Page 54 of Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire

Six months later – Batrovia

Chapel ready room

Michele’s stomach was doing somersaults. Or perhaps she was just having a case of nerves. Either way, she didn’t want to vomit onto her wedding dress. “Unzip me, please. Quickly.”

“Of course, my dear.” Reina made quick work of the zipper.

Michele ran for the bathroom. When she was done, she rinsed her mouth with mouthwash, redid her lipstick and then went back to get into her dress. It was the most beautiful dress she’d ever seen, and it was hers. It was cream colored, strapless, with an empire waist to accommodate her growing belly and covered in thousands of seed pearls. When she walked, the dress literally shimmered. Michele wore satin heels, but only two inches high, so she would be comfortable. She could wear two-inch heels all day. She wore long gloves dyed to match the dress.

Erin wore a similar, empire waisted dress, but hers had sleeves. Hers was lavender satin with pearls on the floor-length skirt. She would walk Michele down the aisle and give her away.

Gregory was the ring bearer, and Alex’s sisters were all bridesmaids, with Catherine as Michele’s matron of honor.

Alex was resplendent in his dress uniform. He looked absolutely regal in the dark blue pants and high-collared dark blue jacket. Two rows of shiny gold buttons down the front, with a wide red sash from his right shoulder to the left side of his waist and all kinds of medals on the left side of his jacket.

He wasn’t supposed to see her before the ceremony, but he couldn’t resist ravishing her before. He still hadn’t seen the gown, though. She was six months pregnant, and yet Alex seemed to want her more than ever. Not that she minded, of course.

Sergei was Alex’s best man. He would come to Montana with a small contingent of men as security.

Reina had absolutely refused to allow Alex to move if he wasn’t taking protection.

So Alex was getting six more horse wranglers…they just didn’t know it yet.

“Mommy, Nana Reina says it’s time. You’ve got to take my hand.”

“My pleasure, sweet pea.” She checked herself once more in the full-length mirror. “I think we both look pretty terrific. Your daddy will be overwhelmed.”

Erin giggled. “Good. I like when he’s surprised. He looks funny.”

Michele had to admit that when his jaw dropped, Alex did look pretty funny, but today she didn’t think that would be the case. Today, he would have a big smile and be proud of his two girls.

Erin had been practicing with Reina how to walk Michele down the aisle. Step and stop. Step and stop.

So, she let her daughter lead and followed her example. She held Erin’s hand with her right hand and a dozen yellow roses with the thorns removed in her left.

Slowly, they made their way to Alex.

His grin widened with every step closer they took, until Erin placed Michele’s hand in his.

Erin curtsied to him and then skipped back to sit with Reina.

Alex held her hand over his.

Michele handed her flowers to Catherine.

The priest, Father Rickovick, began. “We are gathered together to join King Alexander Gregor Fedorov with Michele Renee Williams. If there is anyone present who knows why these two should not be wed, speak now or forever hold your peace.”

No one spoke.

“Very good.” He opened his Bible to a bookmarked page. “Do you, Alexander Gregor Fedorov, take this woman, Michele Renee Williams, to be your lawful wedded wife? To have and to hold, through sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Alex’s voice nearly boomed through the chapel.

Father Rickovick smiled and turned toward Michele.

“Do you, Michele Renee Williams, take this man, Alexander Gregor Fedorov, as your lawful wedded husband? To have and to hold, through sickness and in health, for richer and for poorer, for as long as you both shall live?”

“I do.” Michele’s voice was strong. She didn’t want anyone thinking her a shrinking violet.