Page 161 of Rags to Royals

He lifts a brow.

“I’ll do it,” Astrid says simply.

Declan just gives her a nod and turns toward the king.

Linnea steps forward. “Astrid?—”

Astrid looks at her sister. “I’m okay.”

Alex is right there too. He’s scowling. “Astrid, seriously.”

“I’m good, I promise,” she says. She looks up at Declan. “Oh, but I want the hockey team.”

My brother owns the Portland Greys. The team Alex plays for.

Declan doesn’t even blink. “Fine.”

“And my own room.”

The muscle in his jaw jumps, but he says, “You’ll have your own wing.”

She gives him a sweet, completely fake smile. “I don’t think you have any idea what you’re getting into here, Mr. O’Grady.”

“I’m a risk taker by nature, Ms. Olsen.”

She just stares at him for a long moment. Then she looks at her grandmother.

I look over too.

The older woman is watching, without saying a word. But I can see the hope in her expression even from here.

And when Astrid says, “Okay,” to Declan, her grandmother exhales in relief and smiles.

No one’s smile is as big as Diarmuid’s though.

Astrid and Declan walk toward the king, stopping in front of his chair.

“Astrid,” he says, his voice weak and wobbly. “My beautiful girl. Thank you.”

I watch Astrid’s shoulders lose some of their rigidity and she nods. “I’m ready.”

“My beloved family and friends—” Diarmuid starts.

“Wait!” a voice calls from the back of the room.

A feminine voice.

We all turn and my heart stops.

“Oh my God! Please stop! I’m so sorry, but you can’t…”

Scarlett is rushing across the room and down the aisle.

She’s wearing jeans and a flannel shirt over a gray T-shirt. Her dark hair is falling out of a ponytail. And she’s got her black boots on.

She’s the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen.

I meet her halfway up the aisle and catch her in my arms. “What are you doing here?”

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