The Prince's Texas Bride

by Victoria Chancellor

  Kerry shook her head. “We had a good time but it’s over.” They were from different worlds…worlds that just didn’t collide except for chance encounters along interstate highways.

  “Perhaps it’s not that simple.”

  “I’m a former truck stop waitress from Ranger Springs, Texas. He’s the crown prince of an old, respected European country. What could be more simple than that?”

  Gwendolyn was silent for a few moments, then said, “I’m rather fond of your Hank McCauley.”

  Kerry admitted she suspected as much, just as she assured Gwendolyn that she and Hank were more like cousins. They talked about Hank briefly, then Gwendolyn said, “We must go back outside and face everyone.”

  Kerry had never imagined that she had much in common with a classy English lady like Gwendolyn, but she did. Gwendolyn was in love with Hank. Kerry was in love with Alexi. And neither relationship had any hope of continuing.

  Kerry and Gwendolyn embraced, sisters of a sort, in love with the wrong men, and then they repaired their makeup and went back out to the “party” so no one would suspect. No one would ever know Hank had been a prince, and a prince had been a cowboy, if only for a few days.

  Later, Gwendolyn had pulled Kerry aside. “Alexi will be upstairs in a moment. You’ll have just five minutes. I’m sorry, but we need to leave.”

  “I understand,” she said, but she didn’t. Not really.

  She had only five minutes to say goodbye. Five minutes to last a lifetime. She’d known for four days this moment was coming, but she wasn’t ready. She’d never be ready, because she never wanted to let him go. She wanted him to stay with her, to be a part of her new life. She wanted to kidnap him and take him away from all his responsibilities, especially the need to marry a suitable bride.

  Every time she thought of him with another woman, she felt overwhelmed with jealousy. She had no right, she told herself. So she tried not to think of him courting someone else. Standing beside the faceless woman and announcing their engagement.

  She pushed it out of her mind as she climbed the stairs to see him one last time.

  “Alexi?” she called out as she neared the top of the interior stairs. The apartment looked exactly the same as it had this morning when they’d left here to meet Gwendolyn and Hank, but it felt different. Lonely, as though its life had ended when they’d closed the windows and locked up, their hearts heavy.

  “Over here,” he said, moving away from the window that overlooked the town square. “I was just watching the media circus. Most of them are leaving now. The story is over.”

  Yes, it’s over, she wanted to say, but her throat was frozen. He looked so wonderful, so…princely. No one who’d known him from their road trip would believe this was the same man. Only she knew…and she’d never forget.

  “Kerry? Are you okay?”

  “I’ll be fine.” She wasn’t now, but she’d get over him. Somehow. “I’m going to make myself very busy. I’m moving into my new apartment, then starting my job a week from tomorrow.”

  “You’ll be fine,” he said, but he didn’t sound convinced.

  “How about you? Other than the economic summit, what will you do?”

  He sighed, took a step toward her, and stopped. Leaning against the sofa, he said, “My father has chosen someone for me to meet.”

  “Someone…like a woman?”

  “Yes,” he said, sighing again. “Contessa Fabiana Luisa di Giovanni was at the governor’s dinner in Austin that Hank attended. He said she was very lovely.”

  “Sorry,” Kerry said, holding up a hand, “I don’t want to hear about another woman.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that. I just…I’m not sure about giving in to my father’s edict. Why rush into anything?”

  “Don’t ask me that, Alexi! You need to marry someday. You need an heir. I accept it, but I don’t have to like it. I don’t have to think about you with another woman.”

  “It won’t be that way. Not like it was between us.”

  She put her hands over her ears. “Don’t!”

  He pulled her into his arms. “Kerry, I’m sorry. I just wanted to have a good time. I didn’t expect—”

  “For me to start falling in love with you?” She couldn’t believe she’d just said that, but her emotions were too raw to guard her heart right now. And since she’d never see him again, she could say what she wanted. In a few minutes, he’d be gone.

  “I didn’t expect for either of us to…care for each other as much as we do.”

  “It’s not your fault you’re very lovable,” she said with a sad chuckle. “I mean, a real live Prince Charming who cleans apartments? You’re perfect.”

  “Hardly. I was very inconsiderate. First to Gwendolyn, for running away from the engagements she’d planned, then to you, because despite the honesty we both professed, I think we were wrong.”

  “Alexi, please. There isn’t a future for us, so this discussion is useless. I can accept that you have to leave. Maybe not today, or even next week, but I’ll be fine. I survived when my father packed up and left, so I have a bit of experience.”

  “I’m not like your father, although God knows I’ve disappointed enough people in my life.”

  “No, you’re not like him,” she whispered. But there was a part of him that was similar to her dad. Both meant well. Both vowed they’d never “do that again.” Whether Alexi could keep his promise had yet to be seen, but she hoped he’d learned his lesson. She seriously doubted that he had completely changed his attitude.

  He’d still hate to make public appearances booked for him; he might still run away. And he might break another heart without meaning to, just because, like she’d said, he was charming and wonderful. What woman could resist falling in love with him?

  He leaned back and tipped her chin up. “Promise me you’ll call if you…if there are any repercussions from last night.”

  “What?”

  “The condom,” he reminded her.

  “Oh.” The broken condom. She’d nearly forgotten in the chaotic day that had followed. “I’m sure I’ll be fine.”

  He threaded his fingers through her hair, his blue eyes suspiciously bright. “You take care of yourself, Kerry Lynn Jacks,” he said softly. “I’ll miss you.”

  Was this how her mother felt when her father walked out? Kerry remembered all the tears her mother had cried, and to what end? Tears didn’t change anything, but the pain was so sharp, she wasn’t sure she could hold back. She’d read about the feeling of a broken heart; the description wasn’t too far wrong. Still, if she hadn’t experienced such joy, she wouldn’t be feeling this pain.

  She swallowed the lump in her throat. “I’ll miss you forever, Alexi Ladislas. I hope you find someone who’ll take care of you.”

  His hands tightened and he pulled her close. Choking back a sob, Kerry kissed him with all the love in her heart. She poured everything into that kiss, knowing it had to last them both a lifetime. Because she believed him; he would miss her. Maybe not forever, but for a while.

  “Alexi, we must leave now.” Lady Gwendolyn’s voice, rising up the stairs, startled them both. Pulling away, Alexi gazed into Kerry’s eyes one last time. She felt his hands tighten, then fall away from her shoulders.

  “Goodbye, Mack,” Kerry whispered.

  “Goodbye, Kerry.” And then he turned and strode across the room, taking the steps with a determined tread.

  She couldn’t watch him leave. Couldn’t take one last glance at his back while he rushed back to his life in Belegovia.

  She sank onto the couch and hugged her arms around herself to hold in his scent, the feel of him pressed close.

  Someday, he might tell people the story of his trip to Texas when he ran off with the truck stop waitress. They’d all laugh, and he might get a look of longing in his eyes. And then he’d blink, and smile, and the memory would be gone.

  “Goodbye, Alexi,” she whispered in the stillness of the deserted apartmen
t before she let the tears fall.

  Chapter Seven

  Three months later

  Alexi had never envisioned this particular scene when he and Kerry had parted three months ago. He’d done his best to be strong, but he’d nearly lost his composure and asked her to go with him. Just get on the jet and leave. But he hadn’t. Asking wouldn’t have been right, but leaving hadn’t felt right, either. As a matter of fact, nothing had felt right since he’d left Texas.

  He paced the living room of Kerry’s apartment and waited for her to return. Pregnant women were often sick in the mornings, he told himself. There was nothing to be worried about. But still, he resisted the urge to fling open the closed door and hold her hand. Or her head. Or whatever part of her needed a little support.

  He couldn’t actually say he felt guilty about getting her pregnant. After all, the broken condom had been an accident. Although Kerry hadn’t thought she was fertile then, apparently she had been. That wasn’t anybody’s fault. The baby she now carried was conceived accidently, but that didn’t mean he or she was unwanted.

  On the contrary, Alexi was elated. He’d fought against calling Kerry for three months. He’d rebelled against marrying the contessa, but in the end, he didn’t have a good excuse to avoid the nuptials his father so dearly wanted.

  Now he had an excuse. A very good excuse. One that would be obvious in a few short months.

  His father was going to be furious, but his anger would fade as quickly as he realized he’d soon be holding his grandson or granddaughter. That the succession of Belegovia would be assured. Alexi was sure the people of his country would love Kerry once they got to know her, and the baby would be an instant hit. Belegovians wouldn’t hold it against a child because he or she had been born less than nine months after the wedding.

  When the bathroom door remained shut for what seemed like forever, Alexi walked over and placed his ear against the wood. Nothing. He knocked softly. “Kerry? Are you okay?”

  Finally he heard the sound of water running, then moments later the door opened. Her golden skin looked pale and somewhat blotchy, and her eyes appeared watery, but not from tears. Still, she was the most beautiful sight in the world to him.

  “Are you okay?”

  She nodded. “For the past two months, my mornings have been pretty rocky. After about nine o’clock, I’m fine.”

  “Have you been able to work?”

  She nodded again. “I love my job. My manager at Grayson Industries has been very understanding.”

  “They know you’re pregnant?”

  “Not for sure, but I think they suspect that’s the problem. I haven’t felt up to telling anyone.” She rubbed her forehead. “Of course, everyone will assume the baby is Hank’s, since you were so convincing at that press conference in May.”

  “We’ll tell them the truth immediately, of course. There is no need for anyone to assume you are romantically involved with Hank McCauley.”

  “Especially since he and Gwendolyn are getting married soon.” She started walking toward the couch, and Alexi put his hand under her elbow for support. Instead of flashing him a smile, she glared at him. “And we aren’t telling anyone anything. At least not yet.”

  “Kerry, don’t be stubborn. We need to arrange the wedding as quickly as possible. I’ll contact the archbishop today and of course, I’ll rely on my sister to take care of the details. She’s very good at that sort of thing, and she knows the best caterers, designers and decorators.”

  “Let me get this straight,” she said as she turned and leaned against the arm of the couch, facing him. “You’ve already decided where the wedding will be. Once your sister and a horde of other people get busy on the details, everything will be taken care of.”

  “That seems the most expeditious plan,” he said, warned by her folded arms and serious expression that she wasn’t happy with his plan. “Unless you’d like to be more involved. Which would be fine, of course. As a matter of fact, I’ll give you my sister’s personal number and you can call her immediately.”

  “There’s one thing you’ve forgotten.”

  “What?”

  “I never agreed to marry you. As a matter of fact,” she said, unfolding her arms and advancing toward him, “I’ve—” she poked him in the chest “—never—” she poked him again “—been asked.”

  “Oh.” He forced a smile to cover that slight oversight as he gently captured her finger. Of course they were getting married. Perhaps he had been a bit overbearing, but time was critical. As soon as he’d overheard Kerry’s conversation with Gwendolyn, he’d arranged for the jet while Milos had packed a bag. He’d been out the door in thirty minutes, landed many hours later in Austin and rented a car to drive to Ranger Springs.

  “In that case, Kerry Lynn Jacks, will you do the honor of becoming my bride?”

  If anything, she looked a little more blotchy, as if she was going to be ill again. Then she thrust out her chin and looked directly into his eyes. “No.”

  “No?”

  “See, that’s exactly why I wanted to talk to Gwendolyn. Have a little time to consider the consequences. Now you burst back into my life—when I haven’t heard a word from you in three months—and you demand that we’re getting married just for the sake of the baby. Well, I’m not marrying anyone just for the sake of my child.”

  He looked shocked. Of course, since this was Alexi, he looked darned good being shocked. Although she’d seen Hank several times in the past three months, he didn’t remind her of Alexi. At least not emotionally. Only this man, who looked and acted just like his royal heritage, made her weak with yearning.

  But at the moment, she had to think of him as the father of her baby, not as the man who had loved her so sweetly for just a few days, three months ago.

  “Our child,” he reminded her, “and this is not just any baby. This is the royal heir.”

  “No, this could be the royal heir. The baby could also be the mayor of Ranger Springs, or a champion cowboy, or an elementary schoolteacher. I believe a child should have options. Don’t you remember talking about how you felt about duties? And you were an adult!”

  “That’s different, and has no bearing on the issue of our child’s legitimacy or heritage.”

  Kerry retreated to the couch. She didn’t feel well enough at the moment to argue with Alexi the man, much less the prince.

  But, she told herself, he was on Texas soil now, subject to her country’s laws. He couldn’t force her to marry him. He couldn’t take her baby away from her, as long as the baby was born right here in Ranger Springs. Right here where she was surrounded by friends and family, where she had a great job and benefits.

  “Look, Alexi, I need a little time to think about this. I just found out yesterday from Gwendolyn about your country’s laws and traditions. Now you burst into my apartment when I’m not feeling well and demand that we’re getting married.” She shook her head. “Let’s get together later. I need a little time to think.”

  “Kerry,” he said, walking toward her, “we don’t have much time. Plans need to be made—”

  “Only if we’re getting married. Otherwise, I imagine a lawyer can draw up some documents.”

  “Don’t say that. This…situation is between you and me. We made this baby together. We can work out the consequences.”

  “But we’re not the only people involved, Alexi. It sounds to me as though a whole country might be affected. I know for sure that one small life,” she said, rubbing her slightly rounded stomach, “is going to be changed no matter what decision we make.”

  He took a deep breath, closing his eyes as if he were debating her words. He had to know she was right. He shouldn’t have come in here with demands, especially when he hadn’t called her in three months.

  “Very well. When would you like to meet?”

  “Are you incognito, or did you plan to appear around town as a prince?”

  “I really hadn’t thought about it. I have no reason to hide
my identity.”

  “Okay, then. Meet me at the Four Square Café at noon.” She didn’t want to be alone with him. The most public place in Ranger Springs was the best option. She folded her arms again and gave him a pointed look. “I believe you know where that’s located.”

  She wasn’t sure, but she thought he might have blushed. Or maybe he was just flushed with frustration. After all, it wasn’t everyday that a commoner got to say no to a prince.

  BY THE TIME Kerry pulled herself together, showered and dressed, she was running late for her noontime meeting with Alexi. She pulled her car into a slanted parking spot and walked quickly toward the café door, waving as she spotted Robin Parker placing a new painted chair in front of her antique store.

  The bell over the door tinkled gaily as she walked into the restaurant. Every head swiveled toward her as she paused, searching for Alexi. He wasn’t hard to find. A group of five or six people stood around his table, obviously vying for his attention.

  Well, perhaps this hadn’t been a good idea. She’d thought business would be slow, as it usually was on Saturdays. Apparently the news that a prince was in their midst had spread fast. Thelma Rogers was in the middle of the group, no doubt getting a scoop for Sunday’s edition. Thankfully, the Springs Gazette didn’t have a society column, because Kerry was sure she’d be in it tomorrow. “Local Girl Hosts Prince,” or how about “Prince Revisits Local Love Nest.” She shuddered as she thought of what might be printed if Thelma possessed fewer scruples.

  At least she was thankful no paparazzi or journalists from out of town lurked, ready to snap pictures. Ready to report on the prince’s illegitimate baby with his small-town lover. How tawdry that sounded!

  She didn’t want tawdry. She wanted what was best for her baby, but what solution gave them each what they wanted? She was afraid nothing satisfied everyone. She knew she wouldn’t be content with a marriage that was forced, knowing her father-in-law had wanted a contessa, not a waitress-turned-financial analyst, for his son, knowing that the Belegovian people expected someone more suitable for their prince.