Her Christmas Prince (Love in the Keys)

by Godin, Caroline A.

  Henry wrapped her in his arms. “I'm choosing to think it wasn't a lie. More of a premonition. Because if you'll still have me, I want to stay in touch and figure out whatever this is.”

  Callie snuggled into Henry's chest and felt the full force of the emotion behind the hug. She looked up at him and nodded her agreement. “Henry ... can I still call you Henry? I don't know what is between us, but I'd like to find out and see this through if we still can.”

  Henry leaned down and gave her a kiss like none before. It was warm and comforting yet needy at the same time. She felt the fullness of his heart and gave him hers back. When they finally broke apart, she was breathless. They just stared into each other's eyes for a few seconds and then, reluctantly, Henry released her.

  “I have to go. I'll call you as soon as I can.”

  “OK, take care. I know you're in good hands with Tom.”

  Henry put on the hoodie and baseball cap, waved goodbye, and headed outside. She watched as Tom and Henry moved stealthily through the neighbours’ back yards towards the street around the corner. And then, they were out of sight. Callie couldn't recall feeling sadder.

  CHAPTER 13

  December 26th, Boxing Day

  Apparently it was a slow news day, because news of Prince Henry and his commoner had reached Europe before Prince Henry himself did. He arrived at the palace very late in the evening on Boxing Day and went straight to his quarters. Mitchell, the butler, advised him his parents had already retired, but they'd appreciate his attendance at breakfast. That probably wasn't good.

  Henry showered, put on his pajamas, and then checked the time. Still mid afternoon in Florida. He took a chance and called Callie. She picked up after the second ring.

  “Hello?”

  “Hello yourself.”

  “Oh, Henry. It's so good to hear your voice. Did you get home all right?” Callie had had a restless night, worried that he'd run into trouble.

  “Not a bother. The good thing about travelling on Christmas Day is that almost no one else is. I got a flight no problem and Tom was great at making the way for me.” Callie was glad to hear it. Tom was an amazing friend; they were both lucky to have him.

  “Any fallout at home?” Callie had wondered how the king and queen would react to Henry's brush with the paparazzi.

  “Not yet. But I've only just arrived and it's late here. My presence has been requested for breakfast.”

  “Oh. That sounds not good.”

  “We'll see. Anyhow, more importantly how are you? Are you holding up OK?” Henry knew the paparazzi could be relentless when they were on the trail of a story.

  “I'm fine. The family were troopers. Despite being offered bribes, no one said anything to anyone. They even tried to get Pastor Ed to give an interview! I've been pretty much camped out here since last night, when my friend Clint drove me home. He's a police officer. Lucky for me, the entire police department are customers of mine, and they've been awfully helpful.”

  Well, that was a relief to Henry. He knew this was going to have a negative impact on Callie and her family and was grateful they were the upstanding people they were.

  “Please thank everyone for me. And apologize.” Henry paused. “There is one more thing you should be prepared for. Apparently there was a guy following us around the last few days and he's sold the pictures to a big magazine. They'll be out Friday.” Callie was silent.

  “Callie?”

  “Yes, I heard you. Good to know. Forewarned is forearmed, right?”

  “Right.”

  “OK, well, you should probably get some rest. Let me know how it goes with your parents.”

  “I will. Callie, thanks for everything. And just for record ...”

  “Yes?”

  “I don't regret any of this, only that it ended sooner than I'd hoped.”

  “Goodnight, Henry. God bless.”

  “You, too.”

  Henry felt infinitely better for having spoken to Callie. Just hearing her voice calmed him. It was really extraordinary. He went to sleep, feeling confident that he was a lucky man.

  When Callie hung up with Henry, she let out a big sigh. She wasn't sure she'd ever hear from him again, and she was beside herself after hearing his voice. It was so good to hear his voice. It was barely 24 hours since he'd left and she felt a deep loneliness without him and knowing there was no possibility of seeing him anytime soon.

  She was truly thankful that the people of Sunnyside Key had closed ranks to protect her and Henry. There was power in the kind of relationships formed in a small town, and a bond that stood up. For that, she was grateful.

  And truthfully, holing up at home wasn't so terrible. She was catching up on all the shows she hadn't watched on her TiVo and getting to the stack of novels that had been waiting to be read for a while.

  The phone rang and she checked the call display. Thank goodness for call display. It was Erin.

  “Hey.”

  “Hey, just checking to see how you're holding up. I hear it's a bit crazy there.” That was an understatement.

  “Holding up. Henry just called, he made it home safely.”

  “Well, that's a relief. Did you have a chance to talk? About things?”

  “No, he was tired. It was late there.” Erin could hear the wistfulness in her friend's voice.

  “Well, at least he called. That's good. It'll all blow over.”

  “I hope you're right, Erin.”

  “How did your parents take the big revelation that Henry was a prince?”

  “Actually, better than I expected. He was amazing on Christmas day. They all liked him. Even my Uncle Kenny.” Erin laughed. Uncle Kenny didn't like too many people.

  “How did the pies go over?”

  “You know, I'm not sure. Clint came over and snuck me out before dessert so I missed pie and the Jesus cake and everything.”

  “There's something else you should know. A photographer was following us around the last few days and the pictures are going to show up in a magazine on Friday.” Callie waited for the news to sink in.

  “That's lousy.”

  “Yup. Hey, I'm going to go if that's OK. I really appreciate you checking up on me, but I think I could use some ice cream.” Ice cream could cure a multitude of woes.

  “Good plan, girl. You take care, and call me day or night if you need me. I'll be home in two days.”

  “Thanks, Erin. Drive safe.”

  Callie hung up the phone and thought maybe she'd take a nap. She hadn't slept well and it was catching up to her. And that's exactly what she did.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  December 27th (in Laurenia)

  Henry made his way down the long wood panelled hallway towards the palace breakfast room. Breakfast was promptly at half eight, and he didn't want to be tardy.

  When he entered the room, his parents were both seated. He wished both his parents a good morning, kissed his mother's cheek, shook hands with his father, and then took his place at the table. Within seconds of sitting, his breakfast appeared before him, a hearty vegetable omelette and rye toast. It looked surprisingly good, and Henry realized he was hungry. Coffee and grapefruit juice completed the meal. Once everything had been served, the houseman discreetly retreated and closed the door to the room.

  Henry kept eating until one of his parents spoke. His father began.

  “Did you enjoy your vacation, son?” This was not the question Henry was expecting.

  “Yes, sir, I did. It was great to catch up with Tom, and to relax.” His father nodded. His mother was unresponsive.

  “And we're lead to believe you met a young lady?” His mother's interest perked up.

  “Yes, I did. Her name is Calista. But most people call her Callie.”

  “And how did you meet her, exactly?”

  “She's a friend of Tom's, actually. They were at kindergarten together.” Her father nodded approval.

  “I see. Well, he must know her well then.”

  “What a
re you asking, father?”

  “Please don't take this the wrong way, son, but is there anything about this girl that will cause the family embarrassment? I'm not judging, just asking.” Henry was livid. Did his father think he'd been sleeping with some tramp while on holiday?

  “I'm not sure what you're suggesting father, but no. Callie may be one of the finest people I've ever met. She goes to church, she's very close to her family, and she has a heart as big as Florida. She's always doing things to help others.” And I resent the implication otherwise, he thought in his head, but did not verbalize.

  His mother was taking note of the conversation but not saying anything. Unusual. In some ways, Milly and Queen Olivia were quite similar.

  “Henry, I'm curious. Did she know you were a prince?” Olivia had to be sure she wasn't some gold digger. But her gut told her Callie wasn't. She'd never heard her son speak of a woman in this manner, so proudly, so fiercely. Perhaps he'd finally found someone worthy to love. She'd do some investigating.

  “No, mother. Not ‘til the press turned up on her parents' lawn.”

  “Well, I must say, by all accounts she has handled herself with a tremendous amount of decorum given the circumstances. Especially for someone who isn't used to being in the public eye.” This was high praise from his mother. Interesting again. Henry nodded in agreement.

  They finished breakfast in silence, his father perusing the newspaper and his mother reading letters that needed to be answered. Henry excused himself and made his way back up to his quarters. Breakfast had not gone at all like he'd expected.

  After he'd left the room, King Rupert looked at his wife. “Could it be, at last?”

  “I do believe so, my dear. I do believe our baby has finally fallen in love.” King Rupert took his wife's hand and squeezed it. This was a day they'd waited for for a long long time.

  When the houseman entered again, Queen Olivia asked for Biggs. Within moments, he appeared at the doorway of breakfast room.

  “Please come in.” The Queen beckoned him. He bowed and entered.

  “You asked to see me, Your Highness?”

  “I did. I'd like to ask for your discretion in the conversation we're about to have. Can you promise me that?”

  “Of course, ma'am. How can I be of assistance?” Biggs waited for her reply.

  “Biggs, you've been with our family for many years. We trust you implicitly. And I'm asking for your honest opinion of Henry's young lady. Is there anything you think we should be aware of?”

  Biggs paused for a moment, then replied. “Ma'am, we did a background check while in Florida and I can honestly say that the lady is exemplary in every way. She runs her own business, a cafe, and does a lot of charity work. She has a large family that is very close, and attends church weekly. Everything we discovered was only positive.” The Queen looked quite relieved. “And if I might just add one more thing, ma'am ...”

  “Of course, Biggs. Rest assured anything you say to us will remain confidential, “ assured the King.

  “I was only going to comment that I've known Prince Henry for some time now, and seen him grow up into a fine young man. I have no doubt that his friend Thomas was a big part of that, and his military service. He's considerate, intelligent, responsible. But he's not a terribly happy man. And for the first time that I've seen, Prince Henry seemed truly happy. This girl makes him happy.”

  Henry's parents considered Biggs comments. “We appreciate your candour, Biggs. We greatly value your insight. That's all for now, thank you.”

  “Very good, ma'am.” Biggs exited and returned to the security office. He was confident he had done his best for Prince Henry; the rest would be up to him now.

  Henry looked at the time and wondered if it was too late in Florida to call Callie. He thought so. He tried to busy himself with the correspondence waiting in his 'in' basket but nothing held his attention so he eventually gave up.

  There was a knock on his door. “Come in.”

  Henry's oldest brother, Prince George, came in. “Hello, brother. How are you? Happy Christmas.” In all the fuss over Callie, he'd forgotten to wish his parents a Merry Christmas. And their gifts were in his bag, back in Florida with Tom.

  “And to you. How is the family? And the wee prince?” George smiled. He was a happy and doting father. “He's amazing. Every day, he does something new. Watching him grow is just mesmerizing. It's early days, but we're trying for another.” Henry envied his brother's happiness. He was truly happily married and in love with his wife, Princess Monique.

  “So, rumour has it you've met someone. What's up?” Henry looked at his brother.

  “Well, she's American. She's a friend of Tom's. And she's amazing.” George saw the look on his brother's face.

  “Are you saying you love her?” Henry looked at his brother and nodded.

  “Well, that's a first. And have you talked to the parents?”

  “A little. They didn't react as badly as I expected. She's not royalty. She's not even European, she's from quite an ordinary family. I mean, she owns a cafe. She isn't what I would think mother would approve of as princess material.”

  “Normally, I'd agree with you. But times are changing. And we have the heir. And honestly, I think they really just want to see you happy. And if you love her, she's worth fighting for.” George was right. She was. And he was going to do all that he could to make Callie his wife.

  Henry called Biggs. He had some plans to make.

  CHAPTER FIFTEEN

  December 27th (in Florida)

  Callie awoke to her cell phone ringing. It was just after six in the morning. It was Henry.

  “Is something wrong, are you okay?” The concern in her voice was palpable.

  “Yes, I'm fine. Did I wake you?”

  “Yes. You did. But that's OK. What's up?” He wouldn't be calling at this hour for no reason.

  “I want you to come to Laurenia. To spend New Year's Eve.” Callie was listening but not really processing. Was he serious?

  “Callie?”

  “I'm here, you just caught me off guard. Why? Why do you want me to come?” Callie waited for his reply.

  “Because I really want my parents to meet you.” Wow.

  “When were you thinking?”

  “Today.”

  “Today?! How can I possibly arrange that?”

  “You don't have to. I've made all the arrangements. And Tom's coming with you, just in case.” Callie listened.

  “Callie, I know it's a lot to ask, but I am missing you like crazy, and I want my family to meet you. And for you to see Laurenia. You do have a passport, don't you?”

  “Of course, I do. I'm not a total hick.” Callie bristled at the implication.

  “Hey, don't be like that, I didn't mean it that way, really. I've been caught with an expired passport on more than one occasion.” He paused. “Please tell me you'll come.”