Page 39 of Royally Scr*wed

JUDE

Aroyal announcement has been placed outside Sommerset’s gates.

One by one guests are arriving for tonight’s party to celebrate Ottiline while we all finish getting dressed.

In a little less than an hour, Ottiline will be making her grand entrance and her official debut as a Rexford. But first, we have more good news to share with our girl.

“Ready?” Charlie asks, smoothing down her ball gown once more.

She looks absolutely stunning in the gold dress that hugs all her curves in just the right places.

“You know, tonight is supposed to be about Ottiline, but I don’t think anyone is going to be able to take their eyes off you,” I tell her with a soft kiss on her collarbone.

“Don’t you start with me, Jude. You can talk me out of this dress later, right now it’s about Ottiline. Focus,” she teases and snaps her fingers in front of my face.

I can’t help but groan. I cannot get enough of this woman. And knowing she’s carrying my child only makes me want her that much more.

“Charlie,” I whisper.

“Jude. I mean it…” she warns. “Later.” Charlie takes my hand in hers and tugs me forward. “Let’s go speak with Ottiline.”

“Fine,” I damn near whine, wishing we had just a few more minutes to spare.

Ottiline is waiting for us in her room where her nurse Kathie is flushing out her port and making sure she’s in tip top shape for this evening’s affairs.

“Ottiline, you look absolutely stunning, young lady.” I smile.

She’s chosen a lilac-colored tea length dress with a sequined bodice and a tulle skirt that looks more like a subtle rainbow of cotton candy. It’s young and playful yet every bit as formal as one should need for an event like this.

Agnes is no doubt responsible for the way Ottiline’s pixie cut is styled to look so elegant and playful. It’s the first time in a long time that I’ve actually seen Ottiline without a scarf wrapped around her head.

Progress. The dark locks growing back symbolize progress and healing.

“Thank you…Jude,” she blushes. “I feel like arealprincess.”

“That’s because you are,” Kathie reminds her with a heartwarming smile.

“I am. Aren’t I?” Ottiline sighs dreamily.

“Do you think you can handle some more good news?” I ask, taking a seat right next to her.

Ottiline’s eyes widen. “I’m not sure what can top everything else, but I suppose so.”

Emotion swells in my throat. The first time I met Ottiline, she was newly diagnosed, and things were not looking so well for her. The young girl was terrified and alone. Not today.

“Maybe Kathie should be the one to tell you,” I barely manage to croak out without crying.

“Me?” Kathie gasps.

I nod. “Well, you’ve been with her through all of this too. You’re just as much a part of the family and her journey too.”

“Are you sure?” Kathie questions.

“No offense, but you’re making me nervous,” Ottiline says with a hesitant chuckle.

“Right. Sorry,” I apologize and tip my head at Kathie, urging her to go for it.

“Okay. Okay. Sweetheart, you’re in remission,” Kathie tells her, dabbing her own eyes from the tears that have swelled up and overflowed.

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