Page 112 of Royal Reluctance

I know she’s flirting with me. She’s always flirted with me, like she’s telling me the door to her heart is wide open and to come find a place to stay. There’s always been awhat ifbetween us, and I know I’m the reason the question is still hanging there.

“I think second time’s the charm,” I agree because there’s that urge to step through that open door. It’s been here since Abigail got back into town.

Maybe it’s finally time.

“I really hope it works out,” Abigail says.

She’s talking about Bo and Hettie.

“Why wouldn’t it? Look at the two of them. Nothing is coming between them.”

“They’ve got eight years to get past,” Abigail reminds me. “I’m happy that this was quick, but they’ve got some work ahead of them.”

“Aren’t they lucky they’ve got us around to help them.” I squeeze her hand as I lead her through the rows of chairs. “I’m glad you’re sticking around.”

Bo and I had gone with Hettie and Abigail to Victoria to close up their lives there. I met Hettie’s grandfather and although I admire him as an artist, I don’t think he was much of a caregiver to the girls.

The grandfather had declined the invitation for the wedding saying that he was too into his painting to leave.

Abigail told me some about the years they spent in the West Coast of Canada and I hate the thought of them going there when they were just twenty-one with no family and no support.

“There wasn’t really another option.” Abigail grins. “Especially with the job offer from the school. I suppose I have you to thank for that.”

I shake my head. “I mentioned that there’s a teacher’s assistant in town who needs a job. They were happy to have you.”

“Well, thank you for doing the mentioning.”

I don’t tell her that it wasn’t just for her. It’s in everyone’s best interest for Abigail to stay in Battle Harbour.

It seems selfish to want her to stay just for myself.

“Are you happy being the T.A? You always wanted to be the teacher.”

“I managed to get a degree but I couldn’t get my Bachelor of Education working part-time,” she admits ruefully.

“Maybe now.”

She shrugs. “Maybe now. What’s next on your schedule? Now that you don’t have this to organize.”

Thisbeing more than the wedding. There are a lot of legal details with Bo getting a brand-new family, as well the country getting new princesses. And I’ve been helping Kate with the press and luckily, they’ve been relatively accepting about the whole thing. Hettie had been terrified and expected hostility, but for the most part, the people of Battle Harbour recognized the eight-year marriage and arrival of surprise child with more excitement than anger.

“Can the king make anyone a princess?” Abigail asks as we wait for the waiter circulating with champagne to get to us.

“They have to be married,” I explain. Technically, both of them are already princesses but they don’t have the crowns.”

“They actually get a crown? Tema is gonna love that. I can see her wearing it with those purple leggings.”

The purple leggings in question peek out under her dress. Abigail had been responsible for getting her dressed this morning, and for once Tema hadn’t complained about the formal attire—if she could wear her leggings. Given how the Laandian spring is still cold with evidence of snow this morning, an extra layer wasn’t the worst idea.

Abigail has the gift to know when to stop arguing with the seven-year-old. I’m not sure I ever will.

I’m tempted to shrug out of my jacket and put it around Abigail’s shoulders to fend off the goosebumps dotting her arms.

I tuck her closer instead.

Abigail looks around at the study. “It’s a nice spot for the wedding, but I kind of miss the trees of the first one,” she confesses. “The rose petals were a nice touch.”

“Bo’s idea. He’ll do anything to make her happy.”

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