“We did it!” I say to Arthur, once we settle into the carriage for the ride to the palace.

“Yes, we certainly did!” He beams and kisses me right on the lips, not caring who happens to be watching. “Now, all that’s left to do is live happily ever after.”

“But first, let’s party.”

We wave and smile at the crowd, Arthur holding my hand up in the air between us as though we’ve just taken gold at the Olympics—and in a way, we have. We’ve taken the top prize of love—a lifetime with the right person.

“Hey! I just realized that you’re going to be King Arthur someday.”

He gives me an amused look. “I can’t decide if my mother had a bit of a sense of humour or was just a real romantic.”

“Maybe it was both.”

* * *

It’s ten in the evening and the reception is in full swing. I’ve just returned from the ladies’ room, where I patted my hot face with a towel and reapplied my lipstick. I’m a bit tipsy, but more on the excitement of the day than Champagne. I stand near the door and laugh as the guests do the Chicken Dance—a request to the band from my mum, no doubt. Arthur is in the center of the floor, giving it all he’s got along with her, Nina, Isa, Nikki, and the kids.

I think about how funny life is and how it can change on a dime. I think about the life we’re starting today and what it will be like. We’ve decided we’ll live part-time here at the castle and part-time in one of the larger empty apartments at the palace with four bedrooms, one of which will become Dexter’s. Arthur came by my parents’ place a couple of days ago, and loaded all my things into the limo himself so everything will be set when we get home. Home. That has a wonderful ring to it. And even if it will be a strange sort of life in a lot of ways, the scones are to die for.

Arthur has declared that we will take every Sunday off so we can just be together and do nothing. Or something. Or somethin’ somethin’.

“Well, this has been quite the hoot, my dear.”

I look to my left and see the Princess Dowager at my side. “It has been wonderful, hasn’t it?”

“Quite. Your people are an absolute blast. Not a stuffed shirt in the bunch. I think I’ll fit in quite well with them.”

“You will indeed. I’ve already had all four of my brothers give me what for over not inviting you to Sunday dinner yet.”

She laughs. “I’d love that. Now, which ones are single again?”

“Bram and Finn. Although, from the looks of things, I think Bram and Irene over there are going to make a go of it.”

“Finn, it is then.” She gives me a wry smile. “And how lovely for you that you don’t have to worry about the wedding night.”

I feel my face warm at her meaning and I laugh.

“Good that you young ladies do a test drive before you make a final decision,” she says with a firm nod. “Although, in my case, it all worked out very nicely in that regard.”

“I’m glad to hear it.” I put one arm over her shoulder and pull her in for a side hug.

She bristles for a moment then seems to relax, so I go all in and give her a kiss on the cheek. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For giving me a chance, for getting Arthur and me back together, for lending me this gorgeous tiara for today, for welcoming me—”

“Don’t get all mushy on me. I’ll lose all respect for you.” She reaches up and pats me on the cheek. “Now, I’ll be expecting great-grandchildren right away. With those excellent birthing hips of yours, it shouldn’t be much trouble at all for you.”

I laugh, covering my mouth with one hand.

The Princess Dowager breaks away from my hold and says, “Oh, there’s that handsome Xavier. I’m going to make him dance with me.”

“Be gentle with him!” I call as she walks away.

I look around and see my father and King Winston standing next to the bar, laughing with each other. They’ve been deep in conversation for the better part of an hour now which, I have to say, warms my heart. I’m suddenly proud of my father, who has the ability to be uniquely himself no matter who he’s with. I resolve to tell him as much as soon as I can pry him away from King Winston long enough for a dance.

As I scan the room and take it all in, it occurs to me that I need to be more like my dad which is to say, happy to be me. I’ll never manage to make everyone like or accept me, but I can be my best self wherever I go.

I am Tessa Langdon, Princess of Avonia, Duchess of Wellingborne, Potty-Mouth Extraordinaire, Former Blogger, Recently Retired Reporter, and Soon-to-be Board Member of the three dozen charities I have taken on.

And, best of all, I am brave, I am strong, and I am loved.

The Beginning…