Page 86 of Protecting his Heart

Evan knelt beside her, putting his hand on her arm. “If it’s too much, let us know.”

She shook her head. “It’s not. It’s just…wow.” She chuckled. “I never believed I’d meet you all. So, thankyou.”

“Anyone who means something to those around us means something to us. Family is important,” Christian said, “and those who risk their lives for us, we consider them to be family, too.”

Owen’s throat closed. He knew they felt that way, but every time one of them mentioned it, it hit harder. This family was something else. He doubted anyone else would consider their staff to be family.

They spent around an hour talking with the princes and their partners. Christian’s dog, Oreo, came and sat at Jessica’s feet and didn’t leave until Christian and Oscar had to go. Jessica gave the dog a hug before watching them go with a smile.

Randall stood. “Are you hungry? Or tired?”

Jessica shook her head. “I’m good, thank you.”

“Great, then we have another stop on our tour. Right this way.” He gestured to the door.

They wandered down the hallway a little further, and Owen grinned when he saw where they were headed. Although he’d requested this tour, he’d had no input in it. Randall had taken over and told him he’d organise it all.

Nick stood as they reached the door, nodding his head at them and holding the door open.

“Okay, right through here,” Randall said. “This is my office. Excuse the mess.”

There was no mess at all, as far as Owen was concerned.

Dominic rose from his chair and grinned. “Right on time, as usual, my love.” He leaned down to kiss Randall chastely—for a change. He held out his hand to Jessica. “Nice to meet you.”

Jessica blinked. “You, too. Mr Ainsley.”

Dominic grinned. “Dominic, please.” He glanced at Randall and nodded.

Randall stepped forward, knocked on the door and waited for the command, at which Jessica blanched and stepped back. “No way,” she whispered.

Randall grinned and opened the door. “Your Majesty, your appointment is here.”

“Appointment?” Jessica breathed.

Evan gently guided her through the door, and Owen left the wheelchair in Randall’s office and followed them in, clapping Dominic on the shoulder as he passed. Jessica was frozen in the centre of the room, staring at the king as he walked towards her.

“Oh my,” she muttered. She swallowed and wiped her hand on her trousers before curtseying. With her balance not being solid, she wobbled, and Owen grasped her elbow to help her back up.

“Thank you, Jessica. You don’t need to stand on ceremony for me,” Andrew said. He gestured to the chairs. “Please have a seat. I’d love to chat for a few minutes if you have the time.”

“If I have the time…” She cleared her throat. “Of course, Your Majesty. Whatever you need from me.” She glanced at Evan and mouthed, “What the hell?” and Owen barely contained his chuckle.

Surprisingly, Andrew didn’t shy away from her health concerns. Although, knowing Andrew as he did, he shouldn’t be surprised.

“I’m sorry to hear about your health,” Andrew said.

Jessica smiled. “Thank you. It is what it is, but I’m glad I’ve been able to meet Evan and all of you. You’ve been so kind.”

“To be honest, I have an ulterior motive for this meeting,” Andrew said, and both Owen and Evan straightened, not knowing about this.

Owen glanced at Randall, who waved him down, which reassured him a little. Randall wouldn’t let anyone mess with them.

Jessica crossed her legs and faced him, hands in her lap, head cocked to the side, listening. “How can I help?”

“We’ve always been involved with the hospitals and providing what we can for them, but I find it increasingly difficult to get true accounts for certain things because,” he sighed, “people tend to tell me what I want to hear, rather than the truth.”

“And you want me to tell you the truth? About what?” she asked.

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