“A mistake?” Garrett repeated, a little taken back by the man’s directness, although impressed by the diligence with which he was determined to look out for his daughter.
“You’ve known my daughter for some time. You must know how important her religious beliefs are to her.”
“I do. In fact, her strength of faith as well as her kindness and generosity are among the qualities I most admire.”
“Do you understand her beliefs?”
Garrett nodded in understanding. He sat up straighter in the saddle. “Would it change things if I were Mormon?”
“Of course it would change things.” Janessa’s father scowled at him. “Janessa obviously loves you, or she wouldn’t have agreed to marry you, but it breaks my heart that she’s giving up on finding someone who can give her everything she’s always dreamed of.”
Garrett’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “So you would give us your blessing if we were getting married in the temple.”
“That’s right.”
“Then thank you,” Garrett said, his tone matter-of-fact.
Scott’s eyes narrowed. “What do you mean ‘thank you’?”
“If all goes as planned, the Meridian temple will be completed within the year. That is where we hope to marry.”
Confusion and a glimpse of compassion crossed Scott’s face. “You know that even royalty can’t go into the temple without being Mormon.”
“I know. I am a member of the Church.”
“What?” Scott blinked rapidly and shook his head. “My wife’s been reading every article she can find about you and Janessa. No one ever mentioned you being Mormon.”
“I guess you could say that this information is still classified.”
“Why’s that?”
“Right now, I’m second in line to the throne. Church and state have been separate for some time, but our citizens don’t always perceive things as they really are. The change in my religion could cause political ramifications. So far, I’ve been able to keep my baptism private.”
Scott was silent for a moment, and his eyebrows drew together. “Are you being private, or are you embarrassed that you’ve converted to the Church?”
“Private,” Garrett insisted. “My decision to keep this information out of the public eye is as much for your daughter’s safety as it is for my own.”
“What does your religion have to do with Janessa’s safety?”
“Religious freedom is relatively new to Meridia, and we have no idea how our citizens will take the news that they now have a Mormon prince,” Garrett told him. “With all the media attention we’re receiving right now, we’re more vulnerable to security concerns than would normally be the case.” Garrett hesitated and then added, “In fact, I hope you can give me your word that what I have told you will stay between us.”
Scott stared down at the cattle for a moment before turning his attention back to Garrett. “My wife needs to know, but if you want to keep her brothers and sisters in the dark for now, I’ll leave that up to you.” He shook his head. “You sure live in a different world than we do.”
“I suppose I do,” Garrett conceded. “But you should be proud of how well your daughter moves between our worlds.”
He chuckled. “Janessa has always been one to do things her own way, but I’ve always been proud of her.”
Garrett managed to smile. “So what do you say? Can you give us your blessing?”
Scott nudged his mount closer to Garrett and extended his hand. “I suppose she could have done worse.”
Now Garrett laughed and shook hands with his future father-in-law. “Thank you, sir.”
“Welcome to the family.”
Chapter 10
Alora’s cheeks still burned as she followed Martino across a tiled entryway and up a wide, sweeping staircase. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t even been on the grounds for two minutes before stumbling across royalty. She had realized, of course, that eventually she would meet Prince Garrett, but she hadn’t really anticipated meeting anyone else from the royal family. She especially hadn’t expected Prince Stefano to look even better in person than he did in his photos.
His dark hair was just long enough to curl over the collar of his shirt, and his broad-shouldered physique suggested he was active in more than just politics. His dark eyes had been almost mysterious with the way he somehow managed to keep his emotions from showing there, although she thought she had caught a glimpse of something troubling him when she had first spotted him.
He was intimidating at first glance, his posture so rigid and his manners so polished. However, after witnessing his kindness to her boys, she could admit she was no longer intimidated but intrigued.
As she walked through the wide halls behind Martino, she let her thoughts drift to her surroundings, and she couldn’t help but feel the history of the chateau. The hall looked more like a living room than a functioning hallway. It was three times the width of a typical hallway, and priceless artwork and tapestries hung from the walls, an eclectic collection from some of Europe’s most renowned artists.
Royals from all over Europe had visited this tiny fairytale country, and now Alora would have the chance to see history unfold in the form of her friend’s wedding.
She knew, of course, that despite her friendship with Janessa, she would be little more than a glorified servant during her time here. After all, she could hardly expect that she and Janessa would socialize in the same circles. Janessa’s life now included formal dinners and spending time with handsome princes. The best Alora could hope for was finding a few other moms through the boys’ new school to set up some play dates.
She hoped she would last here long enough for that to happen. She thought again of how Prince Stefano hadn’t looked terribly happy when she’d first seen him. He had recovered quickly, showing warmth and humor as he greeted her and her children, but she doubted he would want to cross paths with them often.
Martino pointed to a door as they passed. “Signorina Rogers’ rooms are in there.” He then led them farther down the hallway. “This is where you will be staying.”
Martino opened the door and stepped aside as Dante and Giancarlo rushed through. Alora simply stared. Janessa had told her she would have a private living space, but she hadn’t expected anything so grand. The living area to her right was as big as her entire apartment in Italy. Light spilled in through the French doors leading to a balcony, and the Mediterranean was like a picture spread out before her. A kitchenette was situated to the right, a serving bar separating it from the rest of the living area.
“Mama, look in here!” Dante called from a doorway on the far side of the room, where Alora presumed the bedrooms were located.
“I’ll be right there, sweetheart,” Alora managed. Then she turned to face Martino. “All of this is really for us?”
“Yes, signora.” Martino, who had been every bit the stuffy butler up to now, granted her a small smile. “I will have your belongings brought up to you momentarily.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary.” Alora shook her head, acutely aware of her lack of belongings and the ragged condition of her luggage.
Martino simply motioned inside. “Take a few minutes to get settled in. If you need anything, press zero on the house phone.”
“Thank you,” she managed, too awestruck by her surroundings to argue. Then he bowed and left her alone with her children.
“Mama! Come look!” Dante called to her again.
“I’m coming.” She crossed the living room and followed her youngest son into the bedroom on the left. The room looked like it was straight out of a magazine. Three tall windows overlooked the front entrance, giving the boys a view of the lush hillside. Two captain-style twin beds sat on either side of the room, their bright blue bedspreads decorated with sailboats and seashells. An enormous gift-wrapped box rested on a low-lying table in the center of the room.
Giancarlo was already sitting on one of the child-sized chairs, one hand resting p
ossessively on the present. “Can we open it, Mama? It has our names on it.”
“Let me see.” Alora stepped forward and read the simple white card. Giancarlo and Dante—Welcome to your new home. Even though the card wasn’t signed, Alora had no doubt it was from Janessa. She smiled and nodded at Giancarlo. “Go ahead. Let’s see what Aunt Janessa left for you.”
Giancarlo didn’t have to be told twice. He ripped the paper as Dante scrambled closer and started pulling at the wrappings from the other end. Both boys stared down with delight when they revealed the box that held a wooden train set.
“Oh wow.” Giancarlo breathed out a sigh of delight before he looked up at his mother. “Can we play with it? We promise to share, right, Dante?”
Dante’s head bobbed up and down enthusiastically, and Alora let herself get caught up in her boys’ delight. “Go ahead. Just make sure you keep the pieces on the table so they don’t get broken.”
The box was barely open when a knock sounded at the door. For the next twenty minutes, a steady stream of uniformed servants paraded in and out of her new quarters, her shabby belongings taking residence next to elegant antiques and plush furniture.
She had turned over her keys to one of the servants, who had insisted he would park her car in the garage for her. A young woman was currently unpacking her boys’ suitcases in their room.
Alora was contemplating unpacking her kitchen supplies when a smiling older woman entered. Both chubby hands gripped a serving tray laden with all the fixings for sandwiches.
“So you made it.” She spoke in Italian, but her accent was definitely French. “I am Patrice Saldera, the cook here at the chateau.” She walked straight into the kitchen and set the tray on the counter. “I’m sorry I haven’t stocked your kitchen yet. I didn’t expect you quite so soon, but this should get you through until dinnertime.”
“That is so kind of you. Thank you,” Alora managed, accepting Patrice’s outstretched hand. “It’s so good to finally meet you. You have made quite a favorable impression on Janessa.”
Patrice’s cheeks flushed pink with pleasure. “Our Gianessa is a good girl.”
“Yes, she is definitely that.”
“Now, where are those little ones of yours?”
“They’re enjoying their new bedroom.” Alora motioned to their room, and Patrice crossed to peek in at them.
“Oh, what handsome boys you are.” Patrice didn’t cross the threshold into the room, but from behind her, Alora could hear her sons introduce themselves and invite Patrice to play with their new toy. After chatting with them for a moment, Patrice turned back to Alora, a satisfied smile on her face. “They are darling. We are going to enjoy having little ones around here again. It’s been far too long.”
Alora immediately thought of her sons’ earlier dash to the garden. “I hope you feel like that after you’ve gotten to know them a little better.”
“Oh, I’m sure we’ll get along just fine,” Patrice assured her. She motioned to the young woman currently in her sons’ room unpacking their suitcases. “Brenna here is available to watch your boys anytime you need so you won’t have to worry about them getting into too much mischief when you’re working with Gianessa.”
“Oh, I didn’t expect that you would provide babysitting services for me. They can tag along with me when I’m working.”
“That wouldn’t be any fun.” Patrice waved away the suggestion. “Little boys need fresh air and sunshine. We’ll make sure they get plenty.”
“Well, thank you for all your hospitality. I can see why Janessa is so fond of you.”
Patrice patted Alora’s hand. “I’d best get back to the kitchen to start on dinner. What time do you like to eat?”
“We normally eat between five and six, but I brought a few things with me. I can fix something up here.”
“Don’t be silly.” Patrice shook her head. “You’ve been driving all day, and you need the chance to settle in. Dinner will be ready for you in the dining hall at six.”
Brenna emerged from the boys’ room and offered Alora a warm smile. “I will come back at dinnertime to show you to the dining hall.”
Alora started to refuse but then reconsidered. She imagined that her embarrassment earlier when she met Prince Stefano would pale in comparison to getting lost in the chateau in search of food. “That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Brenna said as she and Patrice left Alora alone to explore her new home.
Chapter 11
“What did you do to my father?” Janessa eyed Garrett suspiciously as they stood outside on her parents’ front porch. “When you left, I thought I might have to send your bodyguards with you for protection, and now you two are acting like you’re best friends.”
“Your dad’s a good guy. You know that.”
Janessa’s eyebrows lifted. “And?”
“And what?”
“What did you say to him?”
“Have you ever thought about working in interrogation? I think you’d be good at it.”
“Ha ha. Very funny.” Janessa leaned back against the porch rail and crossed her arms. “Tell me what happened.”
“Nothing happened. Your dad asked questions. I gave him answers.”
“And which answer changed his mind about you?”
Garrett fought back a smile and shrugged. When Janessa continued to stare at him, he shook his head and laughed. “Okay. He might have been swayed a bit when I told him we’re planning to get married in the temple.”
Janessa chuckled. “I can see how that might change what he thinks of our engagement.”
“I invited your parents to come visit us in Bellamo after they finish with their harvest this fall.”
“Really?”
“Yes, really.” Garrett nodded. “The first phase of the naval base should be well underway by then, and I thought you would enjoy showing them your new home.”
“I would love that.” Janessa reached for his hand and linked her fingers with his. “Thank you.”
Garrett leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. “You’re welcome.”
* * *
“Alora’s already there?” Janessa said into her cell phone as she stepped outside onto the front porch.
“Yes. They’re settling in as we speak,” Stefano told her.
“Stefano, I am so sorry.” Janessa raked her fingers through her hair. “I hope the boys aren’t bothering you. I didn’t think they would get there until Tuesday at the earliest.”
“Janessa, it’s fine,” Stefano assured her. “Brenna is getting them settled in, and Patrice has insisted on making them dinner tonight. I’ll let Alora know you’ll be back in a few days.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.” Janessa let out a little sigh. “How are you feeling?”
Stefano hesitated for a brief moment. “I’m a bit sore, but I’m doing better. How is everything going with Garrett and your family?”
“When my dad and Garrett went out for a ride earlier, I was afraid they weren’t both going to come back,” Janessa admitted.
“I gather your father is the protective type?”
“Apparently so. I guess he warmed up to Garrett though when he found out he’s Mormon.”
“Garrett told him?”
Janessa’s eyebrows drew together, surprised by the sudden tension in Stefano’s voice. “Stefano, my father understands that this information is private.”
“Look, Janessa. It’s nothing against your father. It’s just that every person who knows about Garrett’s choice is another potential security risk. I thought he had planned to keep this information to himself.”
“My parents can be trusted,” Janessa said, immediately defensive. “Besides, they were bound to find out eventually since they will obviously attend our ceremony in the temple next year.”
“I don’t get this whole temple marriage thing.”
Janessa’s tone softened, but her words were matter-of-fact. “It’s simple. If we get marr
ied in the temple, our marriage lasts for eternity, not just for this lifetime.”
“Regardless of your beliefs, you need to make sure your father understands how sensitive this information is,” Stefano insisted.
“I will,” Janessa agreed. “But I promise you there’s nothing to worry about. My father is better about keeping a confidence than I am.”
“Considering your profession, I’ll assume that’s a good thing.”
“It is.” Janessa laughed.
* * *
Stefano hung up the phone and walked out onto his balcony. He couldn’t believe his brother was being so careless in his confidences. The family had discussed his religion at length, all of them agreeing they would keep Garrett’s baptism confidential as long as possible. Garrett and Janessa had agreed to that.
Movement caught his attention in the gardens below, followed by the sound of laughter.
Giancarlo ran into view, with Dante following behind him. Alora jogged after them, her long hair now pulled back into a ponytail. Stefano expected her to grab their hands to keep them close, but she simply motioned to a path that led deeper into the gardens. One of the boys said something, and her musical laughter joined with theirs.
He listened to their voices and laughter fade as they continued past the rose bushes and toward the swimming pool. A few minutes later, he glimpsed the boys rushing toward one of the twin stairways that led from the chateau grounds down to the beach. Alora’s ponytail danced in the wind as she took her boys’ hands now and moved with them down the stairs and out onto the sand.
Their laughter rang out again and fell over Stefano like a cloud. Had his life ever been so simple?
Stefano’s phone rang again, only this time it was his brother on the other end.
“Stefano, I was hoping you could do me a favor,” Garrett began.
Stefano cut him off, his voice demanding. “Did you have to tell Janessa’s father you changed religions?”
“What’s your problem?” Garrett asked, his own tone suddenly challenging. “My religion is my business, and it’s my decision if I choose to share my beliefs.”
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