Page 88 of His Unforgettable Bride
“I agree.” His brow rose. “And your third requirement?”
“It’s more of a revelation than a stipulation.” She had to tell him the truth, even though he still belonged to someone else. “I love you unconditionally and to a dizzying degree.”
His lips trembled as sincerity filled his warm eyes, giving her hope they’d find a way to piece together their vastly different lives. “I am lightheaded with love myself.”
“Then it’s good we’re sitting down.”
“Indeed, and it is good we established firm rules for our relationship.” His gaze flickered to her lips, then rapidly away. “For I am dying to kiss you.”
Slowly, she nodded. As much as they loved one another, her future remained unresolved. Would she travel to Bascandy only to turn around and retrace the waves back to Everly because he couldn’t break his engagement to Faith? If so, she’d return alone. Never would she permit Henry to forfeit his country on her behalf.
Twenty-Eight
In preparing a bridal outfit, it is best to furnish the wardrobefor at least two years, in underclothes,
and one year in dresses.
Juliet and her friends—Sage, Willow, and Daisy—stood around a table in the elegant, sunlit breakfast room of Victoria’s Royal Hotel. The room was empty, save for them and the anticipation that filled the air. A lovely Christmas and a busy two weeks had flitted past since she agreed to travel to Bascandy with Henry.
“You’re giving me a wedding dress?” Juliet traced the beaded bodice with her fingertip, then the length of a silky white sleeve. The gown matched perfection, as did the thoughtfulness behind the gift.
They had gathered to ogle Daisy’s creation, a wedding dress tucked inside a long, white carton now serving as the table’s centerpiece. Henry, always eager to help make Juliet’s life easier, had arranged for the private meeting space and refreshments.
Quite pregnant, Daisy rested her hands on her extended stomach. Darling dimples dented her cheeks, and freckles dotted her nose. She’d tamed her dark brown hair into a long braid as usual. “Though I sewed the gown, it’s a wedding gift from us all. Believe it or not, you inspired the design before I knew you had even met someone special.”
“That is me.” Juliet chuckled. “Miss Inspirational.”
Willow laughed as her blue eyes sparkled. She and her sister Sage had the same heart-shaped faces, dainty chins, and reddish-blond hair. Willow’s teal blue hat sat at a jaunty tilt, adding to her charm. “Tell us more about your mystery man.”
“And make it snappy.” Clad in a smart burgundy dress trimmed with black bric-a-brac, Sage grinned. Twin tortoise shell combs locked her flowy red-blond hair from her lovely face. “Will your wedding take place soon? It was hard to tell from your letter.”
“Not exactly.” More than a little, she wanted her friends to approve of her decision, but a big fat knot sat in the middle of her stomach.
Juliet had mailed them invitations two weeks ago to meet her today. Now, with all eyes on her, she questioned how to explain her complicated situation. Maybe the same way she’d told Livy and Tabitha during their teary goodbye yesterday back in Everly.I’d risk everything to spend the rest of my life with Henry.
She gestured to a nearby table before a sunny floor-to-ceiling window trimmed with velvet gold drapes. Attractive ivory wallpaper with tiny pink roses on either side added to the room’s appeal. “Does anyone care for coffee or tea?”
They all moved to a nearby table and sat on the well-cushioned chairs with Willow across from Juliet. A tray of pink-and-green petit fours perched between tea and coffee urns. Cream and sugar containers completed the spread.
“You’ve stalled long enough, Juliet.” Daisy leaned back in her chair. “We want details about your fiancé.”
He wasn’t exactly her fiancé.
“Yes,” Willow added. “You’ve only told us his name is Henry and he’s handsome.”
“Not a very vivid picture, Juliet.” Sage poured coffee into her cup and her sister’s, the rich scent circulating. “Give us the particulars.”
Juliet squared her shoulders and one at a time locked eyes with her friends. “I may have neglected to mention one little detail—odds are, I’m about to marry a king. Well, in a few months.”
“A king?” Willow lowered her cup, clattering it on the saucer. A few drops of coffee spilled onto the white linen tablecloth. “A flesh and blood king?”
“With a crown?” Daisy’s big eyes doubled in size. Perhaps tripled.
“I assume.” Juliet hadn’t pondered such things and figured she’d have plenty of time on the ocean journey to think about palaces, kingdoms, and everything royal.
Sage finally closed the wide gap separating her rose-pink lips. “That’ll make you a queen.”
“But I fell in love with a carpenter.”
