Page 57 of Royal Secret

The most important thing to me right now is that our child has a solid life, a secure family. That means we’re sticking together.

And to be honest, I never loved my job anyway. It was only a way to make money. I would much rather be out all day, every day, taking photos. I never pursued photography seriously, though. I was too focused on making money to support my family, and a career in the arts always felt too unstable.

But now I’m free of that. I can do what I want — as Jakob has repeated to me several times already.

Which begs the question… what do I want now? Aside from being with Jakob and raising our child together?

I glance around at the cozy space that’s become my new world, wondering how to fill my days now that I’m no longer tethered to a desk and a slew of emails and numbers. Maybe I could learn to cook traditional Bergovian dishes or take up painting again, something I loved in college but let fall by the wayside in the rush of deadlines and corporate life.

I could make an itinerary for Mom and Ginny’s upcoming visit. Scout out some places first. Maybe find the best bakery in the city.

“Thinking hard?” Jakob’s voice startles me out of my reverie.

He steps through the front door, loosening his tie with a smile that never fails to make my stomach do somersaults.

“Something like that,” I answer, moving towards him so that he can wrap his arms around me. “Just trying to figure out my next chapter.”

He chuckles, a warm sound that fills the room. “Well, before you write the entire book, I have something to show you.” His eyes are alight with mischief, and I can tell he’s barely containing his excitement.

“A surprise?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.

“Something like that,” he says, grinning. “Grab your shoes. We’re going for a little drive.”

A wave of adrenaline washes over me. With Jakob, surprises could mean anything from a last-minute picnic in the countryside to an impromptu dance on a rooftop. As I slip into my shoes, I let go of my worries about the future for a moment. Right now, all that matters is the thrill of the unknown and the man whose hand is firmly holding mine, leading me towards whatever magic he has in store.

Our drive takes us out of the city and into the country. Jakob’s hand rests on my knee, a comforting weight as the cityscape gives way to rolling hills and picturesque vistas. He turns off the main road onto a gravel path lined by towering oaks, their leaves fluttering in the gentle breeze.

“Where are we going?” I ask, my heart skipping with anticipation.

“Just wait,” he says.

We come to a stop before a towering wrought-iron gate, intricate patterns creeping over the metalwork. Beyond it, nestled amidst meticulously landscaped grounds, stands a house so grand it steals my breath away. A small palace or a stately mansion — it could be either — with its elegant architecture and windows winking in the sunlight.

“Jakob…” I start, my eyes wide, taking in the splendor before us.

“Wait here,” he says, leaning over to kiss my forehead before stepping out of the car.

I watch as he strides toward the “For Sale” sign planted in the ground, his movements filled with purpose. With a swift tug, he uproots it, holding it aloft for a moment before setting it aside. My hands fly to my mouth as realization dawns.

“Welcome home, Courtney,” he calls out, his arms opening wide as he turns back to me. “I bought it for us — our family.”

Tears glimmer in my eyes, a mix of joy and disbelief tangling in my chest. I step out of the car, legs shaky with emotion, and rush into his waiting embrace. His arms fold around me, strong and sure, and I melt into him, my heart soaring.

“Jakob, this… How? It’s incredible!” I marvel, pulling back just enough to meet his gaze. The pride and love shining there are palpable.

“Everything for you and our baby,” he murmurs, his lips finding mine in a kiss that speaks of promises and shared dreams.

And then, suddenly, I feel it — a flutter, light and unexpected, in my lower belly. Our baby’s first movement, a tiny but profound declaration of life joining in our celebration.

“Jakob,” I breathe out, breaking the kiss, wonder etched into every syllable. “The baby just moved.”

His eyes widen, mirroring my awe, and his hand gently covers mine, hoping to catch the next flutter. We stand here, united, basking in the beauty of our future home and the new life we’re about to welcome into the world.

EPILOGUE

TWO YEARS LATER: COURTNEY

Asong slips easily from my lips as I move about, stepping my way among the flowers that decorate our front yard. I bend down, my hands cradling a cluster of daisies, their petals as bright as the future unfolding before us.

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