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“A sham!” He nods happily. “That’s it. This wedding’s a sham.”
Alberta places her head in her hands, clearly embarrassed by her son. I almost feel bad for the guy—though what he says next makes me feel less so.
“It’s not for the two of them.” Turning, Ricky points at us. “It’s for her brother.”
My mouth drops open. How—?
But Ricky isn’t finished. “She’s some foreign princess and this guy’s just her bodyguard. They’ve been faking it this whole time.” He grins at me, his teeth more fang-like than I remember. “I knew you didn’t have a fiancé. You were coming on to me too hard. Putting out all the signals.”
Frederick starts to move toward him, ready to pounce, but I keep hold of his hand and draw him back to my side. “He’s not worth it.”
“I won’t have him slandering you like that.” He’s positively seething.
“I’m fine.” But it’s quite possible I’m not. At least, that our permit’s not.
A murmur has gone up through the crowd, and people are all looking at me and Frederick. Burt’s sitting back in his chair, stroking at his non-existent beard, while Simone’s studying us with a thoughtful gaze.
The snake-like gleam in Alberta’s eyes has returned, and it’s delighted in the confident way a predator gets when it knows it has its prey in its sights. “And where did you get this information, Ricky?” She leans forward in her seat.
His gaze travels the crowd before landing on Stephanie, whose eyes widen at his appraisal. She drops her gaze to her phone and slurps on her soda.
“Stephanie!” April, who’s sitting beside her sister, smacks Stephanie in the arm. “How could you?”
“I’m sorry,” Stephanie wails. “I didn’t mean to tell him.” Her eyes flick briefly to Oliver Loveland of all people, then back to her soda. “He caught me in a weak moment at the bar.”
We’re sunk. Absolutely sunk. Nobody is going to trust us now. I don’t realize I’m biting my lip until Frederick leans close, his lips skimming my ear. “Time for the Chloe Effect, love.” Then he spins us around to face the crowd.
I open my mouth … and freeze. Turning my face into his shoulder, I breathe through my nose. All the memories of the last time I spoke publicly race through my mind. I’m fine one on one, but this? I’m liable to jumble my words again. I don’t even have a teleprompter this time. There’s just … no way. And the stakes, they’re so much higher this time.
“I can’t,” I whisper.
He takes his finger and gently crooks it under my chin, lifting it until I’m looking into his eyes—so sure of me. So sure of this. “Yes, you can. You are strong, Princess, and you are not the same girl who gave that speech years ago. Go on now. Speak from the heart, and I know you won’t fail.”
Gah. How does he believe in methismuch?
I take another deep breath, nod. “For Topher and Lauren.”
“Good lass.” Then he takes my hand and waits.
My insides trembling, I turn back to the crowd, which has gone mostly silent, a buzz of anticipation spinning and gathering. I rack my brain for the right words, but then, I remember—from the heart, he said.
Okay. I can do this.
“What Ricky says is true,” I begin, and there’s more murmuring. A few people shift in their seats, but all eyes remain on me. “I’m from a small country in Europe called Kentonia, and there, I’m a princess. All that means is that, just like you, I was born into a particular family. Only, being born into my family comes with certain privileges. But also, certain obligations.”
I pause, licking my lips. People are still with me, so I go on. “Before I came to America a few months ago to be with my future sister-in-law in San Diego, I felt … lost. Just like many of you might have felt at some point in your life, I didn’t know what I was meant to do, or who I was meant to be. I mean, yes, I’m Princess Chloe of Kentonia, but that’s notwhoI am.”
My eyes scan the crowd and land on Lucy, whose hands are folded in front of her mouth. She shakes them at me, urging me on. Then I find Marilee, whose eyes are filled with tears as she snuggles a sleeping Ryder against her chest and leans against Jordan, who nods at me.
“A few weeks ago, I visited your town with my sister-in-law and her friend, who is getting married here in the summer. I saw then what a special place Hallmark Beach really is. You are some of the warmest”—I seek out Kelsey, April, yes, even Elisse—“friendliest”—there’s Janine, smiling at me like a proud aunt—“and most interesting people”—I grin at Burt in the chair beside me—“I’ve ever met. And I’ve never felt more myself than I have right here.”
Several people nudge each other and smile, clear pride in their town showing through. And they should be proud. I mean every word.
“So when I decided to throw my brother and sister-in-law a secret wedding—because when you are a royal and get married, nothing you do is private or your own, not even a wedding—I knew exactly where to come. Hallmark Beach.”
Frederick keeps an even pressure on my hand, grounding me in this moment. I glance at him. “And it’s true. I lied to you all, and I can’t say I’m sorry enough for that.” My eyes find Stephanie next. Her hand stills, hovering over her drink. Then, slowly, she nods, mouthsI’m sorry too. I smile at her, letting her know it’s okay. I forgive her for going back on her word. “The thing is, my past experience taught me to be afraid of strangers. Strangers have always wanted something from me, whether it’s power or prestige or simply photographs they could spin however they pleased. But you’ve all taught me that I don’t have to be afraid anymore. So thank you. Whether you decide to grant this permit or not, thank you for just being you. And for allowing me to be me.”
My shoulders collapse, and Frederick sneaks his arm around my waist as I lean against him. “You did it,” he says, low and soft.
