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Chapter Fifty
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A Midwestern Cinderella Chapter Fifty-One
Two months later, Early December“I'd carry you across the doorway, but I don't think that's a good idea,” Freddie said as he hobbled up to the doorway of the castle. His crutches crunched slightly on the white crushed gravel.“That's only when you get married,” I told him. “So you have time.”I winked at him. He grinned at me.We'd already spent two weeks at his mother's castle. Freddie was slowly on the mend, but doing well. It would be weeks yet before he no longer needed the crutches. Femur fractures take a long time to heal.I wasn't in a rush though. He was officially on vacation.And we were going to enjoy it at his castle.Freddie's castle was stunning. It was bigger than his mother's, but more modern. Freddie's castle was only built in 1831, making it one of the newer castles of the country. The Romantic architecture made me think of Pride and Prejudice. I could easily imagine Mr. Darcy striding across the perfectly kept hedges.Inside, the massive hallway was breathtaking. W
A Midwestern Cinderella Chapter One
Mid JuneI was falling down the aisle of the church.I couldn't stop, despite the fact it seemed to be happening in slow motion. My feet went up in the air, my dress tangled around my legs, and my arms flailed helplessly. The bouquet sailed neatly into the third pew.I was not made to wear high heels.They would be the death of me.I'd told my cousin this, but as the bride, she'd insisted.So, now after two steps, I was tripping in the most ungraceful and embarrassing manner down the aisle. Everyone was watching. The photographer was catching every second of it.Splat.The whole church drew an intake of air and then went silent.I wished there was a way to hit rewind. Or merge into the floor. If I had superpowers, I'd be invisible right now. I'd be anywhere but here with everyone I know staring at me.“I'm okay,” I said, finding my feet. There was scattered applause, and my cheeks burned with mortification. This was my nightmare.I wished it was a bad dream, but the tingling in my pal
A Midwestern Cinderella Chapter Two
Claud had to basically carry me back out of the church in the same manner he'd brought me in. I didn't protest. For someone as big as he was, he was remarkably gentle. Plus, I really appreciated not being the center of attention again.I took the required photos with the wedding party, trying to stay in the background. The pictures were for Cecelia and Carlson, not for me. I looked pretty with my shoulder-length blonde hair curled softly around my face. The makeup artist had even managed to make my brown eyes look amazing, probably because she'd basically created eyebrows and eyelashes for me. My blonde brows and pale lashes were even lighter than my hair and, as such, were nearly invisible without makeup.Even glammed up and knowing that I looked beautiful, I didn't particularly like getting my picture taken, and the fact that I was still wearing the stupid high-heeled shoes made me want to run and hide. I wobbled and nearly fell with every change of position.The damn things were cu
A Midwestern Cinderella Chapter Three
“I'm Freddie,” he said, offering out his hand.“Zoey,” I replied, setting down the spoon and taking his hand. His hand was strong and firm. A well-practiced handshake. “It's nice to meet you.”He smiled again, and I felt a warmth rush to my cheeks, especially with my hand still in his. I pulled away and tucked some loose hair behind my ear. Little butterflies danced in my stomach, and I found myself hoping that Freddie would keep me company all night.“How do you know the bride and groom?” Freddie asked, making conversation as he glanced around the room. The reception hall was starting to fill. It was a beautiful open room that looked out over the green grass and a small creek where Carlson and Cecelia had said their vows. White tulle and satin complemented with shades of dark blue ribbons wound through the room.“Oh, I don't actually know them,” I replied. “I just happened to have the right dress on today. I totally snuck in. I don't think anyone even noticed.”I leaned back and moti
A Midwestern Cinderella Chapter Four
It was time for my speech.I wasn't the maid of honor, but Cecelia had asked me to make a speech anyway. She had begged me, saying that not only was I her cousin and best friend but that I worked with Carlson. I knew them both personally and professionally and that it would make her wedding day perfect.I wasn't good at making speeches. I wasn't good at being the center of attention. But Cecelia had asked. So I was making a speech.I stood shaking next to the sweetheart table. Cecelia grinned at me. When the MC handed me the microphone, I seriously considered just running. I was wearing tennis shoes now, so there was a much better chance I wouldn't fall on the ground if I tried to move. But Cecelia had asked. And I loved her enough to do it.My sweaty hand shook around the microphone so hard I was sure I was going to drop it, and I knew my cheeks had to be blazing red. My stomach did flip flops, and I wished I had drank a lot more.I stared out at the crowd, trying to remember every
A Midwestern Cinderella Chapter Five
I'd never had so much fun dancing.Thankfully, Grandma Betty was true to her word and let me have my dance partner back. I was so glad I had tennis shoes on because I still managed to squash his toes several more times despite his extraordinary leading abilities.I noticed that Freddie stayed close to me. Other guests would start to come over, particularly young women, and he would swoop me into the next dance before they could start talking to him.I didn't mind. I liked dancing.“All right, ladies and gentlemen,” the MC called out over the loudspeaker. “It's time for the bouquet toss!”“Single Ladies”” by Beyonce began to blare out over the speakers.Freddie took several steps back to clear the dance floor, leaving me to join the throng of women gathering near my cousin. I sighed and considered conveniently needing to use the bathroom, but my mother and aunt were giving me the stink eye.I had no choice. Cecelia grinned at me as I took my place in the group, and I had the horrible f
A Midwestern Cinderella Chapter Six/Seven
I pushed open the door to the open courtyard. Dark warm air hit us like a wet blanket. We stepped out into the night, and the sounds of the party vanished as the door shut behind us.Frogs called out, and crickets chirped as we walked across the lawn. I still had his hand in mine as I guided us across the open space and toward a small bridge that led to a wooded area behind it.“There should be a bunch on the other side of the bridge,” I said, guiding us through the dark. “There's a small creek over there that should attract them.”I lifted my dress to cross the wooden footbridge that connected two grassy areas.“Wait, you changed your shoes,” Freddie said, noticing my footwear.“You think I could have danced in heels?” I said with a laugh. “I can't even walk in heels. Dancing could be deadly.”“Those do look more comfortable,” he agreed.“Heels will be my downfall,” I told him. “I can feel it.”“Death by shoe... sounds terrible,” Freddie agreed with a soft laugh.The two of us walked
A Midwestern Cinderella Chapter Eight
The next morning was a family brunch. Apparently, it was tradition to have a beautiful family brunch with both sides of the new family the morning after the wedding.I hadn't had as much alcohol as most of my family, but the nine AM wake-up call was far too early for comfort. I pulled my hair up into my usual ponytail and did a quick application of mascara. It wasn't much, but it at least made me look like I had eyes.I thought of Freddie and his kiss and sighed. He probably wouldn't even recognize me without the glitzy gown and makeup. But it wasn't like I was ever going to see him again. I made a mental note to ask Carlson if he could get me Freddie's contact info.I chose a light grey t-shirt with my school logo and a pair of khaki Bermuda shorts. I was supposed to leave directly for the cabin afterward, so I didn't want to dress up too much. I wore a dress last night. I didn't need to dress up again until at least Thanksgiving.The morning sunshine sparkled with humidity as I wal
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