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Chapter 22

*H E R O*

It takes a moment to sink in that today I get to see Charlotte. The last look she gave me on that final evening still haunts me. I'd do anything to make her smile again. Would she look different? The photo of her I saw in that magazine breaks my heart. I did that to her. I made her lose all that weight. I hope that wherever she is, she's happy. I hope she looks like Charlotte again: soft curves, great body, shiny hair, big brown eyes.

I might be too excited for food but I do need to eat something. I call room service and order some coffee and toast. While I wait I open the curtains and look over the castle grounds. This place is amazing and I'm so happy for Jack and Lizzie. If there are two people that deserve this, it's them! A knock on the door announces my breakfast. I eat fast because I can't wait to go to the church and finally see her. I do take my time to shower. Hopefully it will make me feel more relaxed. The warm water seems to help a bit but it also makes me wonder, what would she be doing right now? It's terrible that she's so close yet so far away. Jack wouldn't tell me what room she's in. He didn't want me to find her before the wedding because he doesn't want to upset either of us. Probably smart.

I look at myself in the mirror. The tuxedo fits me perfectly and I do look good in it. I know Charlotte loves me in a black tuxedo and that thought makes my heart jump. I look at my phone and I see it's time for me to pick up Jack. I walk over to his bachelor room and knock on the door.

"Hero, get in here!" Jack says with a frown on his face.

"What's up?"

"I can't get this stupid bow tie right."

I can see that he's struggling because of his nerves.

"Calm down, will you? Here, let me do it!"

I fix it in a minute and turn him around so he can look in the mirror.

"See."

"Thanks," he sighs. "Wow, I didn't expect to be this nervous!"

"Relax, it's Lizzie, everything will be okay."

"You're probably right."

"Okay mister, let's get you married!"

He gives me a broad smile.

Jack didn't want to get a car to go to the church so we're walking. It's a beautiful day to get married and some of the guests are starting to arrive. I look in the crowd for a soft pink dress because Lizzie told me that's Charlotte's color but I can't spot one. Hopefully her plane didn't get delayed! Hopefully she didn't chicken out!

"What's wrong?" Jack asks. "You look like you're about ready to slap someone."

"Did Charlotte arrive okay? What if she's not here?"

"Chill!" Jack slaps me on the back. "The reception told me she arrived late last night and Lizzie arranged for them to wake her up. She's here and you'll see her soon."

God, I hope he's right!

Because Lizzie will be arriving soon, Jack and I need to go inside the church. It's beautifully decorated with soft pink and white flowers everywhere. Jack spots his dad and we're walking over to him to have a chat. And then suddenly I feel a bolt of electricity. I look at Jack and he's smiling at someone behind my back. That can only mean one thing. Slowly I turn around and face her. Charlotte. My eyes widen and I can't think of any response than stare. Wow, she's look so damn beautiful! Her brown hair is a bit longer than it was and it's shiny again. Her chocolate eyes are wide and a blush reaches her cheeks. She's got her curves back and that dress kisses her body. For a second it's as if the world has disappeared. The noises fade. The faces disappear. The people are gone. It's just me and her. Alone in the world. And then the magic is gone. Someone touches her arm and she looks away. Without a second glance she walks away from me.

"She's here," Jack whispers. "Relax."

And in that second, all is well in the world.

(Hi guys! I just want to thank each and everyone of you for the continuous support! I love all your comments, DM's and likes. They are what keep me going so, thank you!! And maybe, if you're good, I'll put up the next chapter soon because it is ready ;) ;) )