Royally Bounded

Chapter 90

Clara

I tied the balloons together as Rosie helped me on the opposite side. We were talking about the bridesmaids dress appointment, and the fitting was in several days. Josephine invited us to join her for wedding dress trial as we were trying for bridesmaids dresses.

"I'm excited to see Josephine try on wedding dresses," I beamed, knotting the string around the tree branch. Rosie paused, looking at me as I continued. "This time, she can truly be happy with Abbas. She will enjoy the engagement party and wedding."

"Remember when we said we wanted to have our wedding together?" Rosie sighed, her brown eyes showing flashes of her memories. "We didn't get a chance to do it, and it's weird how you're having a baby gender reveal party now. You're like two steps ahead of me."

"You have a career and an education. It's what many women want too. You would inspire a lot of people to pursue what they want. I heard how many new research and findings are done by women now. It makes me proud."

"I feel like I need another ten year to reach your stage."

"Ten years?"

I was somewhat shocked at her response. Rosie had chased for fairy tale endings from romance novels, and she never despised children, but I knew she had it planned out. She wanted to experience through every level of a relationship. From dating to marriage, she would never miss out on them.

"Kids are far from my plan," Rosie revealed, heading over to the table to organize the cupcakes and decorations. I followed behind her as I stroked my stomach, my hand on my lower back. "I'm only twenty three. Once I settle in with my fashion career, I still have some time to find someone then have a family. I'm not in a rush to get married."

"Are you okay?" I asked her again, checking in to see if she was feeling better. She had her hard time with Ivor and kept in closed. My chest tightened when I saw the little faded colour in her eyes.

She nodded then smiled faintly. "I'm leaving to France in a few weeks. It will be a great little vacation to push every thought from my mind."

"Remember to call me often. I will miss you."

"I will miss you too, Clara," she embraced me tightly.

We went to sit down at one of the tables, across from each other as we had tea. The sky was clear of clouds, displaying the hot sun and bright baby blue. Sounds of cars fresh in my ears. I warmed up to the radiation, settling in the cozy heat over my skin.

"You should get your degree soon," Rosie settled her cup down. "I finished my university degree already, and I'm moving onto my career. You skipped too many steps. Having two babies in four years without doing what you want."

Rosie and I always shared the same thoughts. Women should find their own path, and they didn't necessary have to be a housewife. I wanted to pursue a career in political science, but my mother forced her traditions on me. It's not like I regretted marriage or family. If I had a chance to work out my career path, I would want the chance.

"What do you mean?" I ticked at her comment. "I married Hayden then have a family with him. It's definitely what I want with someone I love."

"You're going to start your degree though, right? You said you want to do it years ago, but problems happened, and you never had a chance to even study," she pushed.

"I will think about after this baby comes."

She nodded, and we finished with the rest of the decorations. The party was starting in several hours. Rosie offered to help me as the other servants prepared the food and other settings.