“I love her. I want to marry her. Only her.”
“You told her this?”
“Not in so many words, but I think she knew what I was offering.”
“A princess like Rowena is perfect for you.”
“She’s your definition of perfect, not mine.”
His mother arched a brow. “You’re telling me Kat’s perfect?”
“Far from it, but we’re better together than we are apart.” He’d said this much; he might as well say it all. “I love her. I believe she loves me, too. But she left anyway.”
“Because of me.”
Gill wasn’t going to deny his feeling. “I’m trying to devise a plan, but I keep running into a stumbling block.”
“What’s the block?”
“You.” The word tasted gritty in his mouth. “Kat won’t come between you and me, because if I had to choose, I’d pick her.”
His mother’s eyes widened.
He’d never known her to be speechless, but she seemed to be now.
She opened her mouth and then closed it. “Your sister would make a fine queen. She’s a remarkable woman, but Alistonia will thrive with you wearing the crown. You’re the perfect combination of your grandfather, your father, and myself. Our country needs you, Guillaume. What do you need from me?”
“I want your blessing.” That was his only hope. “Without that, I don’t stand a chance with Kat. But it must be sincere, and you must agree to willingly accept Kat as my wife and the future queen of our country.”
*
New Year’s Eve at the animal hospital wasn’t as busy as Kat thought it would be. Midnight was approaching, and she was crying again. In her office, she dabbed her eyes with a tissue.
This was crazy.
She hardly ever cried, but since she got back from Alistonia, it was all she could do.
The hair beneath her surgical cap itched. She hadn’t been on duty long enough to be tired or sweaty, but she removed her cap and tossed it on her desk.
A knock sounded. Jojo opened the door. The vet tech wore grey scrubs with pink cat paw prints all over them. “I have coffee and a hug.”
“I’ll take both.”
The cup of coffee went on the desk, and Kat went into Jojo’s arms. “Will I ever get over this?”
Him.
Something squeezed at her chest, as if those muscles had constricted suddenly. That happened whenever she thought of Gill. Being home should have brought her peace. Her routine should have brought her a sense of normalcy. Her work should have kept her mind and heart occupied.
“It’ll take time.” Jojo gave her a squeeze and then let go. “I need to see if those test results you wanted are ready. I’ll be back.”
“Thanks.”
Kat took a deep breath and another. Nearly a week had passed, but Gill was still there—on her mind and in her heart and in her dreams when she could fall asleep.
She missed him, Max, Sophie, Mama, the puppies, and the staff, especially the prim and proper Jennings who was in charge of everything and treated the puppies like royalty, Isaac who’d taught her so much and become her friend, and sweet Liv who made Kat feel like a princess.
Those people had made her feel like she belonged. Like she was one of them.
Still, she believed in her heart of hearts that she’d made the right choice for everyone involved.
Herself, included.
Gill needed to be with a woman who wouldn’t drive a wedge between a mother and her children. Yes, Kat wanted a family of her own, and she wanted one with him, but she wouldn’t destroy another family to get one for herself.
Queen Louise was meddling, devious, and overbearing. She parented opposite from Kat’s mom and dad, but if Kat had to pick between the two parenting styles, she’d choose the queen’s.
For all Queen Louise’s faults, she loved her children and wanted what she thought was best for them. Kat might not agree with the queen’s methods, but she hadn’t deserted her children, ignored them, or disappeared from their lives. Not like Kat’s parent’s had.
That counted for a lot.
Queen Louise, Gill, and Sophie had shown Kat that family and work weren’t mutually exclusive. Something she’d never realized until her trip to Alistonia. Running an entire country—albeit a small one—didn’t stop the queen from being a mother. A helicopter one at that.
As a child, Kat had created a world in her mind where parents needed to make a choice between work and kids. As an adult, she’d clung to that belief. That was easier than admitting her parents hadn’t loved her more than their research. She knew better now and had come to terms with that, but she would never make the same choices her parents made. She could have both a career and a family.
And would.
If she ever fell in love again…
Not going to happen, a voice cried out.
Her phone vibrated.
A text message must have arrived. She’d had a few tonight but hadn’t read any yet. She pulled her phone out of her pocket.
Sophie: Happy New Year’s! Fiji is wonderful. The resort is divine, but it would be more fun if you were here. Hugs and love!
Kat laughed. She typed a reply.
Kat: Happy New Year to you and Bertrand. I doubt he’d appreciate my company on your honeymoon, but thank you for the thought ;) xoxox
She checked the next message. This one was from Jamie.
Jamie: Glad you’re home. I’m spending my money on puppy supplies. Cheaper than alcohol and women.
That made Kat laugh.
Jamie: Can I convince you to visit and teach me how to be a good doggy daddy? Friend helping friend. Enjoy the new year!
Oh, sweet Jamie. She typed a reply.
Kat: Buy whatever you want, but your puppy will need food, water and your love most of all.
Kat: You will be a great doggy dad, and I am here to help you anytime. No more vacation days left, saving for Africa.
Jamie: Africa? I’m in. Just tell me the dates. I’ll be there.
And she knew he would be.
Another knock sounded. “The test results are back. They confirm your diagnosis.”
At least Kat still knew what she was doing here at work.
“Take your time, but there’s a patient in Exam 2,” Jojo said. “Dog. No temperature. Not eating. Sounds gastro related.”
“Thanks.” Kat glanced at the time. Almost midnight. She slipped her cell phone into her pocket. “I’ll be right there.”
She walked to the exam room, knocked, and entered. She made sure to close the door so the dog didn’t bolt if he were unleashed.
“Hello, I’m Dr. Par…”
The words died on her lips. Gill and Max stood in the exam room.
Her heart slammed against her rib cage.
She blinked.
He was still there.
The dog barked. The cone was gone. His tail wagged, and his paws pranced against the tile floor.
Shaken, Kat bent and rubbed him as she tried to control her emotions. “It’s so good to see you, Max.”
The dog soaked up the attention.
She looked up at Gill. He looked handsome in his navy slacks, leather coat, and boots. Who was she kidding? He’d look good in anything he wore. “What are you doing here?”
“Max isn’t eating. He misses you. I miss you, too.”
Kat straightened. “You flew all this way—”
“To see you.” He took a step forward and then stopped. “I want you to understand that I heard what you said at the airport, and I’ve thought about it and you nonstop since then. I can’t stop thinking about you. I love you, and I’m not going to live without you.”
She drew back. “Excuse me?”
“Which part don’t you understand?”
“All of it.”
“I’ll start over, but first…” He pulled out his cell phone and pressed a button. The song they’d danced to at the wedding—the one he’d called our song—played. “I love you. I’m not s
ure when that happened. But it did. I won’t lose you. I can’t. So the only solution is for us to spend the rest of our lives together. Is that better?”
Air whooshed from her lungs. “I…”
He crossed the exam room and held her hands. His touch felt oh so right, even though she knew this could never work out. No matter what his intentions. But she wanted to hold onto him for as long as she could.
“You, Dr. Kat Parsons, are the woman I love. The one who makes me smile and laugh and get annoyed when you challenge me to be better. And you do challenge me. Every single day. I don’t want that to change.”
“I won’t come between you and your mother. I know what it’s like not to have parents be a part of your life. I won’t let you hurt the way I have.”
He embraced her and brushed his lips against her hair.
She wanted to stiffen, but her body betrayed her and sank against him.
“I can’t change what happened with your parents. I wish I could, but I promise you won’t come between my mother and me.”
“I want to believe you.”
“Then do.” Gill raised her chin with his fingertip. “I spoke with her. Sophie was part of the conversation via long distance if you need confirmation. My mother may have antiquated ideas when it comes to love and marriage, but she’s not stupid. She has seen the error of her ways and has given us her blessing. I knew if I came here without that, I didn’t stand a chance of winning your heart.”
“But you always win.”
“Not with you, but this time, I hope I will because I can’t imagine my life without you. This week gave me a glimpse of that, and I don’t want to live that way ever again.”
The longing in his voice caressed her heart.
Love wasn’t perfect or easy. Finding a job in a foreign country wouldn’t be either. Add in his mother and his responsibilities and those would make things even harder.
But he loved her. That had to count for something. Okay, everything.
She gazed into his eyes. “I love you.”
His jaw relaxed. “I needed to hear you say those words.”
He kissed her on the lips. A kiss full of desire and hunger. One that hinted of their future together.
Kat leaned closer and soaked up the feel and taste of him. She loved this man who was more teddy bear than beast once she saw through his hard shell.
Outside the exam room, a countdown sounded. Then squeals and laughter.
Gill drew back. “What was that?”
“I think the clock just struck midnight.”
“Happy New Year, princess.”
Kat didn’t think it would take her long to get used to being called that. “Happy New Year, Your Serene Highness.”
He laughed. “I’m just here as a man with a dog.”
“Who lives in a castle and will someday rule over a country.” She winked. “Live with it.”
“As long as I’m living with you, I shall.” He brushed his lips across hers. “I know you can’t drop everything and leave your life here, so Max and I will stay in Cedar Village, and Mama can join us after the puppies are weaned, until you’re ready to go home.”
Home. Kat shivered with delight. She loved the sound of that.
“Max,” Gill called.
The dog trotted over and sat.
A red ribbon was attached to his collar. “What’s that?”
Gill untied the ribbon and removed something, but she couldn’t see what. He dropped to one knee. “You are the most caring, intelligent, beautiful woman I’ve ever met. You make me a better man and will make me a better king. I want to be your husband and wake up next to you each morning for the rest of our lives. Will you do me the honor of marrying me?”
She sucked in a breath and tried not to hyperventilate. Her hands wanted to flap like bird wings. “Yes, yes, I will marry you.”
He showed her a ring—a large sapphire with three diamonds on either side.
Kat extended her hand, and he slipped the ring onto her left ring finger. “It’s gorgeous, and a perfect fit.”
“Sophie helped with the sizing.”
Joy flowed through Kat. Peace, too. “Thank you.”
“The thanks belong to you, my love.” He stood and pulled her close. “I never want to celebrate another New Year without you.”
The love in his eyes matched the love in her heart. “Or Christmas.”
“I can’t wait until we spend every holiday together so we can add each to the list, but I know which will be the favorite.”
“Our wedding anniversary,” they said at the same time.
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her lips to his—a once-upon-a-time kiss, a one-true-love kiss, and a this-is-the beginning-of-our-happily-ever-after kiss.
Epilogue
‡
Eight weeks later…
In the conference room at Ever After Productions, Brad Hammond tapped his pen against the table. He’d chosen a seat that didn’t face the floor-to-ceiling windows. The sunny Southern California weather made being inside difficult.
His film crew—Conrad, Dylan, and Wes—sat around the table. All the chairs had wheels. Any minute, Brad feared the three men might start playing bumper chairs. That was what happened when the day started with a dozen donuts to celebrate their episode’s most recent ratings.
“Let’s get this meeting going so we can head to the beach to grab lunch.” Brad readied his tablet. “Can you hear me, Emily?”
Emily White von Rexburg was taking the call in Alvernia where she lived with her husband Prince Luc and ran his charitable foundation. A former advertising executive, she’d made Ever After’s last two reality TV shows—Honeymoon in Paradise and A Search for Cinderella—a success due to her ability to cast the right contestants. She also had a killer instinct for content.
After much prodding from Brad, Emily agreed to be a consultant on Ever After. He was thrilled to have her continue on the team. Not only was her access to royalty proving to be invaluable, but she was also a cool chick.
“I can hear you fine.” Emily sounded like she was smiling. She’d been at the royal wedding in December. Marriage suited her. “How were the numbers for Princess Sophie’s episode?”
“Great.” Brad scrolled through his notes. “The ratings exceeded network and sponsor expectations. Happy, smiling faces all around.”
“Does that mean we get a raise?” Dylan asked.
Wes snickered. “Your raise was the donuts.”
“I like donuts,” Conrad said.
Brad ignored his crew. “Key demographics watched, and a significant percentage engaged with social media posts. Two of which went viral. They’ve requested similar type episodes be put into production.”
“Congratulations,” Emily said.
“Thanks.” Brad referred to his notes again. “The key draws were the newborn puppies, Christmas-themed royal wedding, castle setting, and the newlywed couple’s two older brothers.”
Conrad laughed. “Emily, do you know any royals who breed dogs and are planning a Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, or Halloween royal wedding?”
“I’ll have to ask around at the next cocktail party,” she replied.
“We’re too late for Valentine’s Day, but Conrad’s not so far off,” Brad said. “The Crown Prince of Alistonia and the Marquess of Darbyton both tested positive with focus groups and received high rankings for likability. Either could carry one or more episodes. Though this time around, we need full access to wedding planning, the ceremony, and the reception.”
Wes swiveled in his chair. “The Search for Cinderella 2 starring Crown Prince Guillaume.”
“The Search for a Queen,” Dylan suggested.
Wes nodded. “Or The Future King Takes a Wife.”
“The Tiara Chase,” Conrad offered.
Brad cringed. “Catchy, but too pageant-sounding.”
“You’re all too late,” Emily said. “Prince Gill proposed to the American vet who delivered the puppies
, was a bridesmaid, and caught the bouquet.”
Bummer. But Brad wasn’t deterred. “So no courtship show, but another royal wedding would be a ratings hit. Put a bowtie on the prince’s dog, and you’ve got a cute, four-legged ring bearer.”
“What’s the holiday angle?” Conrad asked.
Brad pulled up his calendar. “Has a wedding date been set, Emily?”
“Spring or summer is being discussed, but no official date has been selected,” she said. “Just remember, you’ll have to deal with Queen Louise again.”
Brad thought back to the video footage they had of her and grinned. “No worries.”
“Viewers love weddings and they love royals, so there could be huge advertising potential with this,” Emily said.
A cha-ching sounded in Brad’s head. “How would you suggest we approach the engaged couple, Em?”
“Call Dr. Kat Parsons at the Cedar Village Veterinary Clinic in Idaho. She’ll be more approachable than the crown prince and could possibly be convinced with the right motivation.”
“What would that be?” Brad asked.
“A donation to an animal rescue medical fund or, perhaps, medical research. Though the crown prince might have his own charities. Dr. Parsons would know.”
Brad typed on his table. “Sounds doable.”
“Unless she says no,” Dylan said.
“We still have James, Marquess of Darbyton.” Brad read the bottom portion of his notes. “Jamie is a ruggedly handsome adventurer. He’s adopting one of the prince’s puppies. His mother is American. And he’s a future duke.”
“He also has a reputation with the ladies,” Emily warned.
“That didn’t hurt Luc,” Dylan countered.
“Or keep Emily from saying ‘I do,’” Wes teased. “How does Dating the Duke sound?”
Dylan shook his head. “Marrying the Marquess.”
“Royal Bachelors,” Conrad shouted.
Emily laughed. “Sounds like you have two strong possibilities on your hand.”
“Yes.” A feeling of satisfaction flowed through Brad. He hoped this time they wouldn’t be scrambling to put something together. “Let’s hope both the crown prince and the marquess say yes to Ever After.”
Brad couldn’t wait to give his viewers another happy ending.
Christmas at the Castle Page 22