Page 49 of Staging Love
Camilla’s heart pounded in her chest and her breath caught in her throat as Jade continued.
"You came into my life in the most unexpected way, hiring me to play a part. But somewhere along the line, the act became real. You challenge me, you support me, you make me laugh, and you make me want to be the best version of myself. I love you, Camilla Parkes, more than Iever thought possible. And I want to spend the rest of my life showing you just how much."
Jade opened the box, revealing a beautiful, delicate ring. "So, Camilla, will you marry me? For real this time?"
Camilla stood frozen, overwhelmed by the rush of emotions coursing through her. Joy, love, surprise, and a deep, abiding certainty all swirled together in her heart. She looked at Jade, this amazing woman who had turned her world upside down in the best possible way, and knew there was only one answer she could give.
"Yes," she whispered, then louder, "Yes! Of course, yes!"
The bistro erupted in cheers and applause as Jade slipped the ring onto Camilla's finger, next to her fake engagement ring before she stood to pull her into a deep, loving kiss. Camilla wrapped her arms around Jade, holding her close, feeling as though her heart might burst from happiness.
As they parted, both laughing and wiping away happy tears, Camilla looked down at her ring.
“This was my grandmother’s engagement ring,” Jade said. “I hope you like it.”
"It's beautiful, Jade. I love it.”
“Sadly I couldn’t ask your father for your hand,” Jade continued, “But I’ve asked your uncle Robert for your hand instead, and he was hugely supportive. In fact, he insisted I’d call him tonight to let him know how it went.”
“You did that?” Camilla swallowed hard. It was so incredibly sweet and considerate of Jade to seek her uncle’s blessing that she couldn’t hold back anymore. Her tears flowed freely now, and they wouldn’t stop. It was like a dam had burst, and she chuckled as she clumsily wiped at her cheeks. “I love you.”
"I love you too. So much," Jade said. She pulled back slightly, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she cupped Camilla's tear-stained cheek. "So, my love, are you up for the challenge of arranging a wedding within five weeks and three days? I hear you're quite good at planning elaborate romantic gestures on short notice."
Chapter Thirty-Six
The warm California sun bathed Uncle Robert and Aunt Lara’s backyard in a golden glow as Camilla took her first steps down the aisle, her arm linked with Uncle Robert's.
Aunt Lara and a small army of decorators had transformed the sprawling yard into a whimsical wonderland. Delicate paper lanterns swayed in the breeze, casting a soft light over the sunset gathering. White chairs adorned with sprigs of lavender and baby's breath lined the makeshift aisle, which was carpeted with rose petals in shades of blush and cream.
At the far end, an arch woven with climbing roses and twinkling fairy lights awaited, and it was more beautiful than anything Camilla could have imagined, even with her years of experience in the romance business.
She wore a sleek, ivory silk gown, simple and elegant, with a plunging neckline and an open back that added a touch of allure. Her dark hair fell around her face in loose curls, and a crown of baby's breath and tiny white roses satatop her head, from which a sheer veil cascaded down her back.
As they made their way down the aisle, Camilla's eyes swept over the intimate gathering of friends and family. She saw Emma and Jack seated in the front row, both looking adorable in their flower girl and ring bearer outfits. Emma beamed at her, practically bouncing in her seat with excitement.
Aunt Lara dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, while Aunt Vivian sat beside her, looking elegant as always in a pale blue dress. Even Theresa managed a small smile, though Camilla detected a hint of envy in her cousin's eyes.
On the other side of the aisle, Camilla spotted Jade's parents. Linda, Jade's mother, was barely containing her tears of joy, while Frank, who had just walked Jade down the aisle, sat proudly beside her accompanied by Jade’s sister and her husband.
Scattered among the seats were faces both familiar and new to Camilla - Jade's closest friends who had traveled on short notice to be there for their special day. She recognized a few from New Year’s Eve, and a couple of fellow actors from her latest play among her own friends.
But it was the figure waiting for her at the end of the aisle that truly took Camilla's breath away. Jade stood there, radiant in a flowing white gown that hugged her curves before flaring out at the hips. Her blonde hair was swept up in an intricate updo, adorned with small white flowers. As their eyes met, Jade's face lit up with a smile so bright it rivaled the setting sun, and Camilla felt overwhelmed by the love shining in her eyes.
How had she gotten so lucky? Just over six months ago, she had hired this woman to play a part. Now, she couldn't imagine spending a day without her.
"You okay?" Uncle Robert whispered, patting her hand.
Camilla nodded, blinking back happy tears. "More than okay," she whispered back. “I’m so happy.”
As they reached the end of the aisle, Uncle Robert gave her a soft kiss on the cheek before placing her hand in Jade's. The moment their fingers intertwined, Camilla felt a sense of calm wash over her. This was right. This was where she belonged.
"Hi," Jade mouthed. “You look beautiful.”
"You’re stunning," Camilla mouthed back, giving Jade's hand a squeeze.
The officiant, a kind older woman with silver hair and laugh lines around her eyes, smiled at them both before addressing the gathering. "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to witness the union of Camilla Parkes and Jade Thompson in holy matrimony..."
Camilla lost herself in Jade's eyes, barely registering the words being spoken. She thought back to that first meeting when she had laid out her ridiculous plan for a fake engagement. Who could have guessed it would lead to this moment?
