Page 83 of Without Pride and Prejudice

“It’s not wasted. I know you want her there.”

Fitz ran a finger down my cheek. “You are amazing.”

“So are you.” I nudged him with my hip before I knocked on Beatrix’s door. “Mum B.,” I called. “We are heading for the chapel. We’d love it if you came with us.” That was mostly true. “It’s not every day you get to see a brand-new duchess come to life.” I had to needle her a little. She’d been awful to me and had gone so far as to say I was an American abomination and I was besmirching the name of Fitzroy.

Unexpectedly, she threw open the door. This was progress—normally she just ignored me. Her beady eyes immediately landed on me, scrutinizing everything about me. Consternation filled her features as if she couldn’t find anything wrong with my dress or the way I looked.

“Well, you at least don’t look horrid.”

“Wow. How kind of you to say,” I said playfully, because I knew she wanted me to be offended. But honestly, that’s one of the nicest things she’d ever said to me.

Her face pinched, folding in on itself. “You’re still not getting the ring.”

I patted Fitz’s chest. “Fine by me. This guy is all I want.”

“Ugh,” she spat. “Be off, and don’t embarrass us.”

“No guarantees there.” I winked.

Fitz chuckled, earning him a scathing scowl from his mother before she slammed the door on us.

“That went better than I thought it would. I think I’m wearing her down.”

Fitz shook his head and grinned. “Only you would think so.”

“I’ll keep trying.”

“For that, I love you. Now, come see your surprise.”

I followed Fitz down the expansive hall until we made it to the stairs. Down below were more people than I expected. We’d kept the ceremony small on purpose, hoping it would remain a private affair.

“Fitz,” I cried when I saw not only Dad and Grams and Anna and Kingston, who were standing up for us as maid of honor and best man. But there was also Laila and Davis Gray, Macey, Zane, Calliope, Carla, and Ava, my Pride and Prejudice Park family. I’d kept in touch with everyone, feeling oddly connected to them in ways I couldn’t explain. Although I knew my dream had been just that—a dream—I still couldn’t help but feel as if each person smiling up at me had helped me remember who I was and led me to this place, here with Fitz.

“I knew you’d want them here.” Fitz kissed my cheek.

“I love you,” I said, blazing down the stairs as fast as my gown would let me to reach my “pretend” family.

Laila and Davis rushed forward to wrap their arms around me as soon as my feet hit the landing. “Our beautifuldaughter,”they said in unison, making me smile. “Looks like you figured it all out,” Davis said mysteriously.

I leaned away from him, tilting my head. Sometimes I swore he knew about the dream, but that couldn’t be. Just for fun I said, “Yes, Mr. Bennet.”

He gave me a wink and mysistersgreeted me next.

“Thank you for being here,” I gushed as I hugged each one.

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Macey beamed with that new-love glow. Of course, I knew all about her and Zane figuring out they belonged together, but it was fun to see her so happy.

“Look at you lookin’ like a duchess.” Carla flicked her head at me.

“You look very pretty,” Ava added.

“Yes, she does.” Fitz took my side. “Thank you all for being here,” Fitz said regally. “If you all wouldn’t mind following Kingston to the cars.”

We watched our family and guests leave. I made to follow, but Fitz held me back.

“Just a moment, please.” He stared lovingly into my eyes. “Monroe,” he whispered. “Your love has ‘fixed’ me in ways I can’t enumerate. You may have fallen in front of me, but it was I who truly fell.”

I wanted to melt into a puddle of goo right there. “I love when youtalk duketo me.”

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