Page 54 of Reluctantly Rogue

But I simply couldn’t resist a man who had the heart of Fred Rogers, could give a speech like Churchill, and looked like Santa Claus.

And in the past ten years, he and these families have made me believe in things like benevolent billionaires and compassionate royals and altruistic politicians.

So now that that amazing man is gone, it’s my job, and mission, to keep this bunch together.

I lean in. “You were all hired knowing the plan. You allbelieved in the plan.” I take a breath. “We were supposed to have a king and queen, a human rights activist, a billionaire philanthropist, a politician, a social media influencer, and a sports star all out there using their power, influence, money, and resources to make the world a better place. They were supposed to be examples of how money and power can begoodthings and used forpositiveprogress. The O’Grady and Olsen families were supposed to…” I take a breath as I run out of words.

“Shame everyone else in those same positions into being better?” Colin supplies.

I nod. “Yes. In part.” If they can do it, then other billionaires and sports stars and political leaders can fucking do it too. “They are supposed to grab headlines and magazine covers and interviews and dominate in as many influential spaces as possible.Thatwas Alfred’s vision and what we’re all supposed to be doing here!”

“Wearedoing that,” Miles argues.

I glare at him.

“Weare,” he says. “Torin is back in Cara. Fiona is an activist. Declan is a billionaire philanthropist. Astrid is an influencer. Alex is a rising star in hockey. Cian is…”

We all look at Henry as Miles trails off.

Cian is a playboy who spends part of his time as a swamp boat captain, part of his time as a volunteer firefighter, and part of his time working at an animal park. At least when he’s not partying and flirting and having a really,reallygood time.

But he’s naturally charismatic, and generous, and his superpower is making people feel comfortable and accepted. He’d be an amazing…anything.If he’d just get serious.

“He’s talking about heading the summer festival committee,” Henry offers.

“A summer festivalcommitteein a tiny bayou town—” I stop myself. I take a deep breath. I will not talk about the things Cian is not doing.

I’ll talk about the things therest of themaren’t doing. “Torin is back in Cara, but we all know he could jump on a plane and bolt again at any minute. Fiona is an advocate foranimals,not people. And yes,”—I put my hand up before anyone protests— “she’s great at it and animals are important too, but that wasn’t the expectation. Astrid was going to be a social media influencer and then she got hurt and now…well, none of that has gone according to plan, either.”

“Not her fault,” Miles says, his voice low with warning.

Yes, I know better than to criticize Astrid within earshot of Miles. Her pit bull will growl and bark and even bite if he needs to in order to protect her.

I roll my eyes. Astrid is in no danger from me. Miles knows that.

“Instead of happy and sunny and fun, she’s now grumpy and feisty, that’s all I’m saying. It’s just a little different ‘vibe’ and following than we’d expected.”

“She’s been through hell,” Miles growls. “But she’s still showing up and advocating for healthcare changes and for accessibility for disabilities and bringing awareness?—”

“I know,” I snap. Jesus, I’ve heard him exalt Astrid’s accomplishments numerous times. I’m well aware. “It’s just an example of the plan going off the rails.”

“You and your fuckingplans,” Miles says. “You and the boss need to let up a little. Life doesn’t always go exactly the way you want it to. Alfred knew that. He knew when to let up and give things some time. You’ve put a lot of weight on the shoulders ofhuman beings. Even if they’re not perfect, that doesn’t mean they’re not making a difference.”

I can’t win this argument with him. I never have any of the times we’ve had it. I don’t even need to try. Miles knows me. He knows I don’t actually mean it that way. He’s just protective of Astrid and…I want him to feel that way. That’s what makes us good at our jobs. We love the people we’re taking care of. That’s great.

His feelings for Astrid just also make me stupidly jealous and I need to shut this conversation down before I give anything away that I don’t want him to see.

I focus on the other problems with our “plan” that is feeling more and more like a big ball of tangled up string instead of the beautifully spun tapestry it was supposed to be.

“The royals are all doing things their own way and now Linnea is going on a date with a man who isnotthe one she’s been arranged to marry. She was themostreliable one,” I say. I focus on Jonah. “Linnea needs to be queen. Torin needs her. Take her to D.C. if that’s what everyone wants, but you bring that girl homesingle.”

Then I hang up on all of them.

Chapter11

Jonah

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