“You were watching us?”
“No. I mean I saw you through the doorway and then I inquired about your guest. When I found out it was Bridgette, I knew you were in trouble.”
“You know her?”
Giselle shrugged. “We’ve met up before at various events. I know all I want to about her and trust me, she’s not right for you.”
“Maybe I should have you sort through my stack of possible brides.”
Giselle stopped walking and frowned at him. “You’re making a mistake.”
“I’m not any happier about this than you are. But you know I have to marry in order to take the throne. They need to know there’s a good possibility of an heir. I am doing what is expected of me. I’ve put it off as long as I can.”
“You need to marry someone you love. Someone you trust. Someone who makes you smile.”
He rubbed the back of his neck and glanced away. “That’s a luxury I can’t afford.”
“It’s a necessity you would be wise not to overlook.”
“Since when did you become an expert on marriage? You haven’t even said ‘I do’ yet.” He regretted the words as soon as they slipped past his lips.
Pain reflected in his sister’s eyes but in a blink, it was gone. “I have to go.”
“Giselle, I’m sorry—”
“Forget it.” She turned to walk away.
“What about the wedding?” he asked. “You know, the problem?”
“There isn’t one.”
And with that his sister marched off in the opposite direction. He knew she was upset with him and he would have to work on making it up to her.
His phone rang. He immediately answered it, hoping it was the news he’d been awaiting. And it was. By the time he disconnected the call, he had the perfect excuse to go see Bianca.
He set off with quick strides. With each step, his anticipation grew. He had a surprise for her. Something she was going to love.
* * *
“Come with me.”
Bianca glanced over her shoulder to find Leo standing in the doorway of the palace’s grand ballroom. Her fingers tightened around the stylus and her tablet. She was working on the setup for the reception—the best way to use the space available considering the large number of guests. They’d barely started.
“Hi.” She couldn’t help but smile. Every time he was around, a bubbly feeling sprang up inside her. “I can’t leave now. We’re working on some last-minute modifications to the layout of the reception.”
He walked up to her and glanced at the tentative setup on her tablet. “Looks good. Let’s go.”
He grabbed her hand and started walking. Bianca dug in her heels, refusing to move. When he noticed her resistance, he stopped and turned back to her.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“I told you I’m working.”
“I know and I’m sorry, but this just can’t wait.” His eyes pleaded with her to follow him.
“Wait? What are you talking about?”
“Just come with me.”
And then a worrisome thought came to mind. Was there some part of this royal wedding that she’d overlooked?
Her heart clenched with dread. There were so many moving parts to this wedding that it was tough staying on top of anything. But in the end, if she could handle this wedding, she could handle any wedding. The trick was getting the princess down the aisle and then onto the dance floor. It was only then that Bianca would be able to take her first easy breath.
“Tell me,” she said. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing is wrong.” A smile pulled at the corner of his lips. “In fact, something is very right.”
“But I need to finish here—”
“Sylvie,” Leo called out.
Immediately, Sylvie dropped what she was doing and rushed over to them. She stopped in front of Leo with rounded eyes and a timid smile. She noticeably swallowed before gazing up at him as though he were some sort of god. “Yes, Your Royal Highness?”
Leo took the tablet from Bianca and handed it over to her assistant. “Could you continue to work on setting up the room?”
“I... I...uh...um...yes.” Her eyes rounded like saucers. “Definitely. I’d be honored to, Your Highness.”
“Thank you.” Then he took Bianca by the hand and led her from the room.
“Leo, what are you doing?”
“We have to go. We don’t have a lot of time.”
“But I need to tell her what I have in mind for the changes.”
At last, he stopped and turned to her. “Do you have it written down?”
“Yes—”
“Of course, you do.” He turned and keeping his hand clasped around hers, he headed for the door. “I bet you have your entire life planned out in one big list.”
She frowned at the back of his head. “Don’t make fun of the lists. They keep everything organized and on time.”
His pace didn’t slow down. In fact, it might have sped up. “But where is the room for spontaneity and fun?”
She didn’t respond at first. She’d been so busy proving herself to her parents and her siblings that even though she didn’t have the same interests as them that she could still be a success.
When Leo stopped and turned a questioning look at her, she said, “Maybe I’m not the typical young person. So what if I don’t live for Friday nights out on the town with my friends, hitting all of the hot spots. And maybe I didn’t vacation in Monaco or sail the Mediterranean, but I’ve worked hard. I’ve accomplished a lot. If I hadn’t, you wouldn’t have hired me. Right?” When he didn’t immediately respond, she asked again, “Right?”
He sighed. “Right.”
“So then don’t diss my lists. You might live your life without the need for organization—but being the crown prince, I can’t see that lasting—but I need the lists. They make me feel like I have a handle on things. They make it possible for me not to stress out about everything.”
Leo looked at her like he was seeing a whole new side of her. “You really enjoy those lists?”
“I know it might be strange for a lot of people, but yes, I like my lists. I need my lists. If I follow my lists, they’ll get me where I need to go.”
“Hmm... Perhaps you should start a list of fun things.”
Now that was something she hadn’t considered before. A list of restaurants she’d like to try out. A list of locations she’d like to visit. She already had a list of movies and television shows that she’d like to watch but as yet hadn’t gotten around to them.
“So I’m forgiven?” Leo’s voice drew her from her thoughts.
“Um...what?”
“You know, for dragging you away from your work?”
“I still don’t even know why you drew my away.”
“Can I show you?”
“Well, considering Sylvie looked excited to do anything that you asked, I wouldn’t want to ruin it for her.” And secretly she was curious to know what was so important to him. “Let’s go.”
Hand in hand, he led her out to a waiting car. The driver opened the door for them. Before Bianca climbed in, she looked back at Leo. “You aren’t driving today?”
“I thought this would be easier.”
“Easier? Easier for what?”
“You’ll soon see.” A big smile lifted the corners of his mouth and lit up his eyes.
Whatever he was up to had him very excited. In fact, she’d never seen him this excited. She wouldn’t admit it, but his mood was contagious. After keeping her in suspense, he didn’t deserve to see her smile. Two could play this game.
As the unmarked sedan moved out through the service entrance of the palace, no paparazzi noticed their exit. It was rather freeing after seeing how the press camped at the front gates and clambered over the offic
ial flagged cars as they emerged from the palace grounds.
Bianca wondered what it was like to live under a microscope. She glanced over at the prince. He didn’t seem to let it get to him. But growing up in the spotlight must give him a different perspective versus someone like her who had lived a rather anonymous life.
A part of her felt sorry for him. Because not only were his greatest achievements on display for the whole world to see, but his failures and heartaches were all out there for people to criticize and dissect.
Maybe being a prince wasn’t all it was hyped up to be, but as she leaned back against the buttery soft black leather seat and stared out the window at the passing greenery that was quickly giving way to more buildings, more cars, more people, there were definitely some pluses to this life as well.
Bianca questioned him a couple more times about their destination, but he wouldn’t crack. And when the car pulled to a final stop and the driver got out to open their doors, she was confused. Leo donned a dark cap and sunglasses. He looked very mysterious.
She stepped out onto the asphalt, raised a hand to her forehead to block the bright sunlight and gazed around at big nondescript buildings.
She turned a questioning gaze to Leo. “You brought me to the warehouse district?”
He laughed. “Not exactly. Come with me and I’ll show you the magic that lurks inside.”
Magic and this place didn’t seem to go together, but she had to admit he had her full attention now. “Leo, what are we doing here?” And then a worrisome thought came to her. “You don’t want to move the princess’s after-party here, do you?”
The deep rumble of laughter filled the air. “Bianca, do you trust me?”
“No. I mean... I guess—” She halted her rambling. Why did this man get to her and make her a blubbering mess?
When her gaze met his, she found that no harm had been done. He was still smiling.
They headed toward the side of the building. There was a nondescript door with a red light next to it. As they approached, the light went out.
Leo opened the door and stood aside for her to enter. It was darker inside and it took a moment for Bianca’s vision to adjust. She let Leo take the lead. He quickly made his way to a group of people and bright lights.
“What is this?” she whispered while glancing up at the spotlights suspended from the ceiling. Then the cameras came into view. “A television station?”
“Close. It’s a sound stage. And they are filming your advertisement for your business.”
“What?” She slapped a hand over her mouth when her voice was a little too loud and heads turned in their direction.
Leo’s smile lit up his eyes. “I told you I would take care of you. And soon this will be on the internet and network television.”
“Quiet on the set,” a man called out.
No one seemed to notice that beneath the dark baseball cap was the prince. She stood next to him and watched as a bride entered the scene carrying the biggest, most splendid bouquet of pink and white ranunculus and peonies. They were hands down Bianca’s favorite flowers.
Leo guided her over to one of the monitors. It was there that they could see the background. In the distance were the green rolling hills of home. In the foreground was her courtyard. But how?
Her gaze moved to Leo. He sent her a knowing smile. That man was good, very good.
They stood quietly while lines were spoken, scenes and retakes were filmed. Bianca wasn’t sure how much time passed as she was totally mesmerized by everything that was going on around her.
Leo had taken her marketing preferences and taken them a step further. As the reality of the situation sank in, it was getting harder and harder for her to stifle her excitement. She wanted to speak. She wanted to celebrate the moment.
This wasn’t just any commercial. This was a chance to make her dream a reality. This was going to make her a household name in the wedding world. And it was all thanks to Leo.
She didn’t know how to thank him, but she would figure out something special. She just had to think about it for a bit.
During a break, someone nudged the director and then pointed over his shoulder at them. Oops! They’d been spotted.
The director rushed toward them. The man made a big flourish of bowing to the prince. Leo stiffened ever so slightly. If she hadn’t been standing so close to him, she never would have noticed. So, all of the pomp and circumstance didn’t come so naturally to him. Interesting.
“Your Royal Highness, I didn’t know you’d be stopping by today. I hope I haven’t kept you waiting.”
“Not at all.” Leo smiled as though to put the man at ease. “We’ve enjoyed watching the filming.”
“Thank you, sir. Is there anything I can do for you?”
“I would like you to meet Miss Bianca Bartolini. She is the woman behind BB Wedding Dreams.”
Again, the man bowed. He took her hand and gave a feathery kiss to the back of it. “It’s an honor. I hope when we are finished, you’ll enjoy the image.”
“I’ve already enjoyed what I’ve seen. When I see the film merged with the background, it’s like I’m home once more.”
“Your home, it’s gorgeous. People are going to be clamoring to marry at your lovely villa.”
“I hope you’re right.”
They talked for a few more minutes and then they left, leaving the crew alone to finish their work. Bianca couldn’t quit smiling.
As soon as they stepped outside, she turned to Leo. “That was amazing. Thank you. It’s more than I ever imagined.”
His brows rose. “What were you expecting?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know. But certainly nothing that elaborate. And you even filmed my villa.”
“I thought it should show people exactly what they’d be missing by not getting married there.”
Excitement and anticipation bubbled up in her and she acted without thinking by throwing her arms around Leo for a hug. It was when she leaned into him—when she breathed in his clean, masculine scent—that she realized she’d overstepped. His body remained stiff, as though she’d caught him off guard.
She quickly pulled back. “Sorry. I just lost my mind for a moment there.”
“I take it you approve?”
She eagerly nodded her head. “I do.”
And now the pressure was on her to do something extra special for him. She just had no idea what that might be. But she would think of something.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
BUZZ. BUZZ.
She didn’t have time for phone calls.
Still, Bianca couldn’t just ignore the call—not until she knew who was on the other end. She removed the phone from her purse. Her heart stilled in her chest when she saw the name of her family’s attorney flash on the caller id.
There was no way this was anything but bad news. She’d been dreading this day for the longest time. And now it was here.
Maybe she should just ignore it. She could let it ring over to her voicemail. After all, today was the royal wedding. Giselle and Leo were counting on her to make this day go smoothly for everyone.
She had to bring her very best game today. She couldn’t be upset. But she also couldn’t be distracted wondering what the attorney wanted.
With great trepidation, she answered the call. “Hello. This is Bianca Bartolini.”
As she said her name, she wondered how much longer she would have a right to it. When all was said and done, would everything about her life be a lie—even her name?
“Ms. Bartolini, this is Lando Caruso,” the family’s attorney said. “I’ve spoken with your brother and sister. They’ve informed me you’re out of the country.”
“That’s correct. I’m working on a wedding.”
“I see.” His voice didn’t give any hints as to what he was thinking. “T
he reason for my call is that the testing facility says they’ll have the DNA result in a couple of days.”
“Oh.” Her heart was heavy and sank all the way down to her silver heels. Not wanting to have any witnesses to her utter meltdown, she said, “Can you give me the results over the phone?”
“No. The agreement with your siblings was that the results would be revealed when you were all in the same room.”
“Right.” She recalled making that agreement. It seemed like a lifetime ago.
“How soon will you be returning home? As you can understand, your siblings are quite anxious for the results.”
She understood very well. “The wedding is today. I’ll be able to fly home tomorrow or the next day.”
“Very well. I will arrange to be at the villa on Tuesday. Will that give you enough time?”
“Y-yes.” Her stomach shivered with nerves.
They ended the call and then Bianca stood there as though in a trance. This could very well be the end of her life as she knew it. With the results at hand, the stark reality of her future was daunting.
Knock. Knock.
Her future and the uncertainty of that future would have to wait for another time. She had a wedding to oversee. And absolutely nothing was going to go wrong today. She owed both Giselle and Leo her undivided attention.
There was another knock.
“Coming!” She glanced in the mirror to make sure she hadn’t forgotten anything. She could do this. Because whether or not she was a Bartolini, she was a wedding planner. No one could take that away from her.
* * *
The bride was stunning.
The groom, eh, not too bad.
And the entire wedding had gone off without a hitch.
Leo knew who to thank for making his sister’s big day so perfect—Bianca. She’d once again worked her magic. She’d smoothed out the rough edges, covered over the imperfections and highlighted the beauty of the day. The only thing that bothered him was that she’d been so busy he hadn’t had a moment to so much as thank her.
But there was another part of this day that he dreaded. It meant the deadline for choosing a wife was at hand. It was like a ticking time bomb. And when it went off, life as he knew it would be over. How was he supposed to spend the rest of his days with someone he didn’t love?
The Prince and the Wedding Planner Page 15
