Murderous Matrimony(67)

That’s where Chase found me a half hour later. He sat down beside me and looked out at the ocean. “Runaway bride syndrome?”

“I don’t think so.” I glanced at him. “How did you find me?”

“Have you looked around?” He nodded to a crowd of people with cameras surrounding us. “The radio station that’s broadcasting our wedding has been getting calls. There is a ‘Jessie Watch’ out. People are probably gambling on whether or not you’re going to be there for the wedding.”

I laughed. People took pictures. I was used to it.

“Are you?” He took my hand. “Because if you’re not going to be there, I’m sure not going.”

“Yeah. I’m going to be there.”

He helped me to my feet. “Let’s go then. We’re going to be late for our own wedding.”

*

At two p.m. the trumpets sounded from the castle. That was our cue.

King Harold and Queen Olivia were escorted from the castle, followed by their retinues. Chase’s parents, and the King and Queen of Zamboulia, were escorted to their seats in the Royal Pavilion, especially created for this day.

Following those honored guests being seated, the music changed, and a spotlight played over the entrance to the castle. It seemed a little over-the-top to me since it was very bright and sunny. The Village wedding planner explained that it was for photos. I didn’t argue.

I walked sedately down the path from the castle, with Tony at my side, to the wedding-cake dais where I would meet Chase. I knew he was walking from the Village Square.

“This is it,” Tony whispered. “Run away while you still can!”

I laughed at him. “Not this time.”

My bridesmaids followed me. A little girl, who was the daughter of one of the Lovely Laundry Ladies, was throwing flower petals on the ground in front of me.

The trumpets continued to blare as we walked. I couldn’t hear the music that was being played by a symphony orchestra. It was hard to imagine that the music went well with the trumpets, but I kept my eyes on the prize: getting through the wedding.

“This corset is really uncomfortable,” Daisy growled from behind me.

“You shouldn’t have worn it.”

“Hey! I thought it went with the outfit.”

“Bart will like it.” I smiled.

“He already liked it a few times.” She laughed.

“You have to get married next.”

“No way. You fell for that. I’m not going there.”

We paused at the end of the walkway before ascending the ramp to the top of the dais. A loud voice read a prepared statement: “Please welcome our bride, Lady Jessie Morton, and our groom, Bailiff Chase Manhattan.”

There was thunderous applause. I gazed out over a sea of brides and grooms in various costumes, tuxedoes, and traditional white gowns. They looked so happy. A deep happiness welled up in me too, and I started crying.

“Keep it together,” Daisy said. “You’re not supposed to cry.”

“Tears of joy,” Adora said from behind her.

“Walk up the ramp,” the wedding planner said in my ear. Chase and I had both been fitted with two-way radios so we could hear their directions. They would also act as microphones when it came time for the vows.

Tony and I started up the ramp slowly, and I finally saw Chase.

He looked so handsome. For once, his dark hair was loose on his broad shoulders. I could see him searching for me too.

Bart and Phil were right behind him.

“There they are.” Daisy waved to Bart. “I hope we’re all gonna fit on that top thing without it falling down.”

“I hope so too.”

We reached the top of the dais where Chase and I were supposed to separate from our attendants.

Tony smiled and put my hand in Chase’s. “Good luck you two.” He even wiped a tear from his eye.

“Thanks.” I kissed his cheek.

“Take good care of her, Chase.” Tony shook his hand.

“You know I will.”

Tony stepped aside to stand with the rest of the bridal party.

From the top of the dais, I could see all the pirates standing on the deck of the Queen’s Revenge. The Templar Knights were out in force with their shields gleaming, and their horses fresh.

Knights from the Field of Honor were on their horses too. They saluted us with their swords and lances.

The cobblestones were filled with the residents of the Village. They all raised a tankard to us, and then spit on the ground to show their approval.

“Bet they didn’t plan that!” I smiled at Chase.

“Probably not.” He took my hand. “How are you doing?”

“Okay so far. You?”

“I’m good. Just ready for this to be over so we can go home.”