Page 151 of Rags to Royals

“You and your sister are just trying to make me look bad,” my father says. “That’s petty and juvenile.”

“It’s interesting to me thatusoffering charitable services in our hometown somehow makesyoulook bad,” I say. “Maybe that’s something you should spend a little time thinking and praying about.”

Ruby joins me and hands me a paper cup that smells absolutely delicious.

“God bless us, every one!” she says, raising her cup in a little toast to the entire coffee shop.

“The audacity,” I hear my father mutter as he sinks back into his chair.

I grin at him—a bright, sincere grin. “I think audacity is genetic. On ourmother’sside.”

Then we turn and leave, and I have to admit that the tinkling bell overhead sounds even happier on our way out.

We walk about a block before either of us says anything.

Then Ruby says, “Holy shit—pun intended—you were fantastic.”

I laugh. “I just told the truth. I honestly wasn’t trying to make him look bad.” I sip from my cup. “Okay, that’s not entirely true. No more lying. I’m glad it made him look bad. But, I do want to offer the services.”

“Ruby’s Way?” she asks.

I stop and turn to her. “I haven’t been able to come up with a name for the foundation. And I figure if our foundation does things Ruby’s way, we’re going to be doing a really good job.”

Her eyes fill with tears and suddenly she’s crying.

“Ruby, stop.” I reach out and give her a side hug.

“No way.” She wipes a tear from her cheek. “That’s amazing. You just made my entire year.”

“I won’t tell a certain British bodyguard that you said that.”

She rolls her eyes and sniffs and we start walking again. “That British bodyguard is a non-issue. I’m done with him.”

“Yeah, okay.” I don’t believe her for a second and I don’t thinkshebelieves her either.

We walk another block and she asks, “How long do you think Cian will be gone?”

“I don’t know. I guess if it’s not long, that means the king is doing well. Or things took a really bad turn quickly.”

Ruby makes a sad noise. “If the king passes, does that change this whole marriage thing for Cian?”

I frown. “I haven’t even thought about that. I have no idea.” I lift my cup and drink as I think that over. “I’d really hope Cian is able to talk to his grandfather. I would love for him to tell his grandfather more about this foundation. I’m glad his sister told everyone, but I wanthimto feel like sharing that stuff with them. To know they want to hear it.” I think about how Cian looked when he was showing me the texts from his family. “I know Cian knows they all love him and are proud of him, but I want him tohearthem say that.” I feel a heavy weight pressing on my chest as soon as I share that thought out loud. “Ruby,” I say, stopping.

She stops too and faces me. “Yeah?”

“I didn’t tell Cian that I love him before he left.”

Ruby looks appalled. “What? Why not?”

“I just haven’t said it yet. I thought…we had time.”

“But…” She shakes her head. “Youdolove him, right?”

“I do.” I nod. Vigorously. “I really do. So much. I’m sure of it. And… fuck!” I’m suddenly so mad at myself. “Why didn’t I say it? I want him to know how much he’s loved and how proud everyone is of him. I want him tohearthose words and feel appreciated, but thenIdon’t say it?” I grab my sister’s arm. “What’s wrong with me?”

“Nothing,” Ruby says quickly. “Nothing’s wrong. Him needing to leave happened really fast and there was a lot going on. It doesn’t mean anything that you didn’t say it.”

But then she frowns and presses her lips together.

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