The Best Man & The Wedding Planner

by Teresa Carpenter

  “Only for you,” Zach assured him. “How are things going here?”

  “Slowly.” Tony grabbed a beer and opened it. “Everyone has a different opinion of how the monarchy should be run.”

  “And you have to learn the worst-case scenario for each before you’ll make a determination,” Zach stated, knowing that’s how his friend operated. In working security protocols he liked to work backward to make sure the worst never happened.

  “It doesn’t help that I constantly have to address some question or concern about the wedding or coronation. It’s a lot to juggle.”

  “So maybe you should put the wedding off.” Zach took the opportunity presented to him. “Get the monarchy stabilized first and then revisit the idea of marriage when you can choose someone for yourself.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Tony laughed again. “Instead of cheering me, the people would be rioting in the streets. I think they want this wedding more than anything else.”

  “Because it’s a Cinderella story?”

  Tony shrugged. “Because I’ve made them wait so long.”

  “Because you never intended to marry Christina.”

  “Shush.” Tony glanced around the terrace. “We won’t speak of that here.”

  “Someone needs to speak of it before it’s too late to stop it.”

  “That time is long gone, my friend. Christina will make a good queen. The people love her.”

  “They don’t know her any better than you do. She’s been off in Africa.”

  “Taking care of sick children. It plays well. Ah, the chicken wings. Grazie, Edmondo.”

  The servant bowed and retreated.

  Zach quirked a brow at his friend. Tony shrugged and they both reached for a chicken wing.

  After a moment Tony sighed. “Man, I needed this.” He upended his beer, drinking the last. “I don’t know anything about running a country, Zach.”

  “You know plenty. You’ve been training for this your whole life. Even while living in California,” Zach reminded him.

  “That’s different. I always planned to hand over control to a republic, but I’m not sure that’s what the people want. They are all behind this wedding and I can’t let them down. I just need to do the opposite of what my dad would do and I’ll be doing a better job than has been done.”

  “A little harsh, don’t you think?”

  “No.” Tony shook his head and reached for another beer. “I love my parents, but their relationship is messed up. I don’t ever want to love anyone so much it messes with my head. Better a business arrangement than a volatile, emotional mess.”

  Zach plucked a bottle of beer from the bucket, knowing he’d gotten as far as he was going to get tonight. He reached out and clicked bottles with Tony. “To the monarchy.”

  Tony’s statement about a business arrangement only made Zach more determined to see him freed from a loveless marriage. Because his friend was wrong. At least a volatile, emotional mess inferred someone cared. You didn’t get that guarantee with a business arrangement. What you got was a cold, lonely life.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  WHAT A DIFFERENCE a week made. As she flew through the air on the way to Milan, Lindsay thought about all she’d accomplished since her last flight in the helicopter. She had her wedding board up and she’d made contact with all the local vendors she’d lined up before coming to Halencia, confirming plans and reevaluating as necessary.

  She’d talked to the landscapers and she had an appointment at the end of the week to meet at the palazzo to go over her needs for the wedding and reception. On the mayor’s recommendation, Zach had hired a crew to clean up the palazzo and chapel grounds. They should be well done by the time she met with the landscapers.

  Yesterday she’d hired an assistant. Serena was twenty-two, fresh out of university and eager to assist in any way she could with the royal wedding. Lindsay worried a little over the girl’s age, knowing she’d have to be strong enough to say no to outrageous offers for inside information about the wedding, and mature enough to know when she was being played. But Serena was Mayor Alonso’s daughter and she had his glib tongue and a no-nonsense attitude that convinced Lindsay she could handle the job.

  Plus, she just plain liked the young woman.

  She’d gone a little googly-eyed over Zach but, seriously, who wouldn’t? It was a fact of life she’d have to put up with.

  “We are coming up on Milano,” the pilot announced.

  Lindsay leaned forward to get a view of the northern city. Two prominent pieces of architecture caught the eye. A very modern building of glass and metal that twisted well into the air and an ancient cathedral dramatically topped with a forest of spires. Both buildings were stunningly impressive.

  She glanced at Zach and found his gaze on her. Smiling, she gestured at the view. “It’s spectacular.”

  “It is, indeed,” he agreed without looking away from her.

  She turned her attention back to the view, pretending his focus on her didn’t send the blood rushing through her veins.

  He’d kept to his promise not to touch her. Well, mostly. He didn’t play with her hair or take her hand, but he stayed bumping-elbows close wherever they went. And he still liked to put his hand in the small of her back whenever he directed her into or out of a building or room.

  Serena had asked if they were together, so Lindsay knew the townspeople were speculating about their relationship. She’d given Serena a firm no in response and hoped the word got out about the true state of things.

  They landed at a heliport on a mid-rise building not far from the Duomo di Milano. Downstairs a car was waiting to take them to a shop along Via Monte Napoleone. Lindsay checked her tablet to give Zach the address.

  She looked forward to handing the dress over to Christina and the queen’s seamstress. Providing security for the gown had proved more stressful than she’d anticipated. Having it off her shoulders would allow her to focus on the many other elements of the wedding demanding her attention.

  “There it is. Signora Russo’s. Christina and the queen are meeting us there. I already spoke to Signora Russo about the damage to the beading. She said she’s a master seamstress and she would fix it.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  A valet took the car and she and Zach were escorted inside. An attendant took the garment bag and led them to a plush fitting suite. A large, round couch in a soft ivory with a high back topped by an extravagant flower arrangement graced the middle of the room.

  The bride and queen stood speaking with a petite, ageless woman in a stylish black suit. Lindsay walked across the room with Zach to join them.

  Christina made the introductions. It might have been Lindsay’s imagination, but the other woman seemed quite relieved to see them.

  “Zachary!” exclaimed Her Royal Highness Valentina de l’Accardi, Queen of Halencia when she saw Zach. “As handsome as ever.” She glided forward and kissed him on both cheeks. “Mio caro, thank you for helping Antonio. He is so busy. Many, many meetings. We do not even see him at the palace.”

  “Valentina.” Zach bent over her hand. “You are ever youthful. I thought for a moment Elena was here.”

  “Zachary!” Valentina swatted his forearm and giggled. Yes, the matriarch of Halencia giggled. And flushed a pretty rose. “Such a charming boy. Be careful, Ms. Reeves, this one knows what a woman wants to hear, be alert that he does not steal your heart.”

  “Yes. I’ve noticed he’s a bit of a flirt.”

  “Si, a flirt.” Warm brown eyes met hers with a seriousness her lighthearted greeting belied. The woman clasped her hand and patted it. “I am so pleased you were able to come to Halencia to plan Antonio and Christina’s wedding. I wanted only the best for them.”

  “Now, you flatter me.” Lindsay squeezed the
queen’s hand before releasing her and stepping back. “It is I who is privileged to be here. And to be here in Signora Russo’s shop. I may have to steal a moment to shop for my own dress for the wedding.”

  “Oh, you must. My friend will take the best care of you. Giana, Ms. Reeves needs a dress. Charge it to my account. It shall be my treat for all her hard work.”

  Appalled, Lindsay protested. “Your Highness, I cannot—”

  “I insist.” The queen waved her objection aside. “I only wish I could stay and help you shop. And see Christina in her gown!” She sighed with much drama. “Regretfully, I must leave. One of Antonio’s many meetings draws me away. Christina—” Valentina moved to the bride’s side and Christina bowed to receive a kiss on the cheek. “Worry not. Giana has made many women look like a princess. She will do her magia and make you a bella bride.”

  For an instant Christina seemed to freeze, but in a blink it passed and she bowed her head. “Grazie, Your Highness.”

  “But you, Christina, will be a real princess. And that demands something special from a woman. The reward is something special in return.” She picked up an ornate, medium-size box from the couch and slowly lifted the lid. A glimmering tiara rested on a bed of white velvet.

  Christina put a hand to her throat. “Valentina.”

  “I wore this when I married Antonio’s father. It must stay in my family, but you would honor me if you wore it when you marry my son.”

  Tears glistened in Christina’s eyes. “It’s beautiful.” Diamonds and sapphires swirled together in gradually bigger scrolls until they overlapped in the front, creating a heart. “It’s too much.”

  “Nonsense. A princess needs a tiara,” Valentina insisted. “It would please me very much.”

  Christina sent Lindsay a pleading look. What should she do?

  Lindsay gave a small shrug. “It’s something borrowed and something blue.”

  “Oh, my.” Christina gave a small laugh. “You said the items would come.”

  “I must go.” Valentina handed the box to Christina. “Try it on with your dress and veil, you will see. A security officer will stay behind to collect it until the wedding.”

  “Valentina.” Christina gripped the other woman’s hand. “Grazie.”

  “Ciao, my dears.” With a wave of her fingers, the queen breezed out the door.

  Immediately the room felt as if a switch had been flipped and the energy turned off.

  Giana Russo excused herself and followed behind Valentina.

  Christina sighed, her gaze clinging to Zach. “And I’m supposed to follow that?”

  Lindsay’s gut tightened. She’d soothed many a nervous bride. But a nervous queen-to-be? That was out of her league. She sent Zach a pleading look.

  He didn’t hesitate. He went to Christina and wrapped her in a warm hug. “She’s a force of nature, no denying that. Everyone likes Valentina. She’s fun and vivacious.” He stepped back at the perfect moment. “But what Halencia needs now is warm and constant. And that’s you.”

  “Grazie, Zach.” Christina’s shoulders relaxed with his words. “I am glad you came today.”

  “Of course. Hey, listen. I’m sorry for sitting on your dress. I’ll pay for all the repairs and alterations.”

  “You sat on my dress?” Christina’s surprise showed on her face. “Lindsay said some beading came loose during the travel.”

  “With a little help from my butt.” He glanced at Lindsay over his shoulder, gratitude warming his whiskey eyes. “She seems to think Signora Russo can do magia and fix it.”

  “Si, si. I can fix.” Giana blew back into the room. An attendant followed behind and carried Christina’s beautiful gown into one of the dressing rooms. “I have looked at the damage. It is not so bad. A little re-stitching will solve everything.”

  “Nonna!” A little girl ran into the room. Adorable, with big brown eyes and a cap of short, wild curls, she clutched a bright pink stuffed dog under arm. She came to a stop when she spotted three strangers with her grandmother.

  “Ah, Lucette. Scusa il bambina.” Giana tried to pick up the toddler but she squealed and ducked behind Christina. “My apologies. We had a small emergency and I was recruited to babysit. My daughter should be here shortly to get her. Lucette, come to Nonna.”

  “Oh, she’s no trouble. Ciao, Lucette.” Christina bent at the knees so she was on the same level as the little girl, who stared at her with big, beautiful eyes. “What’s your doggy’s name?”

  Lucette giggled and held out the dog. She jabbered a mouthful of words that made no sense to Lindsay at all. She looked at Zach but he shook his head, indicating he didn’t understand the words, either.

  “What a lovely name.” Christina apparently made the dog’s name out or pretended to. She chatted with the child for another few minutes, making the girl laugh. From her ease with the little one, it was obvious Christina loved children. Her gentleness and genuine interest delighted Giana’s granddaughter until a harried assistant hurried into the room and swept the girl up.

  “Scusa.” The young assistant bobbed her head and left with the little girl.

  Giana sighed. “Such excitement today. Are you ready, Signorina Rose, to try on your dress?”

  Christina nodded. She and Giana disappeared into one of the dressing rooms.

  Lindsay and Zach looked at each other.

  “Do we stay or go?” Zach asked.

  “I’m going to stay until she comes out.” Lindsay sat facing the occupied dressing room. “She may want company for the whole appointment. You can go if you want. I’m sure she’d understand.”

  “I’ll wait to see how long you’re going to be.” He settled next to her. Way too close. His scent reached her, sensual and male, distracting her so she almost missed his question. “Have you ever come close to being the bride?”

  “Not really.” She smoothed the crease in her pale beige pants. “The one time I even contemplated it, I found out the relationship existed more in my imagination than in reality.”

  Interest sparked behind his intelligent gaze.

  “How about you?” She tried to sidetrack him.

  “Once,” he admitted. “How do you get to marriage in your imagination? You’re too levelheaded to make up what’s not there.”

  “Thanks for that.” She uncrossed and then re-crossed her legs, creating distance between them on the couch though her new position had her facing him. “He was my high school sweetheart. We got split up during our senior year when his parents moved away.”

  “That’s tough.”

  She chanced a quick peek at him through her lashes to see if he truly understood or was simply saying what he thought she wanted to hear. The intensity in his regard showed an avid interest, encouraging her to go on.

  “It was tough. We just understood each other. I lost my best friend as well as my boyfriend.” The crease on her right leg got the same smoothing action as her left. “I always felt he was the one who got away.”

  “But you reconnected.”

  “We did. When the royal wedding was announced last year, he saw a piece where it mentioned I was the event planner, so he looked me up in Hollywood.”

  “And you had fonder memories of him than he had for you?”

  “You could say that.” The gentle way he delivered the comment made it safe to look at him as she answered. “I was so surprised and happy to see him. My mom, too. She’s always on me to find a man. At first it was as though Kevin and I’d never been apart.” Because of their past connection, he’d skipped right under her shields. “We were having lots of fun just hanging out and catching up. But I was so busy. Especially after word I’d been chosen to handle Antonio’s wedding started to get around.

  “Kevin was a freelance writer, so his schedule was flexible and he offered to help.
I didn’t want to take advantage, but I wanted to be with him. I let him tend bar at a few of the smaller events. That went well, so he started pushing to work the weddings.”

  “This is where the but comes in?”

  Lindsay nodded, went back to plucking at her crease.

  Zach’s hand settled over hers, stilling the nervous motion.

  She calmed under his touch. Under the sympathy in his eyes.

  It still hurt to recall what a fool she’d been.

  “First I got a warning from one of my vendors. He didn’t know we were involved and he said I should keep an eye on the new bartender. He’d seen him outside with one of the guests.”

  “Bastard.”

  “It gets worse. And it’s my own fault.”

  “How is it your fault when he’s the one cheating?”

  Good question. Too bad she didn’t have a good answer.

  “Because I let him charm me. When I asked him about what the vendor had seen, he didn’t get defensive or act guilty. He had a story ready that the woman told him she was feeling sick so he’d walked her outside, hoping fresh air would help. I had no reason not to believe him. It explained what the vendor saw and... Kevin could be very solicitous.”

  “But it happened again.”

  Her head bobbed; perfect representation for the bobble-head she’d been.

  “He tried to explain that one away, too. But I was starting to wise up. I should have ended it then.” But that ideal from the past lingered in her heart, overriding the urging of her head. “Before things started going south, I’d been invited to a big wedding of a studio head and asked Kevin to go with me. I didn’t want to go alone and I wasn’t working so I thought it would be okay.” She blinked back tears. “I should have known what he wanted. The clues were there.”

  “He was using you.”

  “Oh, yeah. He always wanted to know who everyone was. I thought he was just starstruck by the movers and shakers of Hollywood. The truth was he had a script he was shopping. I found him messing around with a well-known producer.”

  “Male or female?”