As the year drew closer to the end, the wedding plans continued. Those three important meetings had set the ball rolling for all that was to come.

They had met with the Archbishop of Canterbury twice since that initial meeting and they continued to meet at St. Paul's Cathedral. Every time Maddie stepped foot into St. Paul's, she had to pause and take a moment to let it sink in, let her mind adjust. The vast opulence, the regality that it held was intimidating. Every time she stepped inside, she became more and more at ease with the grandness, more and more at home in the space. Harry, biting back his smirk, would hold her hand and walk the length of the aisle, realizing she needed the time and the moment to process.

Maddie would take notes as they walked. She would take note of the time it took to walk from one end to the other, the time it would take her to walk from the door to Harry. Three and a half minutes. She would take note of just how many people would fit inside. She would take note of where Harry would be standing, where she would meet him, where they would move to. Though the Archbishop assured her there would be plenty of time for rehearsals, seeing how it would be laid out in her mind was a sort of comfort for her.

They had met with the attorney and the banker only once. Maddie had controlled her facial features when the folder was placed in front of her, she kept her eyes focused in front of her as paper after paper was flipped over for her—drawing her deeper and deeper into the details of Harry's wealth. She was aware that next to her, Harry sat in a continual state of instability; his foot tapping on the floor, his fingers drumming on the table, his teeth biting at his nails. There was nothing about this experience that didn't make him uncomfortable. She recognized that. And she recognized how big of a moment this must be for him, to share this information with her. And, though her jaw wanted to slack, though her eyes wanted to bug wide, she held it together. She kept a small, easy smile on her face and nodded curtly at each new bit of information. And, when the attorney slid the pen across the table to her, she signed all of the documents; the one allowing her access to the newly established joint account, the one allowing her to order and charge things to the household account, and finally the small stack that outlined the details of her life in a divorced-from-Harry world; she signed them all with the same calm, the same ease. And when she was done, she clicked the pen and let it rest on the table right next to all of her questions about his money.

There were no more questions, no more inquiries. He had shown her. She had seen. And they were moving on.

And finally, they had met with Joan about the dress designer and a few small details. Maddie turned over the narrowed down pile of three designers. Joan would take them from the meeting and call them all in for a secret meeting. She would ask that they each put together drawings, fabrics, and ideas for what they would see Maddie wearing on the big day. She would ask that the send over something they had designed so that Maddie could wear it and get a feel for their style, for their cuts. Not more than three weeks later, Maddie had made a final selection. Winifred Ellis, relatively unknown until now, was brought into St. James Palace where she would enthusiastically agree to take on the biggest assignment of her life. She would sign confidentiality agreements and take meetings with Thomas, a family attorney and Joan all before she was able to sit down with Maddie. Both Maddie and Winnie, as she preferred to be called, were excited and anxious to finally meet and begin this journey that would prove life altering for the both of them. It was November, the wedding was in June and there wasn't much time to bring it all together. But it was time to begin.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Next question please," Maddie smiled to Harry as she returned to the breakfast table.

"Yes," Harry nodded and looked to the book of sample questions for The British Life test she would be taking in a matter of days. Clearing his throat, he read the next on the list. "How many Parliamentary constituencies are there? 464, 564, 646, or 664?"

"Hmm," Maddie's mouth twisted to the side as she thought for a split second. "646?"

"Brilliant," Harry grinned. "In which year did married women get the right to divorce their husband?" His face twisted up. "What kind of question is that?"

"Harry," Maddie warned.

"Seriously now. This is how we're deciding who can be a citizen?"

"Now is not the time for a reformation movement," Maddie couldn't help but chuckle at the seriousness on his face.

"I think now is the perfect time," he held strong for a moment before bending to her narrowed eyes and repeating the question. "In which year did married women get the right to divorce their husband? 1837, 1857, 1875, 1882?"

"1857," Maddie answered quickly. "Next."

"Oh-kay," he adjusted slightly in his chair, sipping from his drink. "Who is the sexiest member of the royal family?" Sarcasm flickered across his face. "Prince Harry," he pointed at himself. "Prince Charles..." He shook his head at her. "Or..."

"Eugenie," Maddie interrupted his silliness, snatching the questions from his hand and hitting him with it. "She is by far the sexiest member of the royal family. Now. Will you stop it?!"

"Come on...I'm just playing."

"You know I have to take this test."

"I do."

"And they are going to publish my scores in every paper in England."

"Are you kidding? They are going to publish those scores internationally."

"Exactly!" She swatted him again. "Now, can you please take this seriously? I do not want to embarrass the Queen by having to take the test again."

"Fine..." He sighed and continued. "Next question..." He cleared his throat dramatically; shaking the book in his hand for effect. But before the next question could be read, Thomas—who had been working in the residence, stepped into the room.

"Pardon me, Sir," he nodded to Harry. "Ma'am."

"Good morning, Thomas," Maddie smiled sweetly.

"Good morning, Ma'am," he smiled in return.

"How can I thank you for the interruption, Thomas?" Harry joked, tossing a wink to Maddie.

"I'm sorry, Sir. I have a request for Dr. Forrester."

"Oh?" Maddie's eyebrows lifted. It was a rare occasion for her to be singled out for a last minute request.

"Her Majesty's Secretary has called to invite you and Ms. Schuler and Ms. Ellis to view The Directory."

"The Directory?" Maddie was confused as she looked from Thomas to Harry and back.

"The Directory of jewelry Ma'am," Thomas and Harry met eyes as Thomas tried to explain.

"Jewelry?" Maddie felt her heart pause, embarrassed at her lack of understanding.

"To choose a tiara," Harry offered, his fingers pushing his plate aside.

"I'm sorry," Maddie let out a breathy laugh. "To choose a tiara? I thought that was something that was decided by...I don't know...somebody who is not me. I get to choose?" Her forehead scrunched up as she looked to the two men—the two men who were delving into this for the first time as well. Though they did have a bit more knowledge on the subject than Maddie did.

"Maybe you should explain," Harry nodded to Thomas.

"Yes," Thomas nodded. "You, Ms. Schuler, and Ms. Ellis will meet with Her Majesty's secretary at Buckingham Palace to view The Directory. The Secretary will know which options are available to you. Once a choice is made, the Secretary will send the request onto The Queen for her final approval."

"Wow..." Maddie breathed, reaching for her drink. "When does she want to see us?"

"This afternoon if possible, Ma'am."

"Okay," she nodded. "Would you please call Ms. Schuler and Ms. Ellis to see if they're free?"

"Of course, Ma'am," Thomas nodded before slipping from the room. The irony that Maddie didn't see at the moment was that there was no need to check on their availability. Both women would, upon a moment's notice, clear their entire day to make room for this appointment—to make way for this once in a lifetime opportunity. That afternoon, the three women would be sitting in an office at Buckingham Palace looking through The Directory full of timeless, magnificent pieces. And, with lumps in their throats, they would be sending up a selection for The Queen's approval.

"Well..." Maddie took a breath and smiled a slightly nervous smile at Harry. "So much for a normal day, no?"

"You ready for your next question?" He held up the book of sample questions with a smirk.

"Henry," her eyes moved into a glare that she could only hold for a beat before a bubble of laughter escaped. Her day had just become infinitely more important.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Maddie thought her heart rate had likely doubled as she slipped into her waiting car after her meeting at BP. She had sat with Joan and Winnie and had looked through The Directory, discussing historical facts, going over the feel for the wedding, the look of the dress. They had looked through pages of jewels, sitting in a respectful awe at each piece. And, after sending up their request, one that was quickly granted, they were escorted to the cars that were waiting to take them back to their respective days. Maddie kissed and hugged both women and smiled at Sampson as he shut her car door before sliding into the front seat of the car.

As they flew through the streets of London, Maddie took long, deep breaths. She focused on the passing scenery, letting her body relax. She couldn't help but giggle at surreal state of her life. She wondered if there was ever going to be a time when it all became commonplace, when she wasn't knocked sidewise by the royalty that was seeping into her once ordinary life. When she looked over the few months since Harry had proposed, when she cataloged the moments since she had said yes, she could feel her ordinary life slipping further and further away.

She really had just come from Buckingham Palace where she had chosen a tiara to wear on her wedding day.

"Wow..." Maddie breathed the word that had almost become her mantra. "Sorry. Sampson?" She leaned forward.

"Ma'am?" He turned towards her.

"I'm not ready to go back to Kensington quite yet. Can we make a stop first?"

"Of course Ma'am," he nodded. "Where would you like to go?"

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Madeline," Ella was waiting for her when she arrived. "I'm so happy you called."

"I'm so happy you're home," Maddie smiled sincerely as Sampson entered Ella's place, quickly sweeping and standing aside.

"Come on in," Ella pulled at Maddie's hand, happy to see her friend, even though they had lunch plans in two days. "What's going on?"

"Do you have tequila?" Maddie asked, shrugging out of her coat and kicking off her shoes.

"Yes," Ella laughed, moving swiftly towards the liquor cabinet. "You okay?"

"Mmm Hmm," Maddie nodded.

"You don't seem okay," Ella looked her over. "Where's Harry?"

"A meeting? Or he could be home by now. I don't know." Maddie shrugged. "He wouldn't...he wouldn't understand this. I needed somebody who would understand this."

"Understand what?" Ella laughed, pulling the bottle from the cabinet and looking for glasses.

"Tequila, please." Maddie held out her hand impatiently. "Is Bishop here?"

"No," she laughed, holding out the bottle. "Here. Tequila."

"Thank you," Maddie breathed, taking the bottle from her friend. Maddie wasted no time as she twisted the lid open, tipping the bottle to her lips for a drink.

"Whoa..." Ella watched with a smirk. "What's going on?"

"Ahem," Maddie cleared her throat, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. She took a breath and settled herself for a moment, her eyes meeting Ella's with a seriousness in them that spoke of the significance and confidentiality with which she spoke the next words. "I chose a tiara today, for the wedding. Whoo..." She let out a long breath. "I am wearing The Strathmore Rose Tiara."

"Oh my..." Ella gasped, her hand flying to her mouth; her eyes filled with tears. The romance, the warmth, the image of Maddie in that piece of artwork, overwhelmed her for a moment. Without another word, Ella held her hand out for the bottle of Tequila. Maddie nodded and handed it over, watching as Ella tipped it back. There, Maddie thought, that was the reaction, the reality she needed. She hadn't lost it quite yet. She knew she could count on Ella to feel the impact; to hold that space for her. She also knew she could count on her to get drunk and giggly and accept it all with ease and aplomb.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

"Harry!" Maddie called out into the house as she pushed inside the warm, music-filled house. "Harry darling!" She giggled at herself, kicking her shoes to the side and shutting the door.

"Darling?" He chuckled, sticking his head out of the office to watch as she clunked into the entryway. "Are you drunk?"

"No," she giggled again with a shake of her head, dropping her bag to the table and turning her attention to him, not at all convincing. "I like the music," she pointed to the living room from where the tunes blared.

"I was just finishing up some stuff in the office. I can turn it down," he offered, his eyebrows raising as he leaned against the wall; his arms crossed over his chest as he watched her.

"No, no," she shook her head again; her grin wide, her eyes bright.

"How was the meeting?" He asked, amused at the way her hips began to sway involuntarily.

"Dance with me?" She held out her hand, her head tipping to the side slightly. Harry bit his lip to keep from laughing at her and, with an easy sort of nod, he pushed away from the wall and took her hand.

"Absolutely," he smiled, tugging her hand up to his shoulder and wrapping his arms around her waist. She loved that about him; loved it. The way he didn't put up a fight, the way he didn't even ask, the way he took her hand and pulled her close, the way he dropped everything he was doing in the office to dance with her. She loved that about him so much.

"The meeting went well," she smiled up at him.

"Happy to hear it," his eyes flickered as he looked her over; moving them around the entry way.

"I had a bit of Tequila..."

"No!" He chuckled. "With Gran's Secretary or..."

"Ella," Maddie offered. "I stopped by on my way home."

"Makes more sense," Harry nodded. Maddie sighed in his arms, nuzzling into his warmth.

"I chose a tiara," she confessed; the words flowing more easily from her mouth than they had when she first spoke them.

"Are you going to let me in on the secret?"

"The Strathmore Rose tiara," the words rolled off her tongue.

"Ah," he nodded.

"It's beautiful," Maddie sighed.

"You're beautiful," Harry countered.

"Hmmm..." Her lips pulled into a grin. "It was given to the Queen Mother by her parents when she married Prince Albert...King George the Sixth." Maddie sighed closer to him. "Your Great-Grandfather."

"Yes," he smiled. "I know."

"It's quite romantic, isn't it?" Maddie thought it over. "She remained devoted to him her entire life, for years and years after he died. Fifty years, Harry. She never wavered."

"It's true," he nodded.

"And he was a second son..." She ran her hand over his shoulder then, searching his face. "There's so much history there."

"Yes," his fingers reached out to move a strand of hair from her face with an adoring smile. "Enough history to drive you to Tequila?"

"Ha!" Maddie laughed, her hand smacking against her chest. "No, no. I just...I needed a normal moment is all."

"Mmm..." Harry nodded. "I see."

"I love you Harry," she stopped moving, drawing them to a halt. "I love you so much."

"I know."

"And now I have a tiara to wear on the day I stand before God and, apparently, millions of people, to declare my undying love for you."

"You do," he watched her closely, watching her day pass over her face; her eyes adjusting to the feelings that flowed with it all. "You okay, love?"

"I am," she sighed. "Normal moment has been had and now I'm back...dancing with a Prince at the Palace." She laughed at herself and tugged at his shirt, bringing his lips to hers.

"Mmm..." He grinned against her lips, tasting the Tequila. "I have an idea."

"Ohhh..." She kissed him again. "I think I have the same idea." Her eyebrow arched suggestively.

"No, no," he laughed. "Not that."

"Boo."

"Not that yet," he clarified; his arms moving to hug her around the shoulders. "I have an idea for the weekend; something normal."

"Oh!" Maddie's eyes grew wide with excitement. "Like?"

"I thought we might invite Khenda, Collins, and Isaiah up for the weekend..."

"I love it!" Maddie bust in, bouncing in his arms.

"You take your test on Friday, they can be here in time for a celebratory dinner with Bishop and Ella and then we can spend the weekend being all kinds of normal."

"I looooooooooooooooooooooove it," she danced around in his arms. "We should call them and invite them."

"Yes."

"We should call them and invite them now."

"Yes ma'am," he offered a small salute and, letting his arms fall from around her, he pulled his phone from his pocket and held it out to her. "Why don't you call them while I get you some water."

"Water?" She questioned as she dialed and watched as he walked away from her.

"To avoid that very normal headache you're bound to have," he winked.

"Ah yes," she grinned. "You do love me."

"You know it!"