"Are you ready?" Kristin called in as Renee let the designer adjust her wedding dress, one more time. Her uniquely designed dress from Alice Temperley fit perfectly and made her feel like a princess in truth.

Renee fluffed the small bottom to ensure no wrinkles existed, but otherwise she was ready for Marco.

"Did you even hear me?" Kristin walked in the door and placed her hand on Renee’s shoulder.

Renee laughed. Yes, she’d kind of heard Kristin a second ago, but she was too wrapped in her head. This time she grinned at her best friend and said, "Yes. I’m ready."

As they walked together through the castle for the ceremonial procession to the church outside, Kristin pointed out the window at all the activity that was already taking place. "The garden reception was a great idea."

"Is that Anise working?" Renee asked as she tilted her head.

"Yes." Kristin shrugged.

Marco would've said something to the maid, surely. How could the girl still be in service? "I hadn't thought... I guess it's okay. Where is her brother?"

Kristin led her to the stairs that she had to march down alone. "Marco said he's been arrested and all is well."

Have faith. The trumpets blared to announce her and the doors opened on the bottom step. Renee turned to her friend who'd done this walk to the horse drawn carriage a month prior. "I don't want to think about that. Where is Marco?"

"At the church, waiting for you." Kristin fluffed her veil.

The queen called from the front door, "Okay, are we ready?"

"Yes," Renee answered.

Kristin hugged her. "And Renee, you look gorgeous. You're practically glowing."

Renee held her friend tight. So much excitement rushed in her veins. Everything was coming true and she had to tell someone. "Kristin, can you keep a secret?"

"Of course." Kristin said fast. "Whatever you need."

Renee whispered in her ear. "Marco and I haven't told anyone yet, but I'm pregnant."

Kristin’s eyes rounded.

Renee stood straighter and took the bouquet of flowers from Maria, the flower girl, who then marched out like she was about to be princess. Kristin waited until the girl left and said, "You are?! Oh my goodness, that's amazing."

"I had to tell someone or I'd burst." Renee’s hands shook. The scent of the stargazer lilies soothed her nerves.

"I'm so happy for you."

Renee nodded. "Thanks. So let's get this day started."

Kristin went to join the queen.

Trumpets announced the beginning of her procession and Renee waited at the stairs. She took her first step outside.

Crowds cheered, but she ignored the chaos. She practically skipped down the steps, but remembered to wave every ten steps. The moment she reached the bottom, she took a new flower bouquet from Maria and handed her the simpler one for the walk. At last she reached the horse drawn carriage.

As she was waving, she felt a trickle of jittery nerves. It was past time to see Marco again.

Finally, the carriage stopped and Kristin guided her to the bridal suite on the side of the church. Renee took Kristin’s hand. "They are ready inside?"

Kristin bobbed her head and helped fix her veil. "Yes. Your prince is waiting for you at the altar."

"Then let's go." Renee turned on her heels toward the door. She needed his strength.

Kristin straightened the dress and pointed toward Maria. Renee took the third and final bouquet from her. Her skin felt electric, but she gripped the stems and proceeded to the foyer.

The wedding march began and Renee laughed with relief. "The music is beginning."

They ushered Maria down the aisle. Kristin winked and followed.

Finally, it was her turn. Her father held his arm out, and walked with her down the aisle to Marco. They were going to be a family. Everything was exactly right.

She handed Kristin her bouquet and took Marco’s hand. He held her close and they both faced the priest in the church his forefathers had built based on some miracle she would research later.

Until today she hadn't believed in miracles, but maybe being here wasn't an act of curiosity and instead it was all fate. Either way, she loved Marco. He was her protector, but more important, she was free to love him forever. She was sure they’d get a shot at happily-ever-after.