Page 60 of Cinderella and the Outback Billionaire

And then Bridie appeared, dressed in a sleeveless yellow cotton frock and enough sparkly jewellery on her fingers and wrists to make it clear that the mistress of the house was dressing to impress. Her hair was up and make-up expertly applied and made the most of her flawless features. Ari felt altogether plain in reply. ‘You’re just in time.’ Bridie hugged her, and since when were they on hugging terms? ‘The stylist has just finished my hair and you can slot in next.’

‘Um, Bridie? Hello. Thank you for sending the helicopter to collect me, and I can see you’re really busy, and I’m pretty sure I missed a memo because I had no idea this was a ball weekend, but if you need a hand—’

‘No! No hands. All will become clear in time. Come in. Please. I have a gown for you, I had to guess your measurements, it came in this morning, and if you don’t like it, we’ll raid my closets.’

‘A...gown.’

‘Very modern-day ballroom elegance. Valentino. Full confession, I did help with the selection. Reid paid.’

‘Where is Reid?’

‘He was with Judah earlier, but I’ve lost track of them. We don’t need them yet.’

Bridie gave Ari no time to protest as she led her into a beautifully appointed guest bedroom set up with two beauty stations. ‘Ladies, this is Ari. Ari, this is Darla, magician hair stylist, and Casey, make-up artist extraordinaire. They’re here to help. And this is your gown, and a few pairs of shoes to choose from—I wasn’t sure how high, but I do remember you wore heels when you were here before, so I didn’t stint.’

Ari stared in wonder at the gown displayed on the headless mannequin in the corner. It was a deep, dusky blue festival of froth, shot through with gold and silver meteor streaks originating from one side of the seriously tiny waist. It was strapless at the top, the chiffon skirt caressing the ground. It was the most elegantly romantic confection she’d ever seen. ‘That’s for me?’ she squeaked.

‘Do you like it?’

How was that even a question? ‘I don’t understand.’

‘Reid wanted you to have the full Cinderella experience. Apparently, he owes you one.’

‘He doesn’t.’

‘Ah, well. Work it out between you,’ Bridie said blithely. ‘We have two hours before we have to be ready, and I still need to see to a few details before I have to become Lady Blake of the Outback for our overseas relatives.’

‘You have overseas relatives attending too? Fancy relatives?’ Ari had barely got her head around being friendly with Reid’s regular billionaire and altogether famous family members.

‘A very special one,’ confirmed Bridie. ‘Reid doesn’t know yet, but Judah’s been corresponding with her for weeks.’ Bridie’s smile broke as she leaned in close to whisper in Ari’s ear, ‘We found the missing sister. And she’s magnificent.’

Wide-eyed, Ari stared at the other woman with dawning delight. ‘Really?’

‘Yes. But it’s a secret. This night is full of them so zip lip, buckle up and enjoy the ride. Are you with me?’

‘Yes!’ Abandoning all objections, Ari spread her arms wide and let happiness take hold. Although, hands. Hands that had been scrabbling around in the dirt all week. ‘My nails belong on a troll.’

Casey held up a packet of something and rustled it gently. ‘Got you covered, sweetie.’

‘We good?’ Again, Bridie left no room for argument. ‘Yes, you’ve got this. Enjoy. See you soon.’

It was what Ari had always imagined getting ready to be married would be like. The fussing and the primping. The detailed discussions about smoky eyes versus dewy innocence. Given that stunning gown in the corner, Ari’s hair would of course be styled up. Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s got a mention and they ran with it. Ari had not a scrap of jewellery to complete the look, but that dress was its own shining star and didn’t need any accompaniment.

By the time they were finished with her, and Ari stood staring at her reflection in front of a wall full of floor-to-ceiling mirrors, her transformation was complete.

Ari Cohen was no more.

This person was someone new, and Ari couldn’t wait to take her for a turn in the ballroom.

‘How does it feel?’ asked a voice from the doorway, and there stood Reid in full black-tie regalia.

‘Excuse us,’ said Ari’s magic helpers and Reid smiled at them as they slipped past him and out of the room.

‘It feels like a fairy tale,’ she told him. ‘I will never trash the Cinderella experience again. I’m a believer. Although...’ It was probably time to come clean. ‘You know how I can’t actually swim?’

‘Mm hmm.’ He sounded dreadfully indulgent.

‘I can’t waltz either.’

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