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The rest of them faded out. I took his hands in mine, but he was all over, taking me in.
“I need to know that whatever we do, we’re together—but just us,” I said. “I… I said I’d be fine with there being other people, but that was before I… I want to confirm we’re just us.”
“Exclusive?” Rick asked. “Yes. I thought… well, I was sure we’d already decided that?”
“Really?”
“I had, I guess?” He shrugged. “I’m a scoundrel, but I’m a loyal one, Alexandra. I will make trouble with you and only you for the rest of our days if that is what you want.”
I nodded.
He brushed his hand along my cheek. “I should kiss you, but I won’t. Not now. It will mess your makeup up. But I want to.”
“Uh-huh,” I agreed.
“You’re stunning. Beyond my imagination, Alexandra. And well past what I have ever deserved. You are so wonderful. It’s bad luck, but I don’t see how.”
I smiled and kissed his hand. I’m not sure what possessed me. I had to dosomething.
“I am glad you got to see me, Rick. Because we never get a quiet moment. I want more of those.”
“I hope we will have many more. I feel like I’ve done something very naughty to see the bride before everyone else.”
“She’s yours to see,” I said.
Rick kissed my forehead. “I love you, Alexandra. I must go. Just know it’s you. It’s you forever. I will see you soon.”
“I will see you, too,” I agreed. “And it is only you, Rick. It will be forever.”
He smiled and ducked out. We’d be together soon enough.
“Good?” Astrid poked her head in.
I nodded. “Perfect. This is a happy day.”
“The groom is off to the church,” Marta said. “The bride will follow soon. Are we ready to greet the world?”
“As ever,” I answered.
It took several footmen and Astrid to shove my dress, veil, and train into the coach. The four of us were transported to the cathedral up the block. We waved and smiled at the massive crowds that went on as far as the eye could see. The little girls vibrated with the sheer excitement of being out in the world. Their exuberance kept us all going—nerves or not.
We arrived at the foot of the cathedral steps. There, Astrid and the footmen helped sort out my dress and veil once more. Now, the fun began. Astrid took my arm as my escort. Odette and Ingrid, both looking too grown, played bridesmaids, carrying my train upstairs into the cathedral.
We stopped before the grand primary doors to the cathedral. The organ played. Footmen helped the younger girls give my dress one final once over. Astrid fluffed my veil. Then, it was time. We four moved out into the aisle as the great oak doors opened. Rick turned to me. I held onto Astrid’s arm, fighting tears in a big way, as we walked. His smile melted me.
The girls stayed with me as my escort until we stopped near the choir. Astrid kissed and hugged me before handing me over to Rick.
She whispered something to him as she ducked out. He chuckled and held my hand tightly as the girls disappeared. A song picked up with the strings present—a song written just for us. There was no time to talk. It wasn’t until we approached the altar, and the priest flubbed the next part, needing to double back for the rings that there was a time for speaking.
“Hi,” Rick finally said.
“Hi. I love you,” I responded.
The words spilled out uncontrollably. I wasn’t afraid. I wanted to tell him. I needed to, perhaps.
“I love you, too.” He grinned uncontrollably. “Let’s get married.”
Thirty-Six
