Hand-Me-Down Princess

by Carol Moncado

“No. I haven’t felt well for a while, but I figured it was just stress.” She shook her head as though to clear it. “Wow. A baby.”

  “Yep.” He looked at their joined hands. “When do you want to tell our parents?”

  Jessabelle looked lost in thought but turned. “What? Tell them?”

  “That they’re going to be grandparents?” he reminded gently.

  “Yeah. I guess they are. Your father will be the biological grandparent and so will your mother, even though it’s more convoluted how than anyone would suspect.”

  “Do you want to tell them now? Or wait?” His cautious excitement would spill over soon, and he’d have to, but not unless she was ready.

  “After the ultrasound,” she told him. “Not until I see for myself.”

  * * *

  Jessabelle stared at the fuzzy black and white image on the screen. “That’s a baby?” she whispered.

  “Yes.” The doctor smiled at her and pointed at the screen. “This little peanut looking thing is your baby. He or she is about the size of a peanut, too.”

  “Wow.” She looked over at Malachi to see a grin on his battered face. “That’s incredible.”

  The doctor smiled. “Everything looks great. The machine wasn’t working quite right so I couldn’t get a couple of the measurements I need to give you an estimated due date. Best guess based on my observations and experience is that you’re only a few weeks along.”

  Jessabelle did some mental math. “Yes. That would be about right.” So not long after the night she first kissed Malachi with something more than a kiss in mind.

  He smiled again. “All right then. I’ll have my people get with your assistant and set up regular appointments to check on you. If you need to get in touch with me before then...” He handed her a card. “Call anytime, day or night.”

  She nodded, knowing she wouldn’t call outside of office hours unless something was really, really wrong.

  “I mean it, young lady.” The doctor’s stern voice made her look up. “I know that look, and I’ll have none of it. If you need something, you call me, got it?”

  This time Jessabelle nodded. “I will.” And she meant it.

  A minute later, it was just the two of them in the room again. Jessabelle leaned closer to Malachi and held up the picture the doctor had left with them. “Look at that,” she whispered, awe filling her at the thought of another tiny, little perfect person growing inside.

  “I know.” He lifted her hand until he could kiss the back of it. “You know what?”

  “What?”

  “We haven’t really had a chance to talk.”

  She set the picture down on his bed. “No. We haven’t.”

  “How are you dealing with everything?” he asked.

  She thought about it for a moment. “I’ve been thinking a lot about both of us and how all of this affected you, too. You told me once that my value had to come from being a child of the King and not in what my earthly biology and marital status said. I’ve been adopted by the King of creation, and that’s where my intrinsic worth comes from. Not from my marriage to a prince. Not from the discovery that the king of my country is also my biological father. But from adoption. Not by my earthly parents, but by my Heavenly Father.” But she’d been far more concerned about how he was taking all of it.

  She looked earnestly at him. “Malachi, your father might not be your biological parent, but he chose you. He knew there was a good chance the Van Rensselaer blood didn’t flow through your veins. He. Didn’t. Care. He knew God had given you to him to take care of, to raise into a man he could be proud of. You might not have been legally adopted, but you were chosen nonetheless.”

  Malachi looked at her, his eyes earnest. “I know. And I’m starting to believe that my father really does consider me his son, and it’s not just that he doesn’t want the awful publicity that would come with the public finding out he’s not my biological father.”

  “He loves you, Kai. You should have seen him when we had no idea where you were, or when they realized your emergency signal was coming from near a cliff.”

  “I know that now. I saw his face when you two came into the hospital room. He was overwhelmed by how I looked.” He winked at her. “I still haven’t seen a mirror.”

  She leaned over and gently brushed his hair back. “You’re probably better off that way.”

  “We’re having a press conference later today. Here in the palace. Tommy’s mother is still in ICU but she should be moved here in a couple of days.” He winced. “I’m sure I’ll see pictures.”

  The door opened behind her and the nurse walked in. “Sir, your parents will be here to see you momentarily. Then it will be time to get you cleaned up and ready for the press conference.” She nodded to Jessabelle. “You, as well, ma’am. Your stylist will meet you here shortly.”

  They both thanked her, and she left.

  “There’s something else before they get here, Mia Belle.”

  “What’s that?”

  He reached up with one hand and brushed his finger down the side of her face. “I love you. I should have told you in person a long time ago. I love you. You are my heart, and I cannot thank God enough that your father saved my father’s life and made my father stick to his promise.”

  “Oh, Kai,” she whispered. “I love you, too.” She stood then leaned over and pressed her lips to his. “I love you,” she whispered again.

  “I love you.”

  A knock on the door interrupted anything else they might say.

  “Come in,” Malachi called.

  Jessabelle straightened, one hand running over her still-flat stomach, as the king and queen walked in. She glanced at Malachi and saw the question in his eyes. Was she ready to tell them?

  She nodded. She wanted her biological father to know he was going to be a grandfather, and she wanted the woman who’d chosen to act as her mother to know she was going to be a grandmother.

  Malachi gave her a barely perceptible nod.

  Jessabelle took a deep breath as the couple neared. “Mother, Papa, we have something to tell you,” she blurted out. She saw tears in both of their eyes at her use of the endearments. A glance at Malachi showed his surprise, but then he smiled.

  Their parents shared a look. “Go ahead,” her new father said.

  She glanced back at Malachi. “We got some news a little while ago.” Another breath. “We’re having a baby!” Her grin broke loose as she waited for their reaction.

  The queen did something no one else could get away with. She smacked the king on the arm. “I told you!”

  “You knew?” Jessabelle was puzzled. “How? We just found out a couple of hours ago.”

  Mother laughed. “I am a mother, sweetheart. I saw the signs and suspected earlier today, but I did not want to say anything yet.” Her eyes twinkled. “And I saw a certain doctor leaving a little while ago.”

  Papa smiled, his tears overflowing. “We have gone through the ringer the last few weeks, but this is news to celebrate. Can we get your brother and sister in here and tell them?”

  Jessabelle looked at Malachi and the same realization crossed his face.

  “What?” Mother asked.

  “We are both half-siblings to William and Yvette,” Malachi answered.

  “So you are.” Mother came to stand in front of Jessabelle while Malachi texted his brother and sister. She rested her hands on Jessabelle’s shoulders. “Thank you for letting me part of your family.”

  Tears filled Jessabelle’s eyes. At least now she had an explanation for why she seemed to cry at the drop of a hat these days. “For many years, I lamented the fact that I didn’t have my mother. In the last few months, God has given me Mrs. Padovano to tell me stories of my mother and to love me for me. To help me see I’m worth loving.”

  Papa started to interrupt but she held up a hand.

  “It is something I’ve struggled with my whole life. And now God has given me another mother, one in my own family. One who
would have every right to loathe my very existence.”

  Mother held Jessabelle’s face in her hand. “I know it is Malachi’s name for you, but I am going to appropriate it for the moment. Mia Belle, you are a beautiful girl, both inside and out. I am so grateful God placed you in our family, not just by marriage, but by birthright. It does not take away from the pain all of those years ago, realizing who Malachi’s other genetic contributor was, but it redeems it. Out of all of that pain and suffering on many sides has come something beautiful. And now you are each giving us our first grandchild. Only God could have orchestrated something so beautifully.”

  Jessabelle turned to take Malachi’s out-stretched hand as they waited for their siblings. She may have started as a hand-me-down, but God had taken that and turned it into something beautiful, something worth having. Something that wasn’t second hand.

  He’d showed her that she was wanted and loved since before the beginning of her life. First by adoptive parents and former Queen Yvette, then by Malachi as he loved her when she wasn’t sure why. And now, not only her birth father, but her step-mother and mother-in-law rolled into one.

  She was no longer a hand-me-down princess.

  She was a chosen and beloved daughter.

  A true child of the King.

  Letter to Readers

  Dear Reader,

  Thank you for joining Prince Malachi and Jessabelle in Hand-Me-Down Princess! I appreciate you and hope you enjoyed it! This is the first book in new Brides of Belles Montagnes series! The stories of the other members of the royal families of Mevendia and Ravenzario will be told this fall and winter. What about Conner and Lizbeth and Robert? Ah! Stay tuned! And, yes, Jonathan’s story is coming, too! After the acknowledgments, you will find a preview of Queen Christiana’s story as well as chapter 1 of Finding Mr. Write, book 1 in the CANDID Romance series which is FREE on all retailers! Many of you have likely already read Good Enough for a Princess, but if not, it too is FREE on all retailers!

  I see a meme floating around Facebook from time to time that tells readers what they can do to help their favorite authors. Buying their next book or giving a copy away is kind of a no-brainer, but the biggest thing you can do is write a review. If you enjoyed Along Came a Prince would you consider doing just that?

  I would LOVE to hear from you! My email address is carolmoncadobooks@gmail.com. To stay up-to-date on releases, you can sign up for my newsletter (there’s fun stuff - like the novella about Nicklaus and his nanny and what happened to them after the car accident - it will be FREE later this year for subscribers! You’ll also get notices of sales, including special preorder pricing! And I won’t spam!) or there’s always “What’s in the Works” or “What I’m Working On Now” on my website :). You can find my website and blog at www.carolmoncado.com. I blog most Sundays and about once more each month at www.InspyRomance.com. And, of course, there’s Facebook and my Facebook profile, Author Carol Moncado. If you recently liked my Facebook page (Carol Moncado Books)...I hope you’ll “follow” the profile as well. Facebook recently changed the rules again which means very few people (often 1-5% of “likes”) will see anything I post there. Following the profile will show you my book updates, updates about books from authors I love, funny cat (or dog or dinosaur!) memes, inspirational quotes, and all sorts of fun stuff!! I hope to see you there soon!

  Thanks again!

  * * *

  Acknowledgments

  They say writing is a solitary endeavor and it absolutely can be. Sitting in front of the computer for hours on end, talking to imaginary people.

  And having them talk back ;).

  But the reality is no one walks alone. Since I began this writing journey nearly six years ago, I can’t begin to name all of those who’ve helped me along the way. My husband, Matt, who has always, always believed in me. All of the rest of my family and in-loves who never once looked at me like I was nuts for wanting to be a writer. Jan Christiansen (my “other mother”) has always believed in me and Stacy Christiansen Spangler who has been my dearest friend for longer than I can remember.

  For Hand-Me-Down Princess specifically - I can’t begin to count the number of text messages Emily N. and Ginger V. put up with trying to sort things out. Or how many times Emily read one section or another to help me get that One Thing just right. Ginger Solomon, author of One Choice, has been invaluable with her proofreading services.

  Then there’s my writer friends. My NovelSista, Jessica Keller Koschnitzky, sister of my heart, spent a weekend with me while I worked on this and the Nicklaus novella coming soon. She is part of my BritCrit gals. Joanna Politano (who has talked me down off more virtual ledges than anyone), Jen Cvelvar (the best case of misidentification ever), Kristy Cambron (who is more beautiful inside and out than any one person should be allowed to be), and Stacey Zink (who never, ever fails to have a fabulous encouraging word) are BritCritters, too. We do a lot more living than we do critting, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. All five of them are beyond gifted as writers and I thank God they’re in my life. There’s my MozArks ACFW peeps who laugh with me, critique, and encourage to no end. And Melanie Dickerson. What would I do without you?

  Then there’s the InspyRomance crew, the CIA, my TSG peeps (you know who you are!), and all of the others who’ve helped me along on this journey.

  I’ve said it before, but I could go on for days about beloved mentors like Janice Thompson who has poured her time and energy into this newbie, going above and beyond for me. People like one of my spiciest friends, Pepper Basham, who inspires me daily, or Julie Lessman, who has prayed me to this point. People like Jeane Wynn (the top publicist in the business) and Kathleen Y’Barbo (one of the top authors) who take me along on late night Wal-Mart runs and kidnap me to Chili’s so I’m writing on a full stomach. All of these and so many more are not only mentors, but friends - I am beyond blessed! And, of course, there’s Tamela Hancock Murray, agent extraordinaire, who believed in me enough to want to be my agent.

  I said I could go on for days, and I could keep going. On and on. I know I’ve forgotten many people and I hate that. But you, dear reader, would quickly get bored.

  So THANK YOU to all of those who have helped me along the way. I couldn’t have done this without you and you have my eternal gratitude. To the HUNDREDS of you (I’m gobsmacked!) who pre-ordered and encouraged me without knowing it as that little number continued to climb, you have my eternal gratitude. I hope you stick around for the next one!

  And, of course, last but never, ever, least, to Jesus Christ, without whom none of this would be possible - or worth it.

  Winning The

  Queen’s

  Heart

  Coming Fall 2015!

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  for special preorder pricing updates!

  Previews may not be in their final form and are subject to change.

  “Arrest him and throw him in the dungeon.” Queen Christiana Elizabeth Marissa Abigail the first stared as seven slightly different versions of herself in a cloud of white satin and tulle stared back from the multifaceted mirror.

  The man behind her nodded. “I will give the order, Your Majesty.” He bowed slightly at the waist and turned to walk out, but she called after him.

  “Alexander?”

  He stopped and turned, meeting her eyes in the mirrors. “Yes, ma’am?”

  “You are certain?”

  Alexander Bayfield nodded. “The assassination would be carried out on your honeymoon allowing your fiancée to claim his ‘rightful’ place as King of Ravenzario. The drugs were found in his possession.”

  “That’s not how the commonwealth works.” Without an heir, Ravenzario would be broken up and absorbed into Mevendia and Montevaro.

  “I know. I don’t know if he does. Many people do not.”

  Christina allowed nothing of her feelings to show as she dismissed him with a curt nod. Alexander held the door for the seamstress.

  “I would like to cha
nge out of this.” The implications of her fiancée’s betrayal were beginning to fly through her mind. Not only would there be a trial and the man whose name she refused to think would be paraded in front of the people, but so would her personal life and her judgment would once again be called into question. This time, however, there would be truth to the allegations.

  And there was a wedding to call off.

  As the gown slipped over her shoulders and she stepped out of it, Christiana merely nodded, the seamstress’s words floating in one ear and out the other as the consequences to her country began to assail her. A year after ousting her uncle who had been usurping her throne and authority, her wedding would be called off. Foreign dignitaries would have to be told. The crowds expecting to see the royal couple would be disappointed

  And her family’s good name would once more be dragged through the mud.

  The seamstress carried the dress out, leaving Christiana alone. As she slid her linen pants on and retied the cobalt wraparound silk blouse, for the first time in her adult life, Christiana wished to merely be a normal person. To have the weight and pressures of ruling her country fall away. Where the only concern would be how much of a refund she would get from the vendors and not whether her countrymen would lose their already fragile trust in her.

  Her heels clicked along the stone floor in the hallway as she retreated to her personal apartments. Here no one entered without explicit permission. It gave her the privacy she craved - and the loneliness she detested. For nearly an hour, she stared out the window and over the storm tossed waves of the Mediterranean. The gray sky and torrential downpour matched the turmoil inside. The buzz of the intercom interrupted her reverie.

  “Yes?”

  “Alexander to see you, ma’am.” The disembodied voice of her secretary crackled through the air.

  “Send him in.”

  She did not move as the door to her sitting room opened and closed. “Your Majesty?”