Chapter Twenty-Eight

“I think my head might explode with all this wedding stuff” My hand ran through my hair. “It’s insane the amount of work that needs to be put in for one day”

Kara, who had come by today just to help prepare for the event, chuckled beside me. “Well, weddings are supposed to be important. Especially royal ones that are as special as this. You and Luke’s wedding will be watched across the packs. It will be amazing”

“Gosh, way to pack the pressure on” I shook my head as she pulled a gown up and over my head – this was the third one I had tried on and I couldn’t choose what one I liked more, they were all so beautiful and grand. “I just hope it’s a small ceremony so I can at least pretend we’re the only ones there”

“Unlikely” She smiled and picked up another dress, placing it over my head and zipping it up. “But at least there will be alcohol, right?”

“That’s always a plus” I turned around to the mirror and gasped, looking at myself from head to toe. The dress was perfect. It hugged me in all the right places, the gorgeous lace back cascaded down so delicately, and the train was a perfect length. “This is it”

She took a step back. “This is the one”

“Oh god, it’s amazing!” My hands clasped together. “I can’t believe it, but I’ve found my perfect wedding dress.”

“You look great.” Her head nodded. “I’m so excited to watch on TV. It will be the event of the century.”

I looked at her, shocked. “You’re not going to be at the wedding?”

“No,” she shook her head, “It’s only for friends and family—people who get cordial invites, and well, personal assistants to the Alpha aren’t exactly at the top of the list. But I’ll definitely watch. I’m super excited to see you both get married since I was a part of getting you guys to come together.”

“You’re right.” My face fell in disappointment. “If it wasn’t for you then there would be no wedding to go to and I can’t thank you enough for that.”

“Oh, stop,” she smiled. “You’re making me blush.”

“Kara,” I took her hands and grinned at her. “Would you do me the honour of being my Maid of Honour?”

“Clover.” She shook her head in disbelief. “I couldn’t do that. I’m not worthy enough. And besides, people like me aren’t allowed to go to royal weddings.”

“Don’t be so silly.” I shook my head. “You’re invited, and you will be right at the top of the aisle standing next to me because you deserve it. Right now, you’re probably my closest girlfriend, so it’s only right. I trust you to make sure that the day goes as smoothly as possible.”

“Really? You’re sure?”

“Yes,” I nodded and pulled her into a tight hug. “Thank you.”

“It would be an honour to be up there beside you, Clover.” She pulled away and looked around. “Now we need to find something for me to wear.”

“This should be fun!” My hands shot up in glee and we walked over to the clothing racks filled with dresses and hats. “I am officially more excited about my own wedding than I was before.”

***

I had just finished with the final fitting of the day and now everything was in place for the big day. The flowers were all sorted, the material for the chairs and silks to walk down the gorgeous isle. I hadn’t seen Luke all day and I was getting sick of seeing the same faces over and over.

Kara walked over to me. “You’re all done, everything is sorted now”

As if on cue, Luke walked into the room and pulled me into a hug. My dress was thankfully gone from view, so he was allowed in. We didn’t need any more bad luck.

I smiled into his shoulder. “How are you getting on with your preparations?”

He faced me and held up his hands in defence. "Lots…alright? So much...many, many things...to help and…support—"

"You haven’t done a thing, have you?"

"Absolutely, not a thing."

"Luke!" My hand rattled off his hard shoulder. "You're the groom! You can’t have everyone doing things for you, okay? You need to be more independent.”

Bit dramatic, I know, but he had to get my idea. Weddings were important.

"I will help when we’re married, and the pack needs me to lead."

“Okay,” I pulled away and smiled at him. “I’m a little excited to get married. I can’t believe I’m actually saying that.”

“I’m happy that you’ve finally embraced this strange life. It’ll be good for you to enjoy it. I’m very glad.” Comforting hands snaked around my waist. "And when do I get you to myself?"

His gorgeous smell filled me with feelings I never even knew were real until I met him. His hair whispered into my neck as his head rested on my shoulder. "I promise that you will soon. After the wedding. And for the record, you've had me all to yourself far too often."

He nibbled my neck lightly. "Not often enough."

Pushing him away, I smirked. "Hey mister, we have a wedding tomorrow. It's a big day. We’re going to get married in front of a whole bunch of people”

He chuckled. “Nervous?”

“Nah” My head shook. “I was, before. But now I realise that it’s not actually the getting married that’s important, but what it symbolises”

“And what does it symbolise to you?”

“Well,” I paused, kissing him on the lips. “It means that I love you Luke, and I’m not just saying that because it’s words that you want to hear. I’m saying it because I feel it, I feel it in the way that I look at you and can’t wait for our future together, and the way that I feel when I look at you and think that there’s nobody but us on the earth. And that, Luke, is why I am wholeheartedly in love with you”

“Wow” He breathed out, kissing my forehead. “And I’m sure you already know, but I am completely in love with you Clover Bell. And I cannot wait to see you at the end of the isle tomorrow”

“Good.” I knew that this was him saying goodbye for the night. We weren’t allowed to sleep with each other before the big day, it was royal tradition. “I’ll see you there.”

He leant down and kissed my hand. “I’ll watch for you.”

I shot a wink at him as he backed away. “I’ll be the one in white.”

And I knew that this was meant to be. Because I loved him with my whole heart. I had never known what love meant before, but now I do. Loving someone doesn't need a reason.