And next time we speak I’ll be married.

“If I don’t get the chance to say this to you later, Rose,” her mother said, “know that I only ever want what is best for you. You make me so proud in everything you do, not least because you’re a woman who knows what you want and you’re not afraid to take it.”

Megan felt her eyes tingle and her throat thicken. Tears were threatening.

A woman who knows what she wants and takes it.

Chapter Two

“Go,” Brendon said to Iris. “Go, go. We have to get this party started and get this beautiful bride blushing.” He set a kiss on Iris’ cheek then opened the door.

Iris turned and walked out, her heels sinking into the deep carpet. She tilted her chin and set her shoulders down as though gathering her resolve.

Brendon scooped up Gucci when he tried to follow and slotted his tiny body under his arm. He kept the door open.

“Shoes,” Georgie said, setting the sparkling bridal sandals that Megan had designed on the floor.

“Oh, yes, thank you,” Megan said, holding up her dress then slipping them on. They felt amazing, made to measure, and the insoles were cushioned so that the balls of her feet wouldn’t ache even by the end of the day. If she wasn’t wearing her lipstick, at least she had on her signature heels. Heels that made her feel taller, lighter, brighter and made her heart sing.

“Come on, come on.” Brendon waved his arm dramatically. “You are going to be late for your own damn party.”

“A bride is traditionally late,” Megan said, glancing around the room. It was a nice suite. The walls were painted a warm, cosy burgundy and the dark wooden furniture was solid and sturdy, likely antique too. The bed looked inviting, she was tired, sleep had been hard to find the night before.

“Megan?” Georgie rested her hand on Megan’s back.

“Let’s do this,” Megan said, determination suddenly flooding her. Brendon was right. She couldn’t be any later than she already was. A whole congregation awaited her. Family and friends. Some—like her parents and sister—had travelled halfway around the world to share her and Dylan’s special day.

Dylan was waiting for her too. He’d be worried—he’d fidget, his eyes would narrow the way they did when he was anxious and he’d speak to his best-man, Sean, in short, clipped sentences. He’d think that she’d run away, decided not to go through with it.

And of course she couldn’t do that. Not now, not after all this money and expense and the trouble so many people had gone to. It would break his heart too. He loved her. She knew he did.

Straightening her spine and tilting her chin just like her mother, Megan stepped forward.