The queen made a point of talking to each person at the table except Bianca. It was as though she were invisible. It wasn’t an ideal way to begin a working relationship, but at least she hadn’t been banished. That had to count for something. Right?
When the queen mentioned the gardens once more to her guests, Bianca seized the opportunity. “I’m very anxious to see the gardens. It would be a beautiful backdrop for the wedding. In fact, I just hosted a garden wedding at my family’s estate. It’s where I met L...erm...the prince.”
“Is that so?” The queen turned to her son.
“Yes. I attended Benito’s wedding.”
“I see. Now I understand why you feel like an expert on the subject.”
The seconds ticked away as mother and son stared at each other. A war of wills quietly ensued. Bianca felt bad for Leo. He was only trying to help his sister have a happy wedding. This wasn’t his fight but he was taking it on for his sister’s sake. Bianca’s respect for him escalated.
“I hope to be able to make this wedding a very memorable and happy occasion for everyone,” Bianca said, trying to diffuse the situation.
The queen turned to her. “This is not your typical wedding. Giselle is a princess and certain obligations go along with that title—even if she doesn’t like it.”
She’s the mother of the bride. Just the mother of the bride.
Bianca lowered her hand to her lap where no one could see its slight tremble. And then she pasted on a bright smile. “I’m eager to learn of your traditions.”
The queen arched a disbelieving brow. “Are you? Because I already have a wedding planner that knows everything about planning a royal wedding.”
“And I’m looking forward to working with her. I think we’ll be able to make room for your traditions and for Giselle’s wishes.” Bianca could now understand why Leo had brought in reinforcements. The queen was very determined to have her way, no matter how unhappy it made her daughter.
And that was it. The conversation ended as the queen turned to the female guest to her right.
CHAPTER SEVEN
HER CONCENTRATION WAS AMISS.
It might have something to do with a very handsome prince staring across the table at her.
Every time Bianca’s gaze met his, he would glance away. Was it possible the prince was interested in her? Or was it a case of wishful thinking?
She didn’t know how she did it, but she made it through the seven-course dinner without spilling her water, dribbling her wine or dropping her fork, even though her hands insisted on trembling. Giselle included her in a friendly conversation, but Leo for the most part was quiet. He paid attention to the conversations around him, but he didn’t participate unless someone directly addressed him.
When dinner was concluded, the queen, the prince and Giselle’s fiancé spoke with their guests about a matter of government while Giselle pulled Bianca aside. They walked to the terrace, which overlooked the gardens that were highlighted by a vast array of soft lights. They were huge and looked exactly like a maze. Her inner child was anxious to go explore.
“I think you impressed my mother,” Giselle said. “But she would never let on. She isn’t used to someone standing up to her.”
Bianca worried that she’d said too much. “I hope I didn’t offend her. That was not my intention.”
“My mother does not respect many people. And certainly not the ones she can easily walk over. That’s why my brother is the perfect person to be king. He stands up to our mother and calls her out on things when she goes too far.”
“And what about you?” It would be helpful to get more information about the dynamic between the bride and her mother.
Giselle shrugged. “Before the wedding, my mother and I never had much of a reason to clash because I was never interested in the inner workings of the country. There were always enough people handling affairs of state, allowing me to concentrate on my own life. But this wedding, it went from being my marriage to William to being worldwide publicity for our country. There are news networks bidding for strategic camera placements within the cathedral.” There was a tone of disbelief and disgust in her voice. “Can you imagine?”
Actually, she could. She once did a wedding for two American movie stars. The paparazzi was everywhere. And the first photo of the newlywed couple sold for millions. But that wouldn’t do anything to soothe this bride’s nerves.
“I’ll handle the press. That’s not for you to worry about.”
Giselle studied her for a moment as though trying to figure out if she should trust her. “You’ve dealt with big weddings before?”
“Yes. I’ve worked for some very famous people. Some of them had huge weddings and others preferred privacy. Every wedding is different. Just as every bride is different.”
“My brother must really like you.” Giselle smiled like she knew a secret.
Bianca glanced around, afraid someone might overhear them. Luckily there wasn’t anyone too close to them. “I think he likes the way I do my job.”
Giselle’s smile broadened. “He’s never brought home a woman before.”
Heat engulfed Bianca’s face. “It’s only work.”
“Uh-huh.” But the look in Giselle’s eyes said that she didn’t believe her.
“We’re working on your wedding and—” She caught herself, not sure if Leo would mind if she shared their arrangement.
“And what?” Giselle drew out the words with a definite note of interest. “Do tell.”
“It’s no big deal.” That was a lie. It was a huge deal to her. “In exchange for me planning your wedding, he has agreed to sponsor an advertising campaign to draw people to my family’s vineyard in Italy for my wedding planning business.”
Giselle didn’t even attempt to hide her gaping mouth. It took her a couple of seconds to speak. “My brother is doing all of that?”
“Yes. For you. To give you the wedding of your dreams.”
“My brother isn’t the kind to go out of his way for just anyone. Trust me. He likes you.”
“It’s not for me. It’s for you.”
“Uh-huh.” Her eyes said that she didn’t believe her.
Bianca’s stomach fluttered as though it’d been invaded by a swarm of butterflies. Giselle had to be wrong. Leo wasn’t interested in her—
“There you are.” Leo’s voice came from behind them.
Both Bianca and Giselle turned. When Bianca’s gaze met his, her heart beat wildly. And this was all Giselle’s fault for putting these wildly inappropriate thoughts into her mind.
Giselle glanced around. “Where’s William?”
“He’s waiting inside for you. Everyone has called it an evening.”
Giselle turned to Bianca. “I’m glad you’re here. I like you. And I think together, we’ll plan a great wedding. Can we meet first thing tomorrow to go over details?”
Bianca nodded. “That would be perfect.”
“I’ll see you then.” Giselle headed back inside. She paused next to her brother. “You have good taste. Just don’t go and scare her off.”
Leo arched a brow at his sister but didn’t say a word. Giselle giggled as she headed inside, leaving them alone in the moonlight.
He approached her. “You did well at dinner. My mother is not an easy woman.”
“But I don’t think she likes me.”
“I’ll let you in on a secret—I don’t think she likes many people. But give her time. She won’t be able to resist liking you.”
His words warmed a spot in Bianca’s chest. That warmth radiated up her neck and once again set her cheeks ablaze. She wasn’t one that normally blushed but there was something about being here—talking with Leo—being so close to him.
“I think you’re trying to put me at ease, but I know dealing with your mother over this wedding is not going to
be easy. She has her thoughts and they aren’t easily going to be swayed, but I intend to do my best. I can at least run interference for your sister. Your mother can yell at me—”
“My mother rarely raises her voice. It’s more along the lines of looks that could kill as well as a warning tone in her voice that makes people quiver.”
“Quiver, huh? Are you trying to get rid of me?”
“Not a chance. Instead, I came out here to see if you’d like to stroll through the gardens with me.” He once again held his arm out to her. “Shall we?”
She loved his gentlemanly ways. The guys she’d dated didn’t do things like offer their arm, get her chair for her or open her car door. But Leo, he was definitely different.
She placed her hand in the crook of his arm and walked with him as they moved to the sweeping stone steps that led to the gardens. As they moved along the cobblestone walkway, she inhaled a sweet floral scent. It was delightful.
“This is beautiful. How big is it?”
“Every year, they expand it. I don’t know exactly how big it is. I just know that when I was little, it was fun to play in. But the head gardener wasn’t so happy when we veered off the path and trampled the plants.”
The thought of Leo as a young boy made her smile. “I bet he wasn’t that upset with you.”
“Oh, I think he was, but there wasn’t much he could do since I was a prince. And so we kept playing out here and getting in more trouble.”
“I can’t blame you. When I was young, my brother and sister would play with me among the grapevines at the vineyard. But it was nowhere near as fun as this winding garden path. There are so many hiding places.”
“There’s a lot more to Patazonia than the royal gardens. I hope to show you around while you’re here.” He stopped and turned to her. “You haven’t changed your mind about the wedding, have you?”
She shook her head. With him gazing into her eyes, her heart had leaped into her throat. Was that desire reflected in his eyes? The prince desired her? Her heart tumbled in her chest.
She didn’t know how long they stood there staring into each other’s eyes. It was like Leo had a gravitational force around him and she was being drawn in. Though she knew letting anything happen between them would be a mistake—compounding all of the other uncertainties in her life—she remained rooted to the spot in front of him.
Her heart raced as she found herself getting lost in his dark gaze. Her fingers tingled with the urge to reach out to him—
Someone cleared their throat. Loudly. Annoyingly.
And in that second, the connection dissipated. Bianca blinked and glanced away. Heat returned to her face. She was grateful she didn’t have to speak because she didn’t trust her tongue to work correctly.
Leo cleared his throat. “Yes, Michael. What is it?”
“You are needed, sir. The call from Canada.”
Leo sighed. “I’ll be right there.” Once the man moved on, Leo turned his full attention to her. “I’m sorry. I’ve been expecting this call all day.”
“I understand. You have important business to attend to.”
Reality had come crashing in on them. And none too soon. He was a royal prince. She was a wedding planner with an uncertain heritage. They did not belong together.
“About this...” As his voice trailed off, he looked at her with confusion reflected in his eyes.
He wasn’t the only one to be confused. Her heart had betrayed her mind in wanting what it could not have. And now that her feet were once again planted firmly on the ground, she couldn’t forget that she was here to do a job. That needed to be her focus. Not getting swept up in some fairy tale.
“It’s okay,” she said. “You have important work to do.”
“You’re not upset about ending the evening so soon?”
She shook her head. “Not at all. I understand that business must come first.”
As he escorted her back to the palace, he didn’t offer her his arm. And she made sure to keep a reasonable distance between them. Because as much as nothing had happened between them, something most definitely had almost happened.
For a brief moment awareness had passed between them. It had been something genuine. Something not quite tangible but utterly unique. But for both their sakes, it was best neither of them examined it too closely.
CHAPTER EIGHT
HE’D ALMOST KISSED the wedding planner.
And the only thing he regretted was that they’d been interrupted.
A hectic week had flown by since that very memorable moment and Bianca filled every nook and crevice of Leo’s thoughts. He sighed. He was playing with fire. He was supposed to be choosing a wife in order to announce his engagement after his sister’s wedding, not indulging in a fleeting desire. But, oh, what a desire.
“What are you smiling about?”
Immediately Leo cleared his facial expression. His sister stood in front of his desk studying him. How long had she been there? He’d been so caught up in his thoughts that he hadn’t heard her enter his office.
He leaned back in his chair. “Good morning, Giselle.”
“From the look on your face you must have had a good night too.”
He frowned at her, warning her off the subject. But his sister wasn’t good with warnings. She dared to tread where most people would veer away.
“If you must know, I worked late into the night. And it was a very successful meeting.”
Giselle crossed her arms. “If that’s what you need to tell yourself, then go ahead. But I think it was something far more personal that had you smiling.”
He cleared his throat. “Did you need something?”
“You didn’t show up at breakfast—”
“I was working.”
“And Bianca wondered where you might be.”
He leaned forward and straightened the papers on the desk. “I thought you would be working with her this morning and going over all of the relevant details for the wedding.”
“We are. I’m just waiting for her to grab her things and then we’re off.” He could feel her gaze on him the whole time she spoke. “I just stopped by to see if you would want to accompany us.”
His gaze moved to the stack of bios of potential wives for him to choose from. He’d been dragging his feet long enough. The time had come. It wasn’t just his mother who was pushing for him to move into the role of king. It was the cabinet too. And, truth be told, he’d been allowed his freedom to be young and a bit adventurous. Now, it was time for him to assume his responsibilities. Even if marrying for duty wasn’t something he relished.
He stared blindly down at the papers on his desk. “Thanks. But I have a lot of work to catch up on.”
He’d used the excuse of urgent business to cancel his daily meetings with Bianca. Though he really did have pressing matters, he needed the time and distance to regain a certain level of detachment where the alluring wedding planner was concerned.
“You’re sure? You and Bianca seem to enjoy each other’s company.”
His sister was right, but he wasn’t going to encourage her. “I’ll catch up on the wedding plans this evening.”
Now that Bianca had had a chance to settle in, it was time she filled him in on the progress with the wedding. If there were problems, he wanted them addressed straight away. Nothing would ruin this event for his sister.
Giselle turned to leave but then turned back to him. “How did you get Mother to go along with this plan?”
His gaze met hers. “It’s not for you to worry about. I told you I would work this out so that you could enjoy your wedding and I’ve done just that.”
Giselle rushed around the desk, wrapped her arms around him and pressed a feathery kiss to his cheek. “You really are a great brother. And someday I’ll pay you back for all you’ve done for me.”
&nb
sp; “I didn’t do it for payback.”
Giselle pulled away. “I know. You did it because you love me.” She moved to the other side of the desk. “I’m your favorite sister.”
“You’re my only sister. Now go before I disown you.” He sent her a teasing smile.
She smiled back at him. “I’ll tell Bianca you’re sorry you were detained, but you’re eager to see her this evening—”
“Giselle—”
She scurried out of the office, giggling the whole time.
He shook his head. His sister had a good heart, but she could be relentless at times. He just hoped when he did pick a wife that she would be friends with his sister. It’d be nice to finally have some family harmony.
At last, he’d run out of excuses to resume his search for a wife. As the queen had reminded him that morning in the hallway, only six weeks remained until Giselle’s wedding followed by his official engagement announcement. And there was no way he would allow his mother to choose his wife. He inwardly shuddered at the thought.
He reached for the first bio on the rather large stack. As he started to read the page, he found himself comparing the woman to Bianca. He stopped, trying to clear Bianca’s beautiful image from his thoughts. He started to read again. This candidate’s photo had short hair unlike Bianca’s long hair—he stopped again. This was going to take a long, long time.
* * *
Was he avoiding her?
Had that moment of attraction unsettled him?
Those were the questions that snuck into Bianca’s thoughts as their dinner meetings had been cancelled night after night. She’d scarcely seen him since that moment in the gardens.
She tried to tell herself that he was a prince and therefore very busy. And that had worked the first day. But she couldn’t lie to herself any longer. Leo was avoiding her. It hurt.
And for that reason, Bianca had kept herself busy from first thing in the morning until she’d passed out from utter exhaustion late at night. Planning a national event was not for the faint of heart.
The Prince and the Wedding Planner Page 7
