Читать книгу Mills and Boon Christmas Joy Collection - Liz Fielding - Страница 45

EPILOGUE

RUBY ADJUSTED HER veil nervously while Polly fussed around her.

‘How long is this train?’

They were currently all enveloped in the back of the car by mounds and mounds of jewelled pale cream satin. She practically couldn’t even see her father at this point.

‘Twenty-five feet.’ She smiled, even though she was afraid to move. ‘Apparently it’s a tradition.’

‘It’s a tradition, all right. Can you even walk with this thing?’

Ruby nodded. ‘I’ve been practising.’

Polly’s eyes widened. ‘You have? When?’

She smiled again. ‘At night. Rufus—Alex’s private secretary—has helped me for the last few nights. We’ve practised up and down the main staircase and out through the main doors.’

‘Wow.’ Polly handed Ruby her red flowers and lifted her hands to straighten the ruby and diamond tiara on Ruby’s head. ‘Seems like someone has introduced a few traditions of their own.’

‘Ooby—look!’ Annabelle was practically standing on one of the other seats, waving at the crowds as they passed, her short red bridesmaid dress bouncing around her.

Ruby stretched over. ‘Come here.’ She gave Annabelle a hug. ‘You look beautiful, Annabelle. You’re going to be the most gorgeous girl anyone has ever seen.’

The little girl couldn’t stop smiling. Her speech was improving every day. Simple words...

The car pulled up outside the church and Ruby couldn’t wipe the smile from her face. This was it.

It seemed to take for ever for Polly and her father to unwind her dress and the train from the car. Then there was a nod as Polly took Annabelle’s hand and led her ahead.

She waved to the crowds and headed to the church door, the heavy train hampering her steps. If she had her way she’d be running down the aisle to meet Alex.

The crowd in the church was hushed. Queen Isabelle turned from the front pew and gave her the tiniest nod of her head. But Ruby’s eyes were fixed on Alex.

There was no tradition here. Her groom would never stand facing the front, waiting for her to appear.

Alex had turned around to face her, his bright blue eyes fixed firmly on hers, smiling from ear to ear. He’d never looked more handsome. She’d never been so sure.

Ruby’s father took her arm. ‘Ready?’

She nodded. ‘Always,’ she said, and took the first steps that would start her new life.

* * * * *