A March Bride (A Year of Weddings 1 #4)(28)

Queen Campbell rose from her seat. “Move over, Gib, it’s my turn.”

“Mum!”

The dowager queen stood next to Daddy, smiling, looking regal in her fitted but simple summer suit.

“When Nathaniel was seven or eight years old, one of our maids became quite ill. A chambermaid. So most of her chores had little to do with the family on a day-to-day basis, but when young Prince Nathaniel heard of her plight, he insisted on seeing her.”

“You never told me this,” Susanna whispered, gazing up at him.

“’Twas nothing, really.” Was he blushing? He had just purchased another piece of her heart. As if there were any pieces left.

“He slept on the floor of her room. Demanded a nurse to attend her needs full-time. We couldn’t get him out of her quarters without a huge ruckus, so we let him stay, not really sure if she was contagious or not.” Campbell’s glassy gaze bore down on her son. “I knew then, son, you were born to be a king. Susanna, he’s loved you from the start and I believe you are exactly what he needs. Welcome to our family, to the House of Stratton.” She raised her champagne glass. “To King Nathaniel II and his bride, Princess Susanna. Long may they live.”

The guests responded in robust chorus. “To King Nathaniel II and Princess Susanna! Long may they live.”

The music changed and “Celebrate” hit the airwaves. Susanna boogied over to her college friends, all seven of whom had made it to the wedding, and sang at the top of her lungs, “Celebrate good times, come on.” She glanced back at Nathaniel, who urged her on with a smile and a wink.

She’d once heard a profound statement, “There’s no force more powerful than a loved woman,” and tonight, right now, she knew it to be true.





A little after eleven thirty, Susanna collapsed onto the white leather sofa curving in front of the veranda fireplace. She was exhausted, but her happiness ran so deep her bones buzzed.

Nathaniel sat next to her, his face glistening, his WWII jacket removed and his shirt collar open, his dark hair loose and free. “I think I’ve danced half the night with your loony college mates.”

Susanna laughed. “I know. Aren’t they great?” She wove her fingers with his, loving the reflection of the hearth’s flickering flames in the ocean of his eyes. “I miss them. I forgot how knitted our hearts were.”

“We’ll have them all to Brighton sometime soon.”

“Can you see them hobnobbing with Nigel, Blythe, and Morton, or Lord and Lady Dean?”

“We’ll make popcorn and sit back and watch the show.”

She leaned in and kissed him. “How’d I get so lucky as to find you?”

“Don’t know, but I’m going to count my blessings and believe there’s more where they came from. In the meantime, take a look here.” Nathaniel tugged Susanna forward so she could see the dance floor where Avery and Colin were entwined.

“You think they’re truly falling for each other?” Susanna shivered as midnight drew near with a chilly nip in the March air.

“I’ve asked him straight out, but his answers are vague.”

“She’s going to college next year on a volleyball scholarship.”

“And he has two more years of university. But—” Nathaniel reached behind Susanna for the lap blanket, wrapping it around her shoulders. “Perhaps we started a lovely trend. Truitts and Strattons falling in love.”

“Of American girls marrying European princes?” She made a face, laughing. “Good grief, if it were a book, no one would believe it.”

“Susanna Jean.” Mama’s voice boomed around the wide stone porch post as she made her way up the steps, her strappy sandals swinging from her fingertips. “Daddy and I are leaving. Got an early delivery in the morning. The out-of-town family and friends are all swinging by the Shack for lunch around one. Grandpa will be able to bring Granny out again. We’d love for y’all to come and carry on this magical wedding one more day. I even got your people coming, Nathaniel.” Mama kissed him on the head.

“Well, then—” Nathaniel said, peeking at Susanna.

“Thank you for everything.” Susanna reached for her mama’s hand. “I know you helped him pull this off. It was beautiful, Mama.”

“One of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen, and I’m not saying it because you’re my daughter.” Mama kissed Susanna, whispered, “I love you,” then shuffled back down the steps, walking around the veranda to the outer gate. “Avery Mae!” she called over her shoulder. “Get the lead out. We’re heading home. Prince Colin, see you tomorrow for lunch.”

Susanna yawned, really feeling her exhaustion. She wanted to crawl into bed and relive tonight in her dreams. Meditate on all the special moments.

Seeing Nathaniel standing under the oaks in his grand-father’s white uniform, so regal and strong.

His confession of love.

The romantic Christ Church grounds.

Wearing Granny’s gown.

Their vows.

Sigh . . . It was all so very lovely.

Standing, Susanna reached for the Louboutins she’d shed twenty minutes ago. “Avery, I’m ready when you are.”

Nathaniel cleared his throat. “Where are you going?”