Page 60 of The Princess and the SEAL

My father greeted me, his blue eyes blinking back tears. “My princess. You look beautiful. Just like your mother did on our wedding day.”

I couldn’t hold back the tears. “Papa, I’m so sorry. But I can’t go through with this! You don’t understand. You see, I—”

He embraced me before I could finish my words. “Giselle, I love you. Your groom is an honorable man. All I want is your happiness.”

This was it. My last chance. “No, please! I don’t want to marry him. I can’t. I don’t love him! Please don’t make me do this.”

“It’s too late; the world has its eyes on you. You must trust me.”

My throat burned. He was right. The world was watching—I could’ve put an end to this at any point up until today. Now it was too late.

I hated myself.

I kissed my dad on the cheek and took his arm. We stood behind the massive, carved church door. The notes of the wedding march began, and I couldn’t hold back anymore. Tears filled my eyes.

My father and I began walking down the aisle. Audible gasps filled the church as the crowd stood to greet me. I kept my gaze glued to the carpet, refusing to look at my groom. Maybe when the priest asked if anyone had an objection to this marriage, Ryan would pop up from the back of the pews and whisk me away.

I finally looked around at the standing guests. I scanned the room, but Ryan was nowhere to be found.

Maybe he hadn’t really loved me.

No, that wasn’t it. That wasn’t it at all. I had pushed him away. I had broken his heart. Sleeping with him and then leaving, though he’d begged me to stay. Why on earth would he come to rescue me? I was a monster. Selfish. A pampered princess. I didn’t deserve a man like Ryan.

Each step was like a knife in my heart. Instead of appreciating the beautiful music from the string quartet, I was lost within the cacophony in my mind.

I could just reject Miguel at the altar…

Yes, that was it! I would say I don’t instead of I do.

I had one last chance to fix this. I was going to take my shot, no matter what it cost me.

We approached the altar, and my resolve grew stronger. I would address the guests and Miguel. Apologize to my country and my family. And then run out the door.

But when I finally looked up—

My mouth flew open, and a flush of adrenaline tingled through my body.

Ryan stood in front of me, a cocky grin on his face, dressed in his black dress uniform with his gold trident shining. He had even shaved! I almost didn’t recognize him.

Oh my God! What was going on?

My gaze turned to my father, who didn’t even look shocked. Did he know about this? Why hadn’t he told me?

I then looked back to Ryan, who was standing next to Erik and Dax. They had flown here, too?

Where was Miguel?

Was I dreaming?

This was all too overwhelming. My heart raced. Dizziness took hold of my body, but my father held me up.

“Papa, what’s going on?”

He spoke in a low whisper, holding my hands in his. “Giselle, Ryan came to me yesterday. Actually . . . he broke into the castle with his friends and slipped by our security.”

Ryan had no shame. He could’ve just called me, but he had to show off. I guessed he was full of surprises. I didn’t know whether to be pissed off or impressed.

“I was angry—at first. But he told me that he loved you and would do anything for you. He also told me about what Miguel said to you in Paris. I confronted Miguel, and he admitted that he had many girlfriends.”