Page 165 of His Juliet

“You do realize you’re not actually the queen?”

She stared at me with unrepentant eyes and licked her lips.

I snorted. She ruled everyone in her domain.

I stayed outside after I finished my breakfast and practiced my breathing techniques. I’d started seeing a therapist. We had video sessions twice a week, and Romeo had even joined a few of them. He was so encouraging and willing to do whatever he could to support me.

The first few weeks after I returned were a blur, but Romeo, Queenie, and our friends had been constant. Matteo and I had even had another self-defense lesson while Clementine cooed in her bassinet.

When it was time to head to the penthouse, I headed to the front door with Queenie curled up in my arms. I’d spent most of my last therapy session doing exposure therapy in the elevator. Queenie had taken her role as emotional support expert very seriously.

My heart thundered in my chest as I pressed the elevator button. I could manage the short ride without a panic attack now, but it still wasn’t easy. I couldn’t stop my smile, though, when I stepped inside the elevator and was greeted by the colorful art and handwritten notes everyone in the building had written for me.

I was surrounded by love, even in my fear.

Seconds later, the elevator dinged and Queenie and I stepped off. Angelo was outside the penthouse apartment and broke out into a smile when he saw me.

“Look at you, taking the elevator on your own.” He was typing something on his phone, and I narrowed my eyes.

“Are you reporting on my movements?”

He winked. “You know your man is prone to dramatics if he doesn’t get his Juliet report.”

I pursed my lips but couldn’t completely stop my smile.

Angelo bowed his head to Queenie, saying, “Your Majesty,” before opening the apartment door. “Have fun.”

Queenie leapt out of my arms the second we were through the door and marched imperiously up to Noodle. Her tail smacked him in the face—not that he minded. Noodle saw Queenie as his best friend, but I was pretty sure she saw him as her royal subject.

“Hello!” Sienna called out. “We’re in here!”

I headed into the kitchen, blinking at the massive charcuterie spread of fruit, cheese, and pastries on the island.

The girls pulled me into a hug and pushed a mimosa into my hand.

“Everything is set up in the living room,” Sofiya said. “We’ve banished all the boys except for Noodle, and Clementine is with Matteo so we can be completely focused on you.”

Sienna dragged me into the living room before I could sputter a response about how they were doing too much for me.

“This is our bridal consultant extraordinaire for the day, Charlie,” Sienna said, introducing the woman standing between two long racks of white dresses.

“It’s so nice to meet our bride-to-be,” Charlie said with a smile as she shook my hand. She was dressed in jeans and a t-shirt with her hair in adorable space buns, but what put me instantly at ease was that she was plus-sized like me. The tension in my chest, the worry at being judged by a snooty consultant, faded away and was replaced by excitement. This was supposed to befun. I was marrying the man of my dreams, and I would do it in a gorgeous, fancy dress.

Charlie wasted no time pulling dresses for me and asking what styles I liked. I showed her some pictures on my phone of dresses that had caught my eye, and then we got started. She helped me into the dresses in the guest room, and I modeled them out in the living room where Sienna had set up a full-length mirror. All the dresses fit me pretty well with just a few alterations needed—important since the wedding was so soon—but none of them felt right.

“Maybe I’m being too picky,” I said, twisting in the mirror. This dress was everything I thought I wanted—lace sleeves, fitted at the top, flaring out into a voluminous skirt at my waist.

“You are not being too picky,” Sofiya said fiercely. “You have so many more to try on!”

“She’s right.” Charlie drummed her fingers against her arm. “I have one I know will look amazing on you.” She pulled out a dress from the second rack. It had long sleeves, a plunging neckline, and beads all over it. It was beautiful, except I could tell it would be a lot more form-fitting than what I’d been trying on.

“Yes! Try that one,” Sienna said, giving me a nudge.

I drummed my fingers against my arm but had to admit I was a little curious, so I followed Charlie to the bedroom.

The dress felt different from the moment it was on. I headed back to Sienna and Sofiya, who gasped in unison.

“Juliet, you look stunning,” Sofiya breathed.

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