Page 68 of The Wanted Prince

I cocked my head, listening to Laura’s mother in the hall, her voice high and shrill as she called after Dom. Don’t forget his diaper bag! Have you got his bottles?

“I was nervous the night of our first family dinner, when the Cardonas arrived and the Duke of Salcí was here, and he made that remark about the fifth Lord Cardona. I thought the current Lord Cardona might just explode. I was nervous the morning Emilio was born, and our families were fighting to see him first. But today, no. Today’s going to be perfect. They’ve been getting along, unless you know something?”

Carlo laughed. “No, I think you’re right. It’s really been better since Emilio was born. They’re all so in love with him, there’s no hate left for fighting.”

It was true. Since Emilio’s birth, our families had come together, often in a literal, physical sense. Laura’s parents had practically moved into the palace, along with a retinue of cousins and aunts. It had been awkward at first, but Emilio had helped, his constant need for attention drowning out any friction. Even Hugo had pitched in when he had the time, though most of his days were spent volunteering. He was paying off his debt with a charity post, raising funds to support Santaviedo’s small farmers.

“You look happy,” said Carlo.

“I truly am. This is all I could dream of. I have Laura, Emilio, you and Dom, Father. A family at peace, and our country along with it. What more could I want?”

“To get out of this shirt?” Carlo elbowed me lightly. “Come on, go get changed. Then we’ll get breakfast and get you into your suit.”

I laughed, and I went and shrugged out of my spit-up shirt, and took a long shower and towel-dried my hair. Then I strode out with Carlo and the morning flashed by. One moment, the tailor was pinning up my suit, diving in for a handful of last-minute tweaks. The next, I was standing up, making my speech, the royal amulet polished and gleaming on my chest. Then finally, finally, my moment came, the moment I’d been waiting for since the day I met Laura. The music struck up and she appeared like a vision, white lace and lilies, a long, flowing train. Her father must have been there with her, walking her down the aisle, but I didn’t see him, or my own father at my elbow. I had no eyes for Carlo or Dom or our guests, or anyone but Laura, and Emilio in her arms. The lights of my life, and I lit up for them, too. I smiled like my face would crack. I couldn’t help it.

“We made it,” whispered Laura, as her mother took Emilio. She smile through her veil, radiant. Perfect. She had pearls in her hair, diamonds at her throat, but she didn’t need any of them. She sparkled, herself. Her blue eyes were dancing with love and with joy, and I knew in my own eyes, she’d see that reflected.

“I wouldn’t be here without you,” I said, without thinking.

Father cleared his throat. “It’s not time for the vows yet.”

But I’d made mine already, the day she had saved me. The day she’d burst in to announce she was pregnant. That day, I’d promised I’d always protect her, always be here for her, no matter what. And I knew as I looked at her, it would always be true. I’d always love Laura, wherever life led us.

“I do,” I said, when the time came at last, and it felt like a miracle. The start of a journey.

“I do,” said Laura, and my heart leaped and swelled. I pushed back her veil and leaned in and kissed her, my beautiful Laura. The love of my life.

The End

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