The Luna Choosing Game

Instead, the Queen pulled me into a hug. It was uncomfortable and brief, but a hug none the less. From the Queen, this was a tremendous breach of decorum, and I froze, unsure how to react. Even Nathan, standing dutifully as his King's side seemed shocked.

"I have misjudged you dearly," the Queen said. She pulled away to look at me. "I will not make that error again."

The King offered a small smile. "Your engagement to our son has our full approval."

We were going to marry either way, but having their blessing certainly made it all easier.

*Thank you," I said.

Nicholas shook his father's hand. "Thanks, Dad."

In the quiet moment that followed, I glanced over the remaining crowd. Charlotte was there, waving at me, along with many other servants and staff that I recognized.

Then I saw her, there at the edge of the crowd. The only frowning face in a sea of smiles.

Bridget.

As Nicholas and I stepped back from the King and Queen, Bridget saw her opportunity and stormed toward us. Even with Elva in Nicholas's arms, she still had the audacity to reach out and grab at Nicholas's sleeve with both hands.

"I know this is all an act. I want you. You are

glare so icy even I

Piper is the woman I love. The woman I will marry. The mother of my soon-to-be adopted daughter and all of my

him,

and together

My heart soared.

crowd

over.

for my daughter. I couldn't imagine anything else I needed

at my rounded belly. Within it, a new prince or princess was

wonderful," Susie said from one side of me. We sat around a table filled with cakes and

Nicholas, had just been

his father's, who stood just behind Susie's chair. Mark

opposite side of me. "But I always knew you were great. Didn't I

laughing now. So much hurt and pain we'd experienced over the years. Never

on the dance floor, Elva was showing her

seemed to come easier to

absent, though I imagined they would soon be caught making out