Royal Heir (Westerly Billionaire #3)(72)

Would the flowers be perfect? Aunt Nissa assured they would be.

The photos? Nicolette had wanted to take them, but since she was in the wedding party, she’d settled for choosing photographers for the event.

The guest list? After Rachelle and Magnus drew up an initial list, Delinda and King Tadeas had handled the rest—which had actually been a relief.

Rachelle didn’t doubt that the wedding itself would run smoothly or that a life with Magnus was what she wanted. Still, she was making a commitment to more than a man that day—she was also vowing her loyalty to his country. It was an honor but also a responsibility she prayed she was the right woman for. When she looked in the mirror, she saw a first-grade teacher, not a queen.

A movement behind her had her spinning around, her hand flying to her throat. “Reggie. What are you doing in here?”

Despite being dressed in an expensive tuxedo, Reggie still looked a little rough around the edges. “Before you do this, there’s someone you need to talk to.”

Rachelle tensed, then told herself to relax. Memories from a few weeks earlier came back with sickening speed. She fought to keep them from bringing fear with them. Strange as Reggie was, he’d always had her best interest in mind. She wouldn’t doubt him now. “Who?”

“King Tadeas brought some of the children from the hospital. Most of them look happy, but there is one little girl who is close to tears. I’m not going to enjoy this wedding if she sits across from me bawling through the whole thing.”

“Who is it?”

“Hey, I’m a knight of Vandorra Land now. I don’t have time to go around memorizing everyone’s names.”

“Bring her to me, please.”

“I’ve got my own kids to worry about. I just thought you should know.” He left, shaking his head.

Rachelle opened a side door where the women in her family were gathered. She took a moment to savor the sight of all of them, from her grandmother to her youngest sister and sisters-in-law, all getting along. “I need someone’s help,” she said.

The room went instantly silent.

“There’s a little girl out there from the hospital. I heard she’s upset. Could one of you see who it is, and if it’s possible, could you bring her to me?”

Delinda and her mother volunteered at the same time. “Why don’t you both bring her?” Rachelle requested.

A few minutes later, the two returned with the little girl Magnus had offered a Disney trip to, being carried by her mother. Her mother was flustered and apologetic. Rachelle rushed to reassure her that they’d summoned her out of concern and not because her child had been an issue.

Rachelle went to the beautifully dressed little girl and said, “Thank you for coming to my wedding, Tinsley. I’m so happy to have you here. Why are you so sad?”

Two big blue eyes filled with tears. “I will never be a princess now. You’re marrying my prince.”

Her mother tried to comfort her daughter while apologizing for her comment.

Rachelle dabbed a tear from her own eye before it had a chance to ruin her makeup. This little girl and her mother were her people now. Her heart ached for them as if they were truly her family. She saw now how they could be just as important. “May I speak to your mother for a moment, honey?”

Rachelle’s mother took the little girl while Delinda spoke to her.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Rachelle said, “Is she well enough to walk by herself? I would love to have her as part of my bridal party. I don’t have a flower girl. Please, don’t feel that you must say yes. Think about it. You may walk with her if you wish. I’d like to give her a princess moment.”

Tinsley’s mother brought a hand to her mouth, and she began to thank Rachelle for her kindness. She said it would be the greatest honor her daughter and her family could ever imagine receiving.

Rachelle motioned for her own mother to bring the little girl back to her. “Tinsley, I have a problem that I’m hoping you can help me with. I don’t have a flower girl. Would you like to be a princess for a day? My little princess flower girl?”

Tinsley looked to her mother for confirmation. Her mother nodded and explained what role she would play. “I don’t want to walk alone,” Tinsely said in a suddenly timid voice.

“Your mother could go with you,” Rachelle suggested. When the little girl still looked uncertain, Rachelle added, “Or you could hold my hand and walk with me.”

“Really?” The little girl’s eyes widened with wonder.

“If it’s okay with your mother.”

Tinsley looked about to faint. Her mother said, “Thank you. Thank you a million times and a million times more. You will never know how much this means to our family.”

With that, the rest of the women in Rachelle’s family swooped in and welcomed the little girl, making both her and her mother feel as if they were a natural part of the group. Delinda said softly, “I came to Vandorra for all the wrong reasons, but you are staying for all the right ones.”

Rachelle took her grandmother’s hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. “I still have a lot to learn about planning social events and formal etiquette. I wonder if you know anyone who could give me some guidance in that department.”

“I’ll help you with whatever you ask, Rachelle, but you are already who Vandorra needs.”