This is the first time I’ve seen the inside of the abbey decorated. My mother offered to let me see it last night, but I wanted to wait and experience it for the first time now. I’m glad I did. It gives me something to focus on while everyone stares at me. I’m no stranger to being the center of attention, but this moment feels different. More intimate. I don’t want to be the future monarch right now; I just want to be Vivienne.

I’ve always been awed by the interior of the cathedral. It’s breathtaking. Ethereal. Ridged marble columns run the length of the walls, interspersed with windows boasting colorful mosaics accented with gold leaf. The marble floor has a golden runner spread down the length of the aisle. There are flowers and greenery everywhere. Lining the aisles, the pews, the walls. The heavenly scents of gardenia, freesia, roses, eucalyptus, and ranunculus mingle and swirl around us as we advance down the aisle. The rich notes of the organ reverberate and echo throughout the majestic building.

I struggle to shorten my steps to keep pace with the booming melody, eager to reach my destination. Progress is slow as I reach the halfway point of the aisle on my father’s arm, watching a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar faces continue to pass by. I know we’ve almost reached the end when I begin to see nothing but familiar ones. I find Katie first. I see Anderson, Owens, Sam, and Kenny sitting together. Next, I spot my mother’s tear-stained face, followed by the smiling faces of Jace’s parents and siblings. Which means I’m at the end.

Finally, I allow myself to look at the one person I want to see the most.

I never want to forget the expression on Jace’s face as we make eye contact. His smile is tender, wobbling as though it’s on the brink of more sentimental emotion. His gray eyes are calm, like the surface of the ocean in the early morning. He’s wearing a tuxedo, his face is clean-shaven, and I’m struck by the realization he’s about to become mine. He looks similarly wonderstruck.

I ascend the two steps separating us and shift my gaze to my father. His final task is to raise my veil. I get my first unfiltered glimpse of Jace as the white tulle disappears. My father kisses me on the cheek and shakes Jace’s hand before turning to take his place in the front pew beside my mother.

As soon as he departs, I allow my eyes to return to where they want to be. Jace and I stare at each other. I feel exposed. Vulnerable. This isn’t a production or pageantry. It’s real. I know my face is conveying exactly how I feel about the man standing in front of me, projected for millions of people around the world to see.

Jace holds out his hand. I grasp it. His warm, solid grip grounds me. I’m not doing this alone, the way I would have felt if I were marrying anyone else.