“It will be. Did you notice, my lovely mother was too scared to put in an appearance? Even the Sterlings didn’t dare show their faces.”
“Ava was here.”
“I saw.” Chloe sighs. “I’m guessing she was full of warm wishes.”
“Oh,totally. I’m thinking of asking her to be a bridesmaid.”
A snort pops out of Chloe’s mouth. “What a good idea.”
“Speaking of bridesmaids…” I trail off.
“Mmm?”
“Would you be my maid-of-honor?”
She sucks in a sharp breath. “Seriously?”
“Seriously.”
“Oh, E! Of course I will!” She pulls me into a rib-cracking hug. “I’ve never been in a wedding party before.”
“Me neither. Certainly not as the one getting married.” I pause. “When I was a little girl picturing my wedding day, I didn’t exactly envision…this.”
“Well, as grooms go, you’re hitting the jackpot with Alden. He looks like a Ken doll from the Barbie dream bridal set.”
“It’s not just about the groom, though. It’s also…”
“What?”
“Not having my Mom there to button my dress and bustle my train and give me a pep talk if I get cold feet…” I blink rapidly to keep my eyes from watering. “And also… not having a father there to walk me down the aisle.”
“If your Mom was here, she would be so proud of you. So would Linus.”
“You think?”
“Iknow.” She elbows me softly. “And I realize this wedding won’t be the perfect day you dreamed up as a kid. You won’t have your parents by your side. But, for whatever it’s worth… you’ve got me. I’ll help button your dress and bustle your train, whatever the hell that means. And I’m more than happy to kick your ass down the aisle if you get cold feet. I’ve got your back, sis.”
I laugh. “Even if Octavia makes a leap for my crown and Ava tries to trip me?”
“Especially then.”
I put my head on her shoulder and allow her to stroke my hair. “Thanks, Chloe.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“Has…” I swallow. “Has the news of the engagement spread outside Germania, yet?”
Chloe’s hand freezes in my hair. “You mean… has the news reached Switzerland, specifically?”
I press my lips together. She knows what I’m asking, even if I can’t voice the question.
She sighs. “The news is trending worldwide on every news channel and social media outlet. I’m sure… certain people… in Switzerland… have heard by now.”
So he knows.
I wonder why that knowledge affects me so strongly.
“E… he was going to find out eventually.”