping by today. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.”
“Not at all.” Leo smiled as though to put the man at ease. “We’ve enjoyed watching the filming.”
“Thank you, sir. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“I would like you to meet Miss Bianca Bartolini. She is the woman behind BB Wedding Dreams.”
Again, the man bowed. He took her hand and gave a feathery kiss to the back of it. “It’s an honor. I hope when we are finished, you’ll enjoy the image.”
“I’ve already enjoyed what I’ve seen. When I see the film merged with the background, it’s like I’m home once more.”
“Your home, it’s gorgeous. People are going to be clamoring to marry at your lovely villa.”
“I hope you’re right.”
They talked for a few more minutes and then they left, leaving the crew alone to finish their work. Bianca couldn’t quit smiling.
As soon as they stepped outside, she turned to Leo. “That was amazing. Thank you. It’s more than I ever imagined.”
His brows rose. “What were you expecting?”