Page 58 of Forbidden Bastard

Good. Sandi would like to know she was welcome to the palace. He stood. “Well, I must go and get dressed. I will see you soon, Your Highness, Your Majesty, Lady Dublar.”

Clara rose and hugged him. “Charles…”

“I’m getting married today.” He gently squeezed her hands.

“I’m happy for you," Clara said. "Sandi seems lovely.”

Sandi was more than just lovely. She was the reason he now had a heart full of love for the world.

Chapter 19

Sandi stood inside the corridor waiting for the wedding band to transition to the solo violin part that was her cue.

A local string band played on the patio and she’d walk when she heard the violin. Charles had chosen well.

The bright sun of the afternoon, hundreds of guests in white seats, a white wedding arch overlooking the sea without a cloud in sight… her wedding day was a dream come true.

The bass was the signal for her parents to go. Her time was close and her heart raced. Her mother and father hugged her and her mother walked the aisle, leaving her father to walk with her. Of course they’d never apologize for forcing the match, but it didn’t matter. She was in love, for real.

This was it.

In minutes she’d see Charles again and be his bride.

Her hair and makeup were done and her mermaid dress hugged her body, giving her curves.

The violin strummed the familiar wedding march and Michael, acting as the coordinator, pointed for her and her father to go.

Her body was tight as she stepped onto the blue carpet that led to the white trellis and blossoms of blue and green, her favorite colors.

But then her gaze landed on Charles Esposito. His black tuxedo clung to that amazing body of his and she practically floated on air to greet him.

Today truly was her wedding day.

As they made it to the altar, her father shook hands with Charles like they were already best friends.

Then he placed her hand into Charles’s and a thrill rushed through her.

How could she ever doubt him? She’d been so stupid. Tears threatened to spill onto her makeup, but she clasped his hand tighter and said, “Charles.”

“Lapinette, you’re breathtaking.” He adjusted her veil.

They must be picture-perfect now, not that it mattered. Her parents were in the front row, holding hands, and she was here, marrying a man who was perfect for her, in every way.

He stepped with her toward the altar as she said, “This is like a fairy tale.”

He led her to her place where the priest would bless them. “It’s only that way because we love each other.”

The priest showed everyone the Bible and she squeezed Charles's hand. “I need to hear you tell me one more time.”

He leaned closer and their shoulders brushed, sending another thrill through her when he said, “I love you.”

She pressed her bouquet to her heart. “And I love you too.”

He winked and gave her a quick nod. “Until my dying day you have my heart, my body and my soul.”

And that was Charles. Romantic. Sweet. Charming. And hers. For now and forever. Happily-ever-after was possible.