She embraced Barto back, relieved, and looked at him solemnly. "Yes, I know all about that. I'm trying to do the best I can at taking care of myself. It's still hard, but now that Willem and I love each other, I have something to live for," she told him, smiling. "You don't have to worry, I think I'll be around for a long time."
Celine smiled at Barto and waved in parting. "I suppose I should go get ready now."
But she couldn't settle herself until she had told Willem the good news. " He said yes," she said breathlessly. "Barto said yes. He'll walk me down the aisle and we'll get married and everything will be perfect."
Almost everything was in readiness, it seemed, although she had no idea where to go for the ceremony. Celine had found one of the whitest dresses imaginable to wear on her wedding day, with a scooped neckline and elegant poufy satin sleeves that made her feel like a princess. A white veil, an intricate little crown of pearls, and white slippers completed her outfit.