Page 74 of Love or Your Money Back

CHAPTER

After hair, makeup and a lot of champagne, Aunty Sylvia and Aunt Caro escort me to the King’s Gallery with a tight grip on each of my arms.

‘You don’t need to hold me so tight,’ I tell them. ‘I’m not going to run away. Well. Probably not.’

My halter-neck gown flows like silky, white water, my dark hair is pinned with emeralds and my silver shoes click magically on hardwood. All in all, I feel like a queen. Which is very fitting for the King’s Gallery.

My family, friends and the Big Voice team sit on fabric-covered chairs, smiling and clapping beside a glass tower of historic books.

Freddy waits at the end of the flower-lined aisle, dressed in a black tuxedo. For once, he’s not posed to show off his expensive watch. He turns and winks at me. I wink back.

‘Katerina, you’re like a daughter to me,’ says Aunty Sylvia. ‘And since your father is … well, absent, Caro and I wondered, may we walk you down the aisle?’

My eyes fill with tears and for a moment I can’t answer.

‘I’m ever so sorry, darling.’ Aunty Sylvia looks concerned. ‘I didn’t mean to –’

‘Don’t apologise,’ I sniff. ‘I’d love you to walk me down the aisle. It’s a yes. A big yes. In fact, I might need both of you holding me up so I don’t fall.’

‘Good girl,’ says Aunty Sylvia. ‘And it’s excellent to practise, this saying yes business. You’ll be needing that soon.’