EPILOGUE

      CARLA AND THIERRY bundled Mia out of the limousine and whisked her straight inside the small marquee that had been set up especially for her benefit—to shield her from the press and allow her a chance to freshen up.

      As they’d only driven from her suite at an inner-city hotel with glorious views of the harbour to Plum Pines Reserve—a drive of less than fifteen minutes—she didn’t really see what kind of freshening up was required. Unless she was supposed to try and quieten the excited dervishes whirling in her stomach. She had no chance of stilling those. She wasn’t sure she wanted to.

      Perhaps she should try and tame the grin that made her face ache? But she had no hope—nor desire—to do that either.

      Carla, stunning in her hot-pink bridesmaid’s dress, crouched down to adjust Mia’s skirts.

      Mia laughed ruefully. ‘I went overboard, didn’t I? I look like an oversized meringue.’

      ‘You look gorgeous.’ Carla continued to fluff up the skirts. ‘Your dress is beautiful.’

      The moment Mia had clapped eyes on the confection of raw silk and pearl beading she’d fallen in love with it. Apparently when she had said that she meant to live life to the full rather than hide in the shadows she’d meant it.

      She hugged herself. ‘It is beautiful.’

      ‘I can’t wait to see Dylan’s face when he sees you.’

      Today, nobody could mistake Mia for anything other than what she was—the bride, the centre of attention, the belle of the ball marrying her prince.

      Those dervishes whirled faster and faster. Her cheeks ached from smiling. She lifted her chin. She wasn’t ashamed of her joy. She wanted to share it with everyone.

      She turned to find Thierry surveying her with his now familiar unsmiling gaze.

      He nodded. ‘You look stunning.’

      She wriggled with excitement. ‘I feel stunning. I’m so happy I think I could float off into the atmosphere.’

      For the briefest of moments Thierry smiled, and it tempered the severe lines of his face. When he smiled, she could see why Carla had fallen for him.

      She touched his arm. ‘Thank you for agreeing to give me away.’ He hadn’t hesitated when she’d asked. He’d agreed immediately.

      ‘I’m honoured.’ One shoulder lifted. ‘I’m starting to think I’d do anything you asked of me.’

      From behind him, Carla sent her a wink.

      Thierry frowned. ‘You’re sure we’re okay?’

      She rolled her eyes. ‘I swear to God, Thierry, if you apologise to me one more time we’re going to fall out.’

      He shuffled his feet. ‘It’s just... I’m really sorry I misjudged you.’

      Given his background, and the hardships his father’s choices had forced on his family, Mia couldn’t blame him for his reservations where she’d been concerned.

      ‘As I misjudged myself, I can hardly blame you for doing the same. But it’s all in the past now, and that’s where it’ll remain. It’s time to move on.’

      That was her new motto and she’d embraced it with gusto.

      She reached out to take Carla and Thierry’s hands. ‘You’re my family now—my sister and brother. I can’t tell you how fortunate that makes me feel.’

      Carla’s eyes filled. Thierry cleared his throat a couple of times.

      Mia blinked hard. She would not ruin her eye make-up. She wanted to look perfect for Dylan. ‘So that’s a yes—we’re very okay.’

      On impulse, they all hugged—before Carla tut-tutted and said something about crushing Mia’s dress.

      Mia laughed at her fussing, but a wave of excitement somersaulted through her. ‘Oh, is it time yet? I can’t wait—’

      The flap of the marquee flew open and Felipe appeared. He clasped his hands beneath his chin when he saw her.

      ‘Radiant!’ he pronounced, before whisking a compact from somewhere and touching a powder puff lightly to her nose. He kissed the air above her cheeks. ‘Perfect!’

      He pulled out his camera and snapped a couple of pictures.

      She waggled a finger at him. ‘Don’t forget—those photos are mine and Dylan’s. None are to mysteriously appear in an exhibition.’

      ‘Cross my heart, darling. Besides, your dishy intended is paying me enough to make it worth my while.’ He pouted. ‘Also, he made me sign some awful form full of lawyer-speak.’

      Mia laughed.

      ‘I’ve been sent to tell you everything is ready.’

      ‘Oh!’ She clasped her hands together.

      ‘Nervous, darling?’

      ‘Excited.’

      He squeezed her hands. ‘I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.’

      And then he was gone.

      Carla handed her a bouquet of pink and white peonies. ‘Ready?’

      A lump lodged in her throat. All she could do was nod.

      Thierry held the flap of the marquee open to reveal the red carpet that would lead her to Dylan. Carla set off down the carpet first. Thierry made Mia wait until Carla was halfway down the makeshift aisle before stepping after her.

      Mia was vaguely aware of the beautiful music playing, of the murmurs of appreciation from their wedding guests, but her focus was wholly centred on the man standing at the other end.

      His blond hair gleamed golden in the sunlight. His broad shoulders and strong thighs were outlined to perfection in his tuxedo. His heart was in his eyes. He didn’t try to hide it from anyone, and she wasn’t sure she’d ever seen anything more beautiful in her life.

      Awe rose up through her...and more happiness than her body could contain. It spilled from her eyes and onto her cheeks.

      He took her hand. His throat bobbed with emotion as he swallowed.

      ‘You’re so beautiful you make my eyes water,’ she whispered, not caring about her make-up.

      He smiled down at her. ‘You’re so beautiful you make my heart sing.’

      The celebrant cleared her throat. ‘Ready?’

      Mia smiled up at Dylan. ‘Yes.’

      The service was simple but heartfelt. The reception was the epitome of joy and elegance. Mia felt like a fairytale princess.

      After the meal had been eaten, toasts made, the cake cut and the bridal waltz completed, Dylan took her hand and they sneaked outside to stand at the wooden railing overlooking the lily pond. Lights twinkled in the trees, glimmering across the water’s surface.

      Dylan took her face in his hands and kissed her. A sweet, gentle kiss that promised a lifetime of kisses.

      ‘Happy?’ he murmured, easing back.

      ‘More than I ever thought possible.’ She smiled up at him before glancing back towards the marquee. ‘Has anyone ever told you that you know how to throw a fabulous party?’

      ‘What can I say?