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Chapter 23

*C H A R L O T T E*

Our eyes meet. Butterflies suddenly rush through my stomach and my breath is cut off for a second. My eyes widen. My body still reacts to his as it used to. For my body it's as if no time has passed. It's like taking a breath of fresh air after being under water for too long. Everything seems clearer. Hero doesn't smile. He doesn't look angry. He just stares at me, eyes wide. I'm still not able to read him. Not even after all this time. What is he thinking? 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 him. Alone in the world. And then there is a slight touch. Someone's hand is on my arm. Reluctantly I tear my eyes away from him and shift my gaze to the woman standing next to me. The magic is gone, the moment has passed.

"Are you Charlotte, dear?" An older lady asks.

"Yes, I am."

"Oh, good!" She sounds relieved. "Lizzie has been asking for you."

"Well, let's not keep the bride waiting!"

I don't glimpse back at Hero. I feel like I might never leave my spot if I do. I follow the older lady, she's leading me away from him. She escorts me to a small corridor and she opens the door at the end. When I see Lizzie tears appear in my eyes and I need to swallow the lump in my throat. She looks amazing!

"Oh, honey," I say with a husky voice.

Lizzie smiles her broadest smile at me. She looks absolutely happy. He baby bump is so visible in the white dress but it only adds to the magic.

"Oh my god, Charlotte!" Lizzie walks towards me with her arms wide open. She gives me the biggest of hugs. "You look amazing!"

"You're one to talk! You're stunning!"

"Really?" She asks, suddenly very insecure.

"Yes!! Jack won't believe his eyes, you truly look like a fairy princess."

"I can't believe I'm getting married," Lizzie says.

"I can't either!"

"Oh, Charlotte," Lizzie sighs. "The proposal was so romantic! We were staying at my parents' house for the weekend and he had tied the ring to my dog Holly's collar. We were sitting by the fire after dinner and suddenly Holly walked up to me showing the ring. Of course I was a bit shocked so I didn't really get it until Jack got down to one knee and asked me."

"Oh wow, I didn't know Jack was that romantic!" I sigh. "But it truly is the best proposal for you! Involving a dog and all."

"I know right! It couldn't be better!"

I give her another hug. I have missed her! I hand her over the hair pin I got her.

"Here is something blue and something new," I say. "I had it hand made in Madeira."

"Oh my god, thank you!" Lizzie is tearing up again and puts the pin in her hair.

"Okay ladies," Lizzie's mum says. "It's time!"

Lizzie casts one last look in the mirror and winks at me.

"Reminds me of last year when we would get ready for our nights out," she says.

"One hell of a night out this is!"

I walk down the aisle first because I'm maid of honor. It's hard to keep the smile on my face and walk when all I really want to do is stare at Hero. He looks so incredibly handsome in his tuxedo. I manage to reach the front without tripping. I take my place and turn around. Hero is standing right in front of me and it's impossible to keep my eyes off him. His gaze is focused on me again and again it's impossible for me to tell what he's feeling. Electricity runs through me and I feel so alive. This is dangerous, very dangerous. It will be hard to go back to Madeira after this. On the bright side: I haven't spotted Melany in the church so maybe she's not here! That would be great news! What would that mean?

The music starts playing and Lizzie appears in sight. I see Jack take a deep breath and pure joy in his eyes. Tears appear in my eyes. This is such an amazing moment! Lizzie walks down the aisle gracefully with her dad. She smiles at everyone and her flowers rest on her baby bump. Her dad gives her a kiss on the cheek and hands her over to Jack. When Lizzie and Jack say the words that will make them man and wife, Hero looks at me and smiles.