Page 49 of Forbidden Prince
Her mom put the hairbrush down. "Your father and I were trying to protect you." She then placed her hand on hers. "If it's any consolation, I have to tell you that your Marco is one of the most handsome men I've ever laid eyeson."
"Mom!" Renee grinned. Did that mean her motherapproved?
Her mother pushed her own hair off her forehead and ensured every strand was in order. "It's true. If I was your age, I'd choose himtoo."
"Really?" Renee understood why she loved Marco and it wasn't for his devilish good looks. It was hisheart.
"So, if you truly want to marry His Royal Highness, Marco Aussa, I'll do everything I can foryou."
Renee threw her arms around her mother and hugged her hard, so happy this was all over. "Thankyou."
"You didn't have to get so emotional." Her mother sniffed, but hugged herback.
Now nothing stood in her way. She'd marry Marco and they'd be together. "Thanks,Mom."
She released her mother’s hand and let hope fill her heart. For once she might get everything she ever wanted, and it was all thanks to Marco, including their secretbaby.
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"Are you ready?"Kristin called in as Renee let the designer adjust her wedding dress, one more time. Her uniquely designed dress from Alice Temperley fit perfectly and made her feel like a princess intruth.
Renee fluffed the small bottom to ensure no wrinkles existed, but otherwise she was ready forMarco.
"Did you even hear me?" Kristin walked in the door and placed her hand on Renee’sshoulder.
Renee laughed. Yes, she’d kind of heard Kristin a second ago, but she was too wrapped in her head. This time she grinned at her best friend and said, "Yes. I’mready."
As they walked together through the castle for the ceremonial procession to the church outside, Kristin pointed out the window at all the activity that was already taking place. "The garden reception was a greatidea."
"Is that Anise working?" Renee asked as she tilted herhead.
"Yes." Kristinshrugged.
Marco would've said something to the maid, surely. How could the girl still be in service? "I hadn't thought... I guess it's okay. Where is herbrother?"
Kristin led her to the stairs that she had to march down alone. "Marco said he's been arrested and all iswell."
Have faith. The trumpets blared to announce her and the doors opened on the bottom step. Renee turned to her friend who'd done this walk to the horse drawn carriage a month prior. "I don't want to think about that. Where isMarco?"
"At the church, waiting for you." Kristin fluffed herveil.
The queen called from the front door, "Okay, are weready?"
"Yes," Reneeanswered.
Kristin hugged her. "And Renee, you look gorgeous. You're practicallyglowing."
Renee held her friend tight. So much excitement rushed in her veins. Everything was coming true and she had to tell someone. "Kristin, can you keep asecret?"
"Of course." Kristin said fast. "Whatever youneed."
Renee whispered in her ear. "Marco and I haven't told anyone yet, but I'mpregnant."
Kristin’s eyesrounded.
Renee stood straighter and took the bouquet of flowers from Maria, the flower girl, who then marched out like she was about to be princess. Kristin waited until the girl left and said, "You are?! Oh my goodness, that'samazing."
"I had to tell someone or I'd burst." Renee’s hands shook. The scent of the stargazer lilies soothed hernerves.
