I love you, too, my Bella.
The pewter-gray Rolls-Royce slowed and then pulled up in front of the magnificent church.
Belle’s insides quivered. With a shaky hand she smoothed the creamy-white fabric of her fairytale gown—in awe of the thousands of hand-stitched crystals among the delicate lace overlay and with a simple blush satin band at the waist. At the hem of her train, embroidered with Stephan and her initials, she’d had the palest of blush-pink roses sewn, in honor of Stephan’s mother and the flower named after her. Her bouquet was a mix of the same fragrant pink roses along with white ones grown at the cottage, as Stephan liked to call it. “Any advice, Mama?” She clasped her mother’s hand.
“I don’t know. I’ve never been married.”
That made Belle chuckle. “Good one, as Rico would say.”
Her mother reached out and touched Belle’s cheek, and she leaned into the soft touch. “Love with an open heart, my sweet girl.”
The door sprung open and it was time. Her mother went first, taking the guard’s offered arm and guided inside the sacred stone structure.
In less than five minutes, with many helpers for her long train and wearing Stephan’s mother’s favorite diamond tiara and wispy veil, Belle walked up the flight of stairs to the cathedral. The oohs and ahhs and cheers from the massive amount of onlookers caused Belle to suck in a sharp breath.
All of these people were here to see Stephan and her, to come together and share in their love. His countrymen wanted nothing but happiness for them.
She realized they could only see her from behind—the off-the-shoulder, lace-edged deep vee in the back of her much anticipated wedding dress. Belle halted midway and turned— revealing the gown with it’s sweetheart neckline also with the lace edge, fitted top with nipped in waistline, and the softly flowing fabric of the sparkly skirt—to wave to the huge crowd pressed together behind the barriers, where many security men and women stood. The people cheered louder and called out her name in a chant. But it was Stephan’s nickname for her—Bella.
She blinked back the sudden well of tears. They accepted her.
Belle blew them kisses and they went wild, the roar almost deafening.
Gathering herself, she ascended the remaining stairs, recalling just a few nights ago when she arrived at the museum—frightened at what she would face.
Today, she tilted her chin up a notch higher and smiled. At the top of the stairs, Lewis waited with an even bigger grin.
When she became level with him, her friend and soon-to-be stepfather came forward. “Beautiful.”
“Who would have thought you, an ex-cop from Chicago, and me, a girl from New Jersey, would come so far?”
“Couldn’t have happened to two better friends. And, soon, I get to call you my daughter. How lucky am I?” He held out his arm and she hooked hers through his.
“I still have to do something about that deep dish craze of yours.”
“Oh, come on. You can’t be serious.”
She entered the elegant church, giggling at his look of outrage. Nearby, standing off to the side, Oscar smiled widely. His brother, Hugo, grinned, too. She gave them a thumbs-up and smiled.
Beautiful music floated to Belle. The invited attendees rose and turned. Many gasped.
“I think that’s a good sign, Lewis.” She smiled and tried to talk without moving her lips, like Deidre had taught her.
She beamed as she passed by the joyful King sisters and their husbands—Charlie, Alex, Francie, Marcus, Priscilla, and Griffin—and sweet Dolly with her Eddie. Belle’s favorite customer and now friend, Patience Crumbly, with her dear husband stood nearby.
Belle winked at Patience, knowing they both felt at one time that they weren’t good enough for the richy-rich lifestyle. They’d both come to realize staying true to themselves proved the greatest reward, no matter where they landed.
Her matron of honor Sophia—wearing a King’s original champagne-colored gown—walked the last few steps ahead of her, smiling widely at her own beloved, Sebastian, who was the best man.
With growing anticipation, Belle gazed ahead to find Stephan—in full military navy-blue uniform with gold trim and several medals—standing there at the altar. Her heart hitched and her breath caught.
Breaking tradition, he came forward, with such love in his blue eyes. “Stunning, my Bella. Absolutely breathtaking.” His words carried and more gasps followed, especially when he took her hand and kissed the back of it tenderly.
Feminine sighs floated in the air.
Belle’s focus narrowed to center on him as she took her place, floating on air as she followed his lead. The ceremony was beautiful and she never stopped smiling at her strong, handsome prince.
At a crucial moment, they turned in unison to face his father. Deidre, having decided to give him a second chance and, with her new makeover courtesy of Rico, wearing a stylish sky-blue dress, smiled with tears in her eyes. The king’s stern jaw remained immobile for countless seconds—with everyone holding their breaths—and then he nodded his curt approval, having ranted and raved until he’d calmed down enough to realize the loss of his son was a greater tragedy than losing his pride.
Stephan bowed.
Belle curtsied.
Turning back, Belle grinned at the sight of Rico and Peg behind the pulpit. They gave a rousing speech on love and marriage—snorting and giggling at times—and winning over the hardest of stuffy hearts as the attendees clapped loud and long at the end.
Or maybe that was because it had finally ended.
The elder church statesman returned, shaking his head and continued.
Belle gazed into Stephan’s eyes as she repeated her vows.
His own were strong as he stared at her. He ended, saying, “And this I promise you.”
Her ring—a simple plain gold band with their names engraved inside—meant they were one, in words and heart.
Finally, the words rang out: “You may kiss your bride.”
Stephan cupped her face in his warm, large hands and stared at her for a long moment, taking a visible shivery breath.
Belle gasped at the love shining in his mesmerizing blue stare.
“You saved my heart from dying… We are one, my Bella,” he whispered right before he leaned down.
His lips brushed hers once and then twice and then she melted into him.
She had no idea how long it went on, only that time seemed to stand still and only they were there.
When it ended, she blinked at the roar of applause as it rang through every nook and cranny of the esteemed church and to the grand steeple and beyond.
Stephan sucked in another breath as he took his bride in his arms for the next dance. The music began with a haunting melody and she leaned into him.
Bella glowed, her eyes bright with unshed tears at times and then shining with delight and now love.
“It’s beautiful. But how? All of this is what we picked out that first day in your mother’s village. The ring, the flowers—your mother’s roses—the cake. My favorite, by the way.”
“They longed to see her son finally happy. They adore you, too. You have friends there who wanted to give you everything you wanted.”
“Just them?”
“I am more than a friend, my Bella.”
“Well, thank goodness for that or we’d be in big trouble.” She stood on tiptoes and kissed him softly.
“So sweet.”
“That’s the cake.”
“No, it’s your lips.” He grinned when she blushed. “Shall we go soon?”
“I thought you’d never ask.”
He chuckled. “So eager.”
“To be alone with you. Oh, wait. Do we have to take the guards?”
“A few. More so on the property.”
“Phew! You had me worried for a moment there.”
“Rico and Peg offered—”
She covered his mouth. “No, don’t say another word. The buck stops here. They are not joining us
anywhere near our honeymoon.”
“To vlog us.”
Bella laughed. “Not the sexy time, Stephan.”
“Of course not. Before we leave, our thoughts on the wedding, our hopes and dreams.”
“Ah, I think I can handle that part…my dreams coming true with you…”
The carriage drove through the towns, the horses’ hooves clomping in rhythm. Cars with guards drove ahead and more were behind them.
Even now, more than an hour later, there were many who lined the streets.
“So many people, Stephan.”
He waved with her, turning from one side of the road to the other, trying to please everyone who had come out to wish them well.
The sun shone down, yet a slight breeze cooled Belle enough and lifted her veil. She held a small bouquet in her hand—having thrown the larger one at the reception, which Deidre caught handily, beating out Rico.
Soon the carriage driver slowed even more.
“There it is, Bella.”
“Home.” She filled with awe at what he’d done, leaving it to their future children. “Your mother would be so proud of you for everything you do.”
Leaning over, he kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you. She would have loved you.”
At the gate to the entrance, the horses came to a halt.
Belle turned at the sudden cheer to her left. “Oh, look.”
“They are here to welcome you.”
She waved and then stopped at the sight of the colorful scarf. Her smile widened. “She’s here, Stephan. Can I please get down?”
He grinned. “Of course we can, for your new friend.”
It took a great deal of coordination and help from Stephan and a few guards before Belle stepped down from the carriage. Once she did stand on firm ground, she found who she was looking for.
Reaching out, she hugged the little dark-haired girl. “Lucinda, you’re here, on my special day.”
“Princess Bella.” She squeezed Belle around the neck so tight. “You’re my very own.”
Belle chuckled. “I am honored, sweet girl.” She pulled back and handed her the small bouquet. “A present for you.”
The little girl smiled even more.
Cheers from the crowd began and then rose.
With a few handshakes and a word or two to some villagers along the way, Belle followed Stephan back to the carriage.
“Let’s go home, Stephan.”
Bella giggled at the sight on the dining room table in the darkening room. “You brought the cake.”
“A layer. You enjoyed it so much and had so little to eat today, my Bella.”
“And the lit candle on top?”
“I found it here in a kitchen drawer—a lone, sad one from years ago.”
“From one of your birthdays maybe?” She rounded the table, her wedding dress too wide to sit most anywhere. Gingerly, she removed the delicate veil and then the exquisite diamond tiara, placing them on the flat area of the china cabinet. She fixed her hair.
Stephan shucked off his uniform jacket, revealing his white shirt underneath, and then undid the top two buttons. He pulled the chairs out, making room for her. “Climb?”
“Oh, I like how you think.”
She turned, kicked off her fancy heels, and then slid backward on the wood surface as he helped her adjust the long wedding gown, gathering it and folding it to avoid the candle as she turned to the treat.
In moments, Stephan yanked off his boots and dropped them. They hit the floor with a double thunk. He joined her on the table top, facing her, cross-legged. “I’ll have you know, I only do this on rare occasions.”
“When?”
He leaned forward, sucking in a sharp breath. “On my wedding day, for my bride, my Bella.” Carefully, he kissed her, just a brush of his mouth across hers.
She sighed.
“And you?”
“Hardly ever.” Belle pressed her lips to her husband’s. “Only for the beginning of my new life with you.”
He drew back slightly. “We should make a wish and blow out our candle.”
“But all of my dreams have come true.”
“Remember mine?”
Belle shook her head, too fascinated with him to think straight.
“My wish,” he whispered with a thrilling huskiness in his voice, “is that you will always look at me as you do at this moment and that you see me like that always—that I live up to it for you and our children to come.”
She blinked back tears at the heartfelt words and at the touching ring of sincerity in them. “Stephan, I will always and forever see you as I do right now—brave and strong and so courageous that you will fight every battle for the ones you love, no matter the price. I am so proud of you. And I am honored to be your wife. My heart is full to overflowing with love for you, my forever prince.”
* * *
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Thank you for reading the Once Upon A Royal Wedding Series! I hope you enjoyed His Beloved Princess and Her Forever Prince. If you could take a moment and leave an honest review where you purchased this series, I would greatly appreciate it.
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About the Author
Click here for your bonus FREE ebook!
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Don’t forget to get If The Shoe Fits, book 1 in the Once Upon A Romance series for FREE!
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Bestselling author Laurie LeClair writes about love, laughter, and happily ever after in her romantic comedies, sweet romances, contemporary romances, and contemporary women’s fiction books.
Laurie’s habit of daydreaming has gotten her into a few scrapes and launched her to take up her dream of writing. Finally, she can put all those stories in her head to rest as she brings them to life on the page.
Laurie considers herself a New Texan (New England born and raised and now living in Texas). She lives in Central Texas with her husband, Jim, who thankfully appreciates her sense of fun and love of travel. (Not so much the endless picture taking while hanging out the passenger window!) She loves to hear from readers!
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You can connect with me online:
www.laurieleclair.com
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Books by Laurie LeClair
Once Upon A Romance Series: (Romantic Comedy; Fairy Tale Retelling)
If The Shoe Fits - Book 1
Waking Sleeping Beauty - Book 2
Taming McGruff - Book 3
The Reluctant Beauty - Book 4
Awakened By A Kiss - Book 5
Tangled At First Sight - Book 6
Finding Mr. Just Right - Book 7
Making A Splash - Book 8
Hoodwinked By A Wolfe - Book 9
Baking From The Hart - Book 10
Melting Her Heart - Book 11
Princess In Hiding - Book 12
Her Frog Prince - Book 13
Forget Me Not - Book 14
Three Wishes - Book 15
Her Brave Heart - Book 16
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Once Upon A Royal Wedding Boxed Set (Once Upon A Romance spin-off, Romantic Comedy, Royal Weddings)
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A Very Charming Wedding Series (Once Upon A Romance spin-off; Romantic Comedy)
The Bachelor And The Bride – Book 1
The Boss And The Bride – Book 2
The Bodyguard And The Bride – Book 3
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The Cormac Family: Billionaire Sweet Romance
CEO Billionaire - Book 1
Boss Billionaire - Book 2
Best Friend Billionaire - Book 3
Bride Billionaire - Book 4
Bachelor Billionaire - Book 5
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The McCall Brothers Series (Contemporary Western Romance)
The Cowboy’s Rebellious Bride - Book 1
The Cowboy’s Renegade Bride - Book 2
The Cowboy’s Runaway Bride - Book 3
The Cowboy’s Christmas Bride - Book 4
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Cupid’s Corner Series (Sweet Romance; Romantic Comedy)
Dear Cupid - Book 1
Picture Perfect Bride - Book 2
Falling For Her - Book 3
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Wanted: Fairy Godmother (Romantic Comedy)
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The Sweet Spot Series (Romantic Comedy)
The Dating Dilemma – Book 1
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An Angel Mountain Novel (Holiday; Contemporary Romance)
The Heart Remembers - Book 1
The Gift Of Hope - Book 2
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Tempted By A Texan Series (Contemporary Western Romance)
The Callahans – Prequel
Travis – Book 1
Cassie – Book 2
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The Heart Series (Contemporary Romance)
Secrets Of The Heart – Book 1
Lies Of The Heart – Book 2
Crimes Of The Heart – Book 3
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The Bounty Hunter Series (Contemporary Romantic Suspense)
Murphy’s Law – Book 1
Riley’s Rules – Book 2
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The Long Journey Home (Contemporary romance; Women’s Fiction)
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Runaway Wife (Contemporary romance; Women’s Fiction)
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Sweet Summertime (Contemporary romance; Women’s Fiction)
Once Upon a Royal Wedding Page 16
