#Chapter One
Serene took in deep breaths as she neared her destination, her hands in her lap desperately wringing each other, her heartbeat in her fingertips. The carriage bumped up and down and she begged in her mind for the world to slow down, for time to turn back to when she was still free, an unmarried woman and the daughter of an influential politician. But she knew being Serene Thatcher meant that she had a job to do - and that job was to bring more influence to the family by uniting the Thatchers and DeHavens.
The carriage slowed to a stop and alarms went off everywhere in her brain. How was she going to calm down? Why was she so afraid anyway? She spent her childhood growing up with fairytales and always dreamt of finding a man who would sweep her off her feet to a palace. And yes, Frank DeHaven was known for his gentleness and chivalry. He would surely make her happy. Her life of happiness was only right around the corner.
The footman opened the door to the carriage and the lump in Serene's throat grew thicker. She stepped down from to the pebbled path and one of the people working for her came forward to throw her veil over her face. With it over, she could hardly see, and the corset she was wearing was digging into her waist mercilessly.
She walked to the church doors and the sound of bells chimed overhead. With a loud shout, someone pushed open the door and her father stood behind the door, a hand extended to her. She placed her hand in his arm and he patted it as they walked down the aisle to her soon-to-be husband.
Frank DeHaven was a man who had a handsome appearance, but was unfortunately not graced with a tall stature. If he had been taller, Serene was certain that he would be even more eligible as a bachelor. But that hardly mattered when you were the most powerful congressman in the town, and commanded the envy of every citizen.
Her father's arm left her as she neared Frank. She stood frozen to the ground, and inhaled sharply as the silence around her grew, slight murmurings about her sudden halt sounding around.
Serene, your best life is yet to come, she told herself.
Then she stepped forward and put her hand in Frank's. He guided her up the steps to him with a warm smile and she turned aside to face him. The priest stood at their side and began to speak.
"Frank DeHaven, will you take Serene Thatcher to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
"I will," Frank said.
"And Serene Thatcher, will you take Frank DeHaven to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Serene could not speak. The silence that hung in the air was deafening. She shook herself back to earth. Frank was the best man she could ever land! Rainer's most eligible bachelor, about to be her husband!
"Yes, I will," she declared.
And the audience stood to their feet in cheers as Frank lifted her veil and kissed her on the lips.