Eric and Lauren's wedding lined up with the beginning of Tris' spring break. When she told Tobias the dates would work if she skipped her Friday afternoon class and made it back by the next Sunday, he was overjoyed. He immediately offered to send his airplane for her, but she stubbornly refused and insisted on flying commercial. He gave in under the condition that he would pay for it, and Amar would arrange everything.

Tris and Lauren frequently talked via social media. Lauren wasn't a big fan of most of Eric's college friends. The majority were still bachelors, hard-partiers, and notorious womanizers. Few of her friends had settled down, either. She relished their "couple" friendship with Tris and Tobias, and was thrilled they would be there on her big day.

Christina was equally excited. She eagerly helped Tris learn about British weddings, and drove her home one weekend so they could go through Tris' closet and pick appropriate clothes for the trip. Tris had left her more formal designer clothes, shoes, and bags at home when she went back to school, but she knew she would want them in London.

They chose a simple Tiffany-blue sheath dress for Tris to wear to the wedding with her champagne-colored heels and matching clutch. The dress was sleeveless, so Christina suggested that Tris buy a wrap. March isn't a warm time in London, and bare arms are frowned upon in Anglican churches, so she readily agreed.

The girls found a perfect lightweight champagne-colored wrap at a department store. Christina tried to get Tris to look at hats, since most women wore them at the royal weddings. She argued that it would be fun, but Tris refused. She knew that whatever they found at a mall in Chicago wouldn't be right at an upscale wedding in London.

Amar was as thorough and thoughtful as ever. As soon as Tris said she could go, Tobias' assistant had emailed asking for her schedule and passport information. Not two hours after she sent him her schedule, Amar sent Tris her itinerary. He had booked car service from the university to the airport, and a round-trip, non-stop, first class ticket from Chicago to London. He also asked her to let him know when she picked her outfit for the wedding so he could pack Tobias accordingly.

Tris happily complied. When she and Christina settled on the pale turquoise dress, she sent Amar an image from the store's website, and told him about her choice of shoes, bag, and wrap. He complimented her choices, which made Tris feel good. Christina knew clothes, but Amar knew the culture of wealthy Europeans.

The days dragged as the trip approached. Tris was beyond eager to see Tobias again, and she struggled to sit still and pay attention in class or work on her homework. She packed and repacked her two suitcases. The larger of the two would be checked, but the smaller case, containing her dress for the wedding, her more valuable accessories, and the things she couldn't live without or easily replace, would be her carry-on.

On the day she was to leave, Tris was up bright and early. She dressed in black yoga pants, designer ballet flats, and a loose-fitting black top with crisscross straps on the upper back that showed off the lace of her grey bralette. She ate a quick breakfast, attended her morning class, and hurried back to the dorm to check her bags again.

Christina and Marlene came back to the dorm, and Marlene was taken aback to find Tris in designer shoes, with a grey Louis Vuitton signature blanket scarf around her shoulders, and designer sunglasses perched on her head as she put the case with her wireless headphones into her black Louis Vuitton handbag.

"Uh, what is going on?" Marlene asked.

"Trissy is jetting off to London for a week with her Euro-hottie," Christina said smartly.

"Euro-what?" Marlene asked. "Did you rob a bank? That purse is gorgeous!"

Tris sighed. "I'm meeting Tobias in London. Some friends of ours are getting married tomorrow."

"Okay, but, wow," Marlene said, still stunned. "Tobias is the guy you met over winter break, right? Your long-distance fling?"

Tris nodded. "He lives in Albania," she explained. "It's just north of Greece. He was in Chicago over Christmas, then we went to New York together."

"In his private jet," Christina added, excited to finally spill the details on Tris' relationship.

"So he's rich?" Marlene asked.

"Totally," Christina said. "She came home with an ah-mazing new wardrobe of designer clothes, shoes, bags, even jewelry."

"Like the earrings you haven't taken off since Christmas break?" Marlene pressed. "They're real?"

Tris reached up to touch the diamond stud in her ear.

"Tiffany's," Christina said. "I've seen the box. And she has a matching bracelet."

"Oh my gosh," Marlene said. "Girl, have that man's baby and lock him down!" she laughed.

"How about it, Tris?" Christina joined in. "Wanna make baby Five?"

"Five?" Marlene asked. "He has four kids already? Or… no… He is Four? The email guy? It can't be!"

"We have a winner!" Christina exclaimed like a carnival barker.

"Chris," Tris said in a warning tone.

"Okay," Christina said. "That part is private, because of the past and all. But he's real, accent and all, and he treats Tris like a princess."

"Can I ask a question?" Marlene said. "How did he get away from the abuse?"

"He has an assistant," Tris said. "He was Tobias' driver when he was a kid. After the email thing he told Amar about the abuse. Amar looked out for him and helped him spend less time at home. About two years ago his father had a heart attack and died. Tobias inherited everything, but more importantly, he was free from his father's abuse.

"Since then he's been working on fixing a lot of the other injustices Marcus committed. He's rebuilding business relationships that Marcus damaged. He's making changes to pay people better, and to limit environmental damage. He's a wonderful person, and he's able to make a real difference in the world."

"Prince charming," Marlene sighed, and Christina nodded.

Tris' phone chimed with an incoming text. "My ride is here," she said nervously. "Do I have everything?"

Marlene and Christina looked around briefly. "I think you're good," Christina said.

The girls helped Tris carry her luggage down to the lobby where a man in a black suit stood waiting.

"Miss Prior?" he said. "I'm Dennis. Let me take your bags."

"Thank you," Tris said, sliding one wheeled suitcase in the driver's direction.

While the driver loaded Tris' luggage into the waiting black Audi SUV, Tris' friends hugged her.

"Have fun!" Marlene said.

"Take lots of pictures!" Christina added.

"Bring us chocolate!" Marlene called as Tris walked out the door.

.

Dennis was pleasant but mostly quiet as he drove Tris to the airport. When he helped her unload her luggage and handed her over to a skycap, Tris offered him a tip, which he refused.

"The gratuity has been covered, Miss," the driver said. "Have a pleasant trip."

Tris thanked him and followed the skycap to check her larger bag. With the big bag turned in, she made her way through security and to the airline's private lounge, where she enjoyed a sandwich, some fresh fruit, and a cup of coffee.

When the time came to board her flight, Tris left the private club and found her departure gate. First class passengers were invited to board first, so Tris got in line and pulled out her passport and boarding pass.

First class was an eye-opening experience. Instead of turning right when she entered the plane and navigating rows of cramped seats like she'd seen in movies, Tris was taken to the left, into a room of posh cubicles. Each private space had a television, a comfortable reclining chair, and a table.

Seeing the awed expression on Tris' face as she looked around the plane, the stewardess looked her up and down condescendingly. She smiled a smug, artificial smile as she stowed Tris' carry-on. "First time in first class?" she asked.

"It's my first time in a commercial plane," Tris said, hiding her irritation with a chuckle.

"You've never flown before?" the attendant asked.

"Oh I've flown," Tris said. "We have a jet, so I've never flown commercially."

It wasn't quite the whole story, but the flight attendant's snooty attitude made Tris feel a bit petty.

"Oh!" the woman said, clearly surprised. "Well, welcome aboard. We'll take good care of you."

"Thank you," Tris said sweetly.

When the stewardess was gone, Tris snapped a selfie and texted it to Tobias.

T: I'm on board. Can't wait to see you!

4: I'm waiting for you in London. Just one more night apart. Will you share the master bedroom with me, or should Amar set me up in the second room?

T: Share. I want to spend every possible minute with you, even when you're asleep.

4: I was hoping you'd say that.

T: I'm hoping you brought condoms this time.

4: Beatrice, are you sassy today?

T: I'm excited. I have an incredible, handsome boyfriend, and I haven't seen him in two months.

4: Just over eight hours until I hold you in my arms.

T: You'd better sleep while you can…

4: You ARE sassy! I'm holding you to that.

T: Goodnight, Handsome, pleasant dreams

4: Goodnight, Beautiful, have a safe flight!

Tris texted her parents and Christina, letting them know she had successfully arrived at the airport and navigated her way to her plane. Then she put her phone in airplane mode and settled in for the long flight.

.

In the morning, Tris went to the bathroom in the first class section to prepare herself for landing and her reunion with Tobias. She touched up her hair, put on deodorant, then washed her face and brushed her teeth with supplies from the little amenity kit that had beep provided for her. The cute zipper pouch of trial-sized toiletries, lip balm, socks, a pen, and an eye mask had been a godsend, especially the socks and lip balm.

Tris wasn't much for makeup, but she dusted on some powder and added a touch of eyeliner and mascara. Her hands trembled with anticipation as she thought about how soon she would see Tobias again.

Back in her seat, Tris stowed the kit in her carry-on. The flight attendant had freshened up her cubicle and turned the bed back into a seat. Breakfast was served, and Tris nibbled on a croissant and sipped coffee.

It felt like the announcement to prepare for landing came as soon as breakfast was cleaned up. Tris eagerly fastened her seatbelt, and checked that all of her things were repacked.

As soon as they were on the ground, she turned her phone on. Natalie had texted to wish her a good trip. Christina replied, too. Tobias had texted several times.

4: Good morning! Today is the day!

4: Just two hours and you'll be in my arms!

4: Amar and I are heading to the airport. We'll see you at the arrivals hall.

Tris sent a reply.

T: Just landed. I'll see you soon!

The first class passengers disembarked first. Tris followed the signs for arrivals and passport control. She fed her passport through the automated gate and passed the customs area to baggage claim. The lines moved steadily, but every second felt like an eternity knowing Tobias was so close.

Tris' pink suitcase arrived quickly thanks to her first class status. With one rolling suitcase in each hand and her handbag hanging from her elbow, she rushed to the arrivals hall.

Tris saw Tobias first. He stood next to Amar with a bouquet of pink flowers in his hands. She walked quickly in their direction.

When Tobias saw her coming, he rushed toward her. They met with a crash, arms circling one another. Tris clutched the back of Tobias' shirt as he crushed her to his chest. Amar corralled her suitcases and rescued the flowers from Tobias' hands as he grinned broadly.

"Gosh I missed you," Tris breathed as she pulled back to look at Tobias.

He laughed, a choking half-sobbing sound, and reached out to stroke her cheek. Tris noticed his shaking hands and gave him a reassuring smile.

"Can I kiss you?" Tobias asked.

"You'd better," Tris teased, putting her hands on her hips.

Amar chuckled, and Tobias grinned before crashing his lips to Tris'. She wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss with equal fervor.

When she pulled away from Tobias, Tris gave Amar a hug as well. "What, no kisses for me?" the driver teased.

"Those are all mine," Tobias said, pulling Tris' back against his chest and wrapping his arms around her shoulders and upper chest. "You save your kisses for George; he'll be here in two days."

"George is coming?" Tris asked eagerly. "I get to meet George?"

"He's excited to meet you, too," Amar said. "Right now, though, we need to get back to the hotel and get ready for the wedding."

Tobias reached for Tris' hand, and they followed Amar and the suitcases out of the airport.

.

Amar took the couple to London's historic Savoy Hotel, where Tobias had a two-bedroom suite. As they rode the elevator, the young couple held one another.

"I'm so glad you're here," Tobias said.

"Me too," Tris said shyly, burying her face in Tobias' chest.

The bell rang indicating that they arrived on their floor. Tobias hiked Tris into his arms and carried her into the suite. Tris wrapped her arms around Tobias' neck and her legs around his waist, and giggled.

In the living room, Tobias dropped onto the sofa with Tris on his lap. She didn't even look around the opulent suite, just stared into Tobias' ocean blue eyes. They smiled shyly at each other, then Tobias leaned in to give Tris a gentle kiss. Tris wrapped her arms around Tobias' neck again and kissed him back, threading her fingers into his dark hair. His hands slid to Tris' hips, and she groaned as he pulled her closer. The reunited love birds quickly forgot the rest of the world as they lost themselves in each other.

"A-hem," Amar cleared his throat pointedly. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but I have your clothes laid out and you need to get ready for the wedding. Miss Tris, your things are in the master bedroom. Mr. Tobias is set up in the second bedroom."

Tris gave Tobias one last kiss and hurried to get ready for the afternoon ceremony. She looked over the things that Amar had carefully laid out, and was surprised to see a fancy little hat, or fascinator, sitting among her things. It was the same color as her dress and was simple in design, just a blonde-colored headband that would hide in her hair, with a swirl of watery blue netting and several large fabric flowers that would sit to one side on her head.

Tris took a quick shower but didn't get her hair wet. She dressed in a nude-colored lace bra, matching thong, garter belt, and thigh-high stockings. She moved a few essentials from her purse into her clutch bag, then put on some makeup. She twisted her hair into a soft updo, and tucked the fascinator into place.

After putting on her accessories, Tris stepped into the teal dress. Unable to reach the zipper, she peeked out of the room. The suite was quiet, and the other bedroom door was closed. She crossed to it and tapped.

"Tobias?" she called.

The door cracked open, and Tobias stuck his head out. "Well hello," he said playfully.

Tris turned around, revealing the open back of her dress. "I have a bit of a problem," she said, smiling over her shoulder.

"I don't see a problem," Tobias said, running a finger gently up Tris' spine.

"I'll make a deal with you," Tris said flirtatiously. "You zip me now so we can fulfill the whole reason we're in London, and I'll let you unzip me later."

"Anything for you," Tobias said, kissing between Tris' shoulder blades as he slid her zipper closed.

.

Tris felt disoriented in London traffic. Compared to what she was used to, drivers were on the wrong side of the car, and drove on the wrong side of the road. It was like a mirror image of her normal, and it made her anxious.

When they arrived at the church, Amar pulled up in front of the building and opened Tris' door.

"Just like old times, Miss Tris," the driver said with a smile. "It's good to have you back with us."

"It feels right, doesn't it?" Tris replied. "Except for the traffic; that felt all wrong. It strangely made me kind of car sick."

Amar looked concerned. "I think you'll get used to it. A good night's sleep will help, too. The long flight and the time change are disorienting."

"Is everything alright?" Tobias interrupted. "I usually let you two have your private meetings when we get out of the car, but Amar looks concerned, and others are waiting to be dropped off."

"Miss Prior was just feeling a bit nauseated," Amar explained.

"I'm fine," Tris insisted when she saw the look on Tobias' face. "It's just the wrong side of the road thing. It's disorienting."

"Then it's a good thing we drive on the right in Albania," Tobias said, offering his arm to his girlfriend.

Tris thanked Amar as she took Tobias' arm and let him lead her into the church.

"Are you really alright?" Tobias pressed.

"I'm here with you," Tris replied. "I couldn't be better."

.

The wedding was lovely. Lauren looked stunning in her white lace gown and long veil. Eric and several of the groomsmen wore kilts, which made Tris giggle.

For the most part, the ceremony was English and traditional, but a few Scottish touches were worked in. Tris' favorite was at the end of the ceremony, once the priest declared them husband and wife. There was a pause after Eric kissed his bride, and the mother of the groom brought forward a folded bundle of fabric in the same grey and black plaid as his kilt. He opened the bundle and carefully slipped it under Lauren's veil, tucking it around her shoulders.

"By wrapping his bride in the family tartan, he signifies that she is a member of their clan now," Tobias said quietly. His voice was a low rumble against Tris' neck and ear, and it made her shiver deliciously.

.

Once they moved from the church to the reception at the Royal Exchange, the crowd grew. When Tris mentioned it, Tobias explained that it was not unusual in England to invite guests to the reception but not the ceremony. He suspected that they had been invited to both because Lauren sweetly wanted to give Tris the opportunity to see an English wedding.

At the reception, they had a chance to visit with the bride and groom briefly. They thanked Lauren and Eric for inviting them, and congratulated them on their marriage. They even snapped a few photos together.

Tris and Tobias were seated at a table with several couples connected to the Coulter family through their shipping interests. This gave them the opportunity to make new connections and forge new relationships, which Tris knew Tobias appreciated.

For his part, Tobias was once again amazed at the difference Tris made in his life. Her genuine sweetness drew people to her and put them at ease all evening. When she danced with him and he got to hold her, he felt like the luckiest man in the room.

Part of the Coulter family holdings included a scotch distillery, and the drinks flowed at the reception. Dinner was delicious, though Tris wasn't a fan of fruitcake as wedding cake. A few scotches in, Tobias assured her that she didn't have to worry about that because fruitcake wasn't part of Albanian wedding traditions. Are we attending a wedding this summer, or is he thinking of our future? Tris wondered.

Several of Eric's friends and cousins made long, obnoxious toasts that were more like comedy roasts. One of the cousins mentioned that Scots wear nothing under their kilts, and even offered to prove it to any "lasses" who wanted a peek.

By the time Amar picked them up, Tris was pleasantly tipsy, and Tobias was getting handsy. All the way back to the hotel he distracted Tris with kisses and roaming hands. She never even noticed the disorienting left side traffic.

Amar was smirking when he helped Tris out of the car. "Condoms are in the nightstand," the assistant whispered to Tris. "I'll bring breakfast around nine tomorrow morning. Call if you need anything before that."

Tris blushed furiously and nodded before she took Tobias' hand and walked into the hotel.

.

On Sunday Tobias let Tris sleep in. He knew that the time change, overnight commercial flight, and their late night activities had worn her out, and she needed to sleep. Amar served coffee and a light breakfast in the suite's living room, then left Tobias in peace to read the morning news.

Tobias couldn't wipe the smile off his face. Having Tris with him made him feel complete, and making love to her had been even better than he imagined. Everything about her was warm, soft, and sweet. And when she'd cried out his name as she came… well, that was the greatest moment of Tobias' life. He loved her. He knew he loved her. He knew he was going to tell her that day, and he thought about the best way to do it.

Hearing soft noises from the bedroom, Tobias decided to check on Tris. As he walked down the hall, he became more alarmed with each step. It sounded like she was crying. Tobias quietly pushed open the bedroom door. His heart shattered when he saw Tris face-down in her pillow, her shoulders shaking with muffled whimpers. He hurried across the room and sat down beside her.

Tris startled and abruptly, sat up, and scrambled away from him. "Tobias?" she asked in a lost and shaky voice.

"What's the matter, Zemra ime?" Tobias asked as he reached a tentative hand toward Tris' shoulder.

Before he knew what was happening, Tris launched herself into his arms. As she cried into his chest, Tobias was both concerned and relieved. He was concerned because something was obviously upsetting her. He was relieved because she was clinging to him, so he must not be the problem.

"I… I just… I woke up alone," Tris sniffled. "I didn't know where I was. I must have been dreaming and I was scared, naked, and alone. I… I don't know what happened."

Tobias was so relieved he almost laughed, but he didn't want to hurt Tris' feelings. "You're jetlagged," he explained. "When I got to Chicago in December I would wake up in the middle of the night feeling panic like I'd overslept. You've had a busy few days with a time change and not enough sleep, so you slept hard. I'm sorry I wasn't here when you woke up. I thought it would be best to let you sleep in."

"It's okay," Tris said, snuggling into Tobias. "I feel better now."

"What can I do?" Tobias asked gently.

"Just hold me for a minute," Tris said, and Tobias was happy to oblige.

.

Thrilled to be with Tris and rattled by her rough morning, Tobias was very attentive and protective all day. He made sure she ate a little something, then encouraged her to take a bath in the suite's big soaking tub. He held her hand all through lunch, and while Amar drove them to the London Eye observation wheel, where he had booked a private capsule for the couple.

Tris loved the breathtaking views from the giant Ferris wheel. Tobias was anxious about heights, but he loved the way Tris lit up.

When she noticed Tobias' white-knuckle grip and tense posture, Tris felt guilty. She wrapped her arms around Tobias' middle and kissed his neck. "I'm so sorry," she said softly. "You're so strong that I forget about your fear of heights. Please stop booking things that make you uncomfortable."

"I believe in challenging myself," Tobias said. "If I let fear stop me, then fear wins. You make me brave, Tris. And seeing you smile makes it worth everything."

Their capsule stopped at the top, and the couple stood holding one another while they pointed out the landmarks they recognized and snuck a few chaste kisses.

Tobias looked down at Tris, and she smiled up at him. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, Beatrice Prior. I love you."

Tears sprang to Tris' eyes when she heard those words. "Të dua," she said in Albanian. "I love you, Tobias."

"You learned it in Albanian," he said with a smile.

"I've known that I love you for a while," Tris confessed. "I wanted to tell you in person, though. I thought I should learn it in Albanian, too. Maybe I should learn to say it in all the world's languages; then I would never run out of ways to say I love you."

"Last night we said it with no words at all," Tobias said, playfully suggestive as he nuzzled into Tris' neck.

"Mmm," Tris agreed. "Body language. That's a very good one. I can say it in French, too. Come here."

Tobias leaned closer, and Tris kissed him, running her tongue across his bottom lip so he would open his mouth. Their tongues tangled momentarily before Tris pulled back with a smile.

"How was that?" she asked.

"Amazing," Tobias said, "but I thought you were going to say 'I love you' in French."

"I did," Tris replied with a cheeky grin, "that's why I used tongue. It's a French kiss."

Tobias laughed. "You can practice your French with me anytime," he offered.