Page 135 of The Friend Zone

CHAPTER 27

A ROYAL WEDDING

BAY

Eight months later, Montebello Cathedral, bridal suite

“Oh my goodness, Lake,” Tasha gasps. “You look like a princess.”

I have to agree with my sister’s old roommate. “She looks incredible. And by the end of the ceremony that’s about to start, she’ll be a legit princess.” I beam, meeting Lakyn’s eye in the mirror in front of her chair.

“Royal titles are overrated,” Heloise sighs. “I wish the parliament had never reinstated the monarchy. I mean, we really are just figureheads, but mypapàis a complete pain in the ass. He’s been raised being told how this was his birthright, but I think he’s overdoing it a little with the royal protocol. I haven’t been called Heloise by anyone since we moved into the palace. If I hear anyone else call me Her Royal Highness, I’m going to scream.”

Tasha giggles. “I can think of worse problems than being addressed by a title. I find all this royal stuff fascinating.”

Heloise rolls her eyes. “Wait until you’ve been standing in that chapel for four hours. This ceremony will be endless. You guys should have eloped.”

Lakyn turns around. “Right. The King would have had a stroke if we did. Besides, we owe him for allowing us to register as a family unit according to Montebello’s law. Luca might be the one standing at the altar, but I’m marrying Blaze and Cash too today. He even allowed us to amend the traditional ceremony, so I can exchange vows with each of my men.”

“Papàloves you, Lake.” Heloise sighs. “I just wish he wasn’t so strict with me.”

Lakyn takes her new sister-in-law’s hand. “He’s strict because he loves you and he wants the best for you. He even let you take a gap year before you start college.”

“That would be true if he hadn’t gotten two bodyguards to follow me everywhere. They aren’t even young and hot, I could be their daughter.” She complains.

“You have to understand his point of view,” Lakyn tries to appease her. “You’re a public figure, your safety is his priority. And by the way, I wanted to say thank you for putting your travels on hold to be here today.”

Heloise’s expression softens. “Are you kidding? I would have never missed Luca’s wedding. He’s my favorite person in the entire world and I’m so happy he chose you. I can’t wait to be able to call you my sister officially.”

Tears well in my eyes as Heloise and Lakyn hug one another. The way Luca’s family has embraced my sister warms my heart.

“What are you doing? You’re going to crease the dress and ruin her hair and makeup!Non toccare la sposa! (Don’t touch the bride!)”A woman with a tablet in hand and a headset screams.

I recognize her from a few FaceTime sessions with Lakyn that were mandatory to bring me—the maid of honor—up to speed with royal protocol.

Claudia, the royal wedding planner, is scary on a good day. Today though? Her intensity is to the max, and she’s positively terrifying.

At least for me.

Heloise, must not hate the burden of being born with a royal tiara on her head after all. “Excuse me? Are you saying that I needyour permissionto congratulate my new sister?” she glares at the newcomer.

A satisfied little grin appears on Luca’s little sister when the wedding planner courtesies. “Of course not, Your Highness. I was just—my apologies, Your Highness.”

I stifle a smile when Heloise winks at me, as Claudia continues to justify her presence in the bridal suite.

“We’re right on schedule, Your Highness,” she says to Lakyn. “King Gilberto and Queen Isabelle are just making their entrance, and Prince Luca and his two royal… friends have just pulled up in front of the Cathedral. So if there are any final touches you need, this is the time. We should be on our way inside the main chapel in T-five. The bridesmaids need to preceded you in T-two.”

Lakyn nods. “Thank you, Claudia. Would you mind showing the way to Princess Heloise and to Tasha? I would like to have a few minutes alone with my sister.”

Claudia consults her tablet. “I’m afraid we have no time.O saremo in ritardo (we’ll be late).”

Lake’s tone remains kind. “I’m going to try my best to keep on schedule, Claudia. But this is my wedding day and I want to speak to my sister before I walk down the aisle. I’m sure they won’t begin without me.”

Claudia stiffens. “As you wish, Your Highness. Once Princess Heloise and Miss Tasha are situated, I’ll be right outside with your father.”

“How are you, Bay?” Lakyn asks, giving my hand an affectionate squeeze. “I’m sorry we didn’t have a second to be alone since you and the guys landed yesterday morning.”

She’s right. The second the royal jet touched down in Montebello, Cole, Ryker, Jagger and I were caught in the whirlwind of the final rehearsal, here at the chapel. That included a final bridesmaid dress fitting for me and an intimate but endless rehearsal dinner; if an affair with fifty guests can be called intimate. By the time dinner was over, between the long flight and the jet-lag, I passed out the second my head touched the pillow in the luxurious suite I was assigned.

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