“But—”
He pressed a finger to her lips. “No buts. If you do not find blame for me, you cannot blame yourself for Elayna’s actions, either.”
“Maybe not.” She’d cooled off enough to see the sense of that. “But my part in this is more complex than yours. Jean Claude is talking to his advisors. He’s planning to make an announcement to the people. Everything is going to change, and I don’t know that I’m ready.”
“I am here to help you. There is nothing we cannot handle together.”
She tried a smile. “That sounds pretty good.” But if she stayed, if she became known as the Prince’s daughter, incidents with the press would become a part of her life.
And that frightened her. Forever more her actions would reflect on her father. On Xavier.
She’d just gained her freedom at home. If she stayed, she’d be giving it up for good. Their lives would always be under the scrutiny of the paparazzi.
“The press scared you,” he guessed.
She nodded, ducking her head.
But he wouldn’t let her hide; a finger under her chin lifted her gaze to his. And there was so much love for her shining there, her breath caught in her chest.
A good thing, because he lowered his head and kissed her, claiming her mouth with tenderness and care. He made her feel cherished, loved.
“I will not lie. The press can be tough, but you can learn to handle them so they become less scary.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “What you cannot do is give them power over you. I know how much you missed in life growing up in the shadow of your grandparents, of your mother.”
Something loosened in her heart at his words. It showed how well he got her.
“You have found a family here that loves you. I love you.” Oh God, she needed to hear that. “Are you going to let a little scare chase you away?”
Was she?
She’d longed for a family for so long, had wondered who her father was and she’d found both here in Pasadonia. Was she going to run because loving them was going to require that she step outside her ivory tower?
He swept her up, holding her against his chest so they were lip to lip, eye to eye. She felt like she was floating as she looked into his eyes.
“So you will stay? Marry me. Have my children.”
Overcome with love, with happiness for all she’d gained by taking a chance on this man, she couldn’t speak for a moment. Her throat closed with the force of her emotions.
Undeterred, he looked her straight in the eyes. “Amanda, the only question there was if we stay or return to America. I will have you for my wife. You will be the mother of my children. It’s just a matter of where we live.”
Okay she knew she should be upset by his arrogance, but truthfully it was so hot to be wanted that strongly.
“You would leave Pasadonia for me?”
“Of course. I love you.”
“But your family is here. Your career. You can’t just quit the militia.”
“Amanda, you are my future, wherever you are is where I will be. And whether you are here or in America, the Prince will want you protected. I will have no problem working out my current commission.”
How simple he made it sound.
“If you are worried about missing Michelle and Elle, let me remind you your father has his own jet.”
He knew her so well. And she knew him as well. His willingness to leave Pasadonia told her how much he truly loved her. She could never let him make that big a sacrifice.
“Do not make me bring in the big guns,” he whispered in her ear. “I can have the twins here in a matter of minutes.”
She laughed and looped her arms around his neck. “You play dirty.” She sighed and let the last of her worries drain away. Smiling against his mouth, she said, “You win. I’ll marry you.”
And then she rocked back on her heels and made her demands. “I want my wedding in the palace with both Michelle and Elle there. I deserve some reward for putting up with the press.”
“I can make that happen.” He didn’t even hesitate. “I know this guy...”
“My hero.” She pulled his head down and kissed him.
EPILOGUE
One year later
AMANDA STOOD IN the vestibule of the palace chapel watching as Xavier’s sister started down the aisle. Lovely in a strapless aqua mermaid dress, she led the procession, with Elle following in a matching yellow dress, and then Michelle in pink. The colors of their princess dresses from years ago at Princess Camp.
Fanciful, yes. But Amanda thought it appropriate considering it turned out she really was a princess. Okay, not technically. But close enough.
Her friends looked beautiful, especially Michelle, who was radiant in her fourth month of pregnancy. And Elle still had the sparkle of a newlywed. The three of them had worked out a round robin so each of them was the maid or matron of honor for one of the others.
Between the internet and Papa’s jet, she barely missed them at all.
Of course she had so much family now with Papa, Bernadette and the twins, but more so she had Xavier’s family. His mother and sister immediately swept her into the fold, and it had been great fun learning all Xavier’s secrets.
She’d been worried how the public would react to her existence, but the whole country had welcomed her. The Prince’s relationship with her mother was seen as a tragic love story while his reconciliation with Amanda was looked on as a happy circumstance of the romantic tale.
Her engagement to Xavier, a decorated officer of the Royal Republican Guard, played like a fairy tale in the press.
She could live with that.
She couldn’t wait to live with him. Being such a public figure this last year, she’d insisted on keeping separate living arrangements. Which didn’t mean they hadn’t found time to be together. He often discreetly made his way to her rooms. Still she longed to move into the house they’d chosen together and start her life with him.
“Are you ready?” Papa laid his hand over hers on his sleeve.
“Yes.” She glanced at him so handsome and proud.
“Nervous?” He smiled at her.
“Not in the least. Thank you for the beautiful wedding. It’s beyond what I ever dreamed of.”
“You are beyond anything I ever dreamed of. I’m so glad I found you.” He tipped her face up to kiss her cheek. “And now I have to give you away.”
“He’ll take good care of me. And I’m not going far.”
“He’d better.” A glint entered his eyes. “I’ll be watching him.”
“Papa.”
His brows lowered. “I know. No interference. You make it hard on a Prince.”
“Then just be my papa.”
He pursed his lips and looked ahead. “This is no easier.”
She laughed. “Then just love me.”
He brightened. “This I can do.”
She squeezed his arm and together they started down the aisle. Music swelled and the attendees all stood in honor of the bride. The chapel had been dressed in white and gold with lots of greenery and fresh roses and hundreds of candles lit on crystal pedestals making the room twinkle like a fairy bower.
Near the front she spied her grandparents. Grandfather, it turned out, overrode Grandmother’s ultimatum and made it clear he intended to remain a part of Amanda’s life. He’d urged her to call whenever she was on the West Coast so he could arrange to see her. Grandmother had come around when the wedding invitation arrived, offering a stay in the palace.
In a world turned upside down, Amanda found it reassuring that some things never changed.
And then there Xavier was, standing at the front of the church, magnificent in his dress uniform complete with sword. Thrilled at the sight of him, she smiled. Ho
w she loved him.
Every minute of every day was better because he was a part of her life.
His intense gaze met hers as if her veil were mere mist. He didn’t smile, didn’t flinch. His gaze was steady and sure and a little impatient. She read him loud and clear. He wanted her, wanted this over so she would be his forever.
She couldn’t agree more.
She spoke the truth when she told Papa Xavier would take good care of her. He already did. He treated her with the respect of a partner. Lavished her with the passion of a lover. And loved her as a man cherished his woman.
Her father gave her hand to Xavier and without hesitation she curled her fingers around his. The priest took them through the ceremony and she recited her vows to Xavier, but spoke loud enough for all to hear of her love and devotion to this exceptional man. He said his vows as if speaking just to her, uncaring who else heard his pledge.
“I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Xavier immediately crowded close, lifting her veil. And now the smile came as he lowered his head. “I love you, Mrs. LeDuc.”
And he claimed her with a searing kiss.
* * * * *
Keep reading for an excerpt from Little Cowgirl on his Doorstep by Donna Alward
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CHAPTER ONE
HE HAS A face that could frighten small children.
That was the first thing that sprang to Avery Spencer’s mind as she stared up at the imposing figure of Callum Shepard. With his stubbled face and long tangle of hair, he didn’t look anything like the clean-cut, charismatic groomsman she’d met just over a year ago. And definitely not the image of a doting dad, she thought with dismay. He stood with feet spread wide, one broad hand splayed on the edge of the door, glowering down at her like she’d committed a cardinal sin.
Except if anyone was the sinner here, it was him. And she reminded herself of that fact to keep from being intimidated—as surely that was his intent. She felt the first tiny trickle of sweat sneak down her spine in the cloying summer heat. Everyone always said Alberta was a dry heat, but that sure wasn’t keeping her shirt from sticking to her back. It made her shift uncomfortably just at the moment she needed to be in absolute control. This could go so wrong in so many ways....
“What do you want?” he asked sharply.
Apparently he had also acquired the manners of a boor. How lovely. For a brief second Avery considered that making this trip might have been a colossal mistake. But then she squared her shoulders and lifted her chin. No, it had been the right thing to do. At least after today there would no longer be any secrets or lies. She wouldn’t spend the rest of her life looking over her shoulder wondering what would happen if he ever found out about Nell. Far better to face it head-on and get it over with.
Besides, when it came down to brass tacks, Avery really believed that Nell deserved to know both parents. She swallowed, battling against the familiar wave of grief whenever she thought of her sister, Crystal. In this case, Nell deserved to get to know the one true parent she had left. Callum.
“You don’t remember me, do you, Mr. Shepard?”
His dark brows pulled together. “Should I?”
That stung. After all, she remembered him, and he’d looked far different the last time she’d seen him, which was one year, one month and...what, five days ago? Not that she was counting, mind you. Back then his hair had been precisely cut, his face clean-shaven and he’d been wearing a suit with a single white rose in the lapel. Avery’s tongue snuck out and licked across her dry lips. She knew that because the moment he’d stepped into the hotel suite she’d looked up and her mouth had gone dry and her palms sweaty. Callum Shepard had been gorgeous. And when he’d smiled, her stomach had gone all swirly.
Even when he’d looked right past Avery and his gaze had fallen on her sister.
Now his hair hung in straggly waves down to his collar, he looked as if he hadn’t shaved in two days and his plaid shirt was only half tucked into old jeans. And smile? More like permanent scowl. The change was remarkable—and disheartening considering the circumstances. Not to mention incredibly intimidating.
Being intimidated wouldn’t suit at all, not if she were to stay in control of the situation as she planned. “I’m Avery Spencer.” She held out her hand, determined to meet the task ahead with politeness and a modicum of grace.
His face stayed blank and his hand stayed beside his thigh. Not much surprise that it didn’t sound familiar, she supposed. After all, he’d only had eyes for Crystal that weekend. He probably hadn’t given Avery a second glance. Why would he?
“It doesn’t ring a bell, sorry.” And still he stood in the middle of the doorway. No invitation to come in, no nothing. Gatekeeper, lord and master of his own domain. She lowered her hand again, feeling foolish.
“We met in Niagara Falls last year.”
Ah, she thought with satisfaction. A flicker of something passed over his face. Avery swallowed and added, “At Pete and Elizabeth’s wedding.”
His dark eyes settled on her, so intense it made her want to fidget. She clenched her fingers together and made herself remain still.
“You were there?” he asked.
If that was an attempt to make her feel insignificant, it succeeded. Was she so plain that she wasn’t even the least bit noticeable? The slightest bit memorable? Granted, she’d never been as beautiful as her sister and whenever they were together, Avery did tend to fade into the background next to Crystal’s perfect figure and pretty face. But confirmation that he didn’t remember at all...
Ouch.
“I was in the wedding party,” she explained, wishing she could just tell him her reason for showing up and get it over with. But she had to ease into it. Especially since she hadn’t really been afforded so much as a smile or welcome. This was going to be so much harder than she’d imagined, and she’d practiced the words in her head over and over on the flight from Toronto to Edmonton, and from the drive from Edmonton to Cadence Creek. Now those words didn’t seem to fit the situation at all.
“You were?”
Why did he keep questioning everything she said? Annoyance flickered and she struggled to tamp it down. She had to keep a lid on her temper. Calm and rational was the only way to get through this first meeting.
“I was one of Elizabeth’s bridesmaids. You were Pete’s best man.” She tried a smile, hoping to soften him a touch. A slight breeze ruffled her blouse, offering a tiny bit of relief from the blazing heat. There weren’t even any shade trees to offer respite from the sun, just green and brown fields surrounding the rather plain farmhouse, broken only by a large barn and a couple of sheds.
“Yes, I think I can remember that much,” he said, a touch impatiently.
Avery looked over he
r shoulder, glancing back at the car she’d rented at the airport. So far Nell hadn’t made a peep—but that wouldn’t hold out forever. She was glad now that she’d chosen to leave Nell in the car, considering Shepard’s convenient amnesia about the weekend in question. But time was ticking. The window was rolled all the way down, but it was too hot to leave the baby in the car for more than a few minutes.
She turned back, deciding they were getting nowhere and she might as well step it up. “You probably don’t remember me because you were pretty interested in my sister,” she stated plainly. “Crystal.”
Something lit in his eyes. So he did remember. She wasn’t surprised. It was hard to forget Crystal Spencer once you’d met her. Pain flickered at the thought. Avery’s sister had been the brightest light in her life. Her death had been sudden and shocking, only a few days after giving birth to Nell. Avery had been plunged into darkness, losing her only real family.
But the darkness only lasted for a short time. Nell had become the new light in her life. Her saving grace.
“I remember your sister,” he said, a touch of caution in his voice. “But that doesn’t explain why you’re knocking on my door...what did you say your name was, again?”
“Avery,” she repeated firmly. “My name is Avery.”
“Right. Look, if this is about Crystal, we had an understanding from the start. It was a weekend thing. No expectations.”
Avery noticed he ran his hand through his hair, though, like he wasn’t quite as cool about everything as he’d first appeared. And Avery was quite aware that the terms of the weekend had been set out from the start. Crystal had made that abundantly plain each time Avery tried to convince her to try to find Callum. Each time Crystal had flatly refused to budge. She’d been determined to raise Nell on her own. She didn’t want some here-today-gone-tomorrow soldier as a father to her child. Especially since they barely knew each other.
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