“She did,” Nanny Fiona confirms.
"That's wonderful, sweetheart." I pull out the chair next to her and sit down. "Would you like to help me with something important?"
Her eyes shine with interest. "What is it?"
"Well, it’s for the wedding." I slide the tablet toward her, showing her pictures of flower arrangements.
She wrinkles her nose slightly. "To that mean man?"
"Yes, to Phoenix. And it would mean so much if you helped me choose some things for it."
"Will I get to wear a pretty dress?" Her practical mind jumps to what matters most to a nine-year-old.
"The prettiest dress we can find. First I need help with floral arrangements." I pull up images of flowers, feeling bad that if things go as planned, she won’t be wearing a pretty dress, at least not at my wedding. She’ll be on a plane heading for a better life.
"I like the purple flowers best," Brigit declares, pointing at a lavender arrangement.
"Those are lovely," I agree, making notes while keeping my voice steady. "What about these for the centerpieces?"
While we discuss ribbons and cake flavors, my mind races through contingency plans. Should I tell her she might need totake a trip soon? Prepare her for separation without frightening her? Will it slip out? I hate to whisk her away without a goodbye, but I can’t risk anyone finding out and stopping me.
"Can I be in your wedding?" Brigit asks, her eyes shining with excitement. "Like a flower girl? Lila was one at her aunt's wedding and got to throw rose petals everywhere!"
My heart constricts as I watch her enthusiasm. She's bouncing slightly in her chair, already imagining herself in a special dress, being the center of attention. The image would be perfect, my daughter walking ahead of me down the aisle, not knowing she's participating in a ceremony uniting her real parents.
"You'll definitely be part of the day, sweetheart," I say carefully, choosing my words with precision. "You'll stand with the family as my support. That's even more important than being a flower girl."
Her smile falters. "But no petals?"
I brush a strand of hair from her face, tucking it behind her ear. "I think it's better if you stand with Nanny Fiona during the ceremony. You'll have a special seat right in the front row where I can see you."
"Will I still get a pretty dress?" she asks.
"The prettiest dress we can find.” I hate deceiving her.
She considers this, her little brow furrowed in thought. "Okay," she finally decides. "As long as I get to be with you."
"Always," I whisper, pulling her close and breathing in the scent of her hair. "You'll always be with me."
Even as I say the words, I know they’re a lie if my plan works. She'll be far away from me soon, safe from Phoenix's revenge. And if he discovers who she really is, I might lose her anyway.
“Can I make the flowers? I can draw what they look like,” Brigit says. It warms my heart how much she wants to be a part of this even as she doesn’t like Phoenix. She’s doing it for me.
“That would be lovely.”
She leaves her chair and goes to her art area near the window. Her tongue peeks out in concentration as she begins sketching flower arrangements for the wedding.
"I'm going to draw the prettiest flowers ever," she declares, not looking up from her paper. "With butterflies too!"
"That sounds beautiful, sweetheart. I need to speak with Nanny Fiona about your dress.” I motion for Nanny Fiona to meet me at the other side of the room, away from the door where my guard is stationed and from Brigit.
"I need your help, Fiona. We have to get Brigit out of here."
“I’ve wondered if you and Mr. Ifrinn had plans.”
“I have plans. He can’t know. It’s a lot to ask of you and if it’s too much, just tell me.”
Nanny Fiona's eyes widen, but she doesn't look surprised. “I’m committed to Brigit and you.”
