Page 61 of The Beach Hut on Plum Island
“Rude!” Titus stated, standing. “I guess we’ll have to join them.” He looked at Murphy. “Can you ensure that all of Harriet’s friends attend the dinner?”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Murphy nodded. “I’ll get right on that and get the men ready to escort you to the restaurant.”
“Did Faith go with them?” Titus asked Murphy, who nodded. “Oh!”
Finn saw Harriet’s eyes narrow in suspicion as she watched Titus intently.
“You two will drive with me,” Titus commanded. “Murphy will drive us in the limo, and I’ll ask Harley and Liam to accompany us.” He looked at Murphy. “Is Liam still in the hotel?”
“I will check, Your Majesty.” Murphy stepped away.
“What’s with you and…” Harriet started, but Finn shook his head, knowing where she was about to ask, and to his surprise, she stopped. “Never mind.”
King Titus gave Finn an appreciative smile, but one look at Harriet’s face told Finn she was going to get her answer one way or the other. Just not today.
“I’ve made the arrangements, Your Majesty,” Murphy said before he stepped out of the room. He popped his head inside and looked at Titus. “Your Majesty, if you’ll follow me.”
Finn watched Titus leave while Harriet held him back.
“Are you sure about this, Finn?” Harriet said for his ears only.
Finn turned to her and smiled. “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my whole life.”
“This is taking the charade to a whole other level, Finn,” Harriet warned him.
“I know.” Finn nodded. “And, on that note. We may as well make everyone believe us.”
With that, he pulled her to him and kissed her as Harley stepped into the room.
“Oh…” Harley said, surprise registering in his voice as Harriet and Finn slowly drew apart and looked at him. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to… Uh…” his brow furrowed. “You know that Titus has left, right?”
“Yes.” Finn nodded and looked at Harriet, letting his love for her shine-free. “Harriet and I told Titus everything.”
“What?” Harley looked at them in disbelief. “If he knows, why are you…”
“Because it’s no longer a charade,” Harriet smiled lovingly into Finn’s eyes. “We’re engaged for real.”
Their eyes locked, and this time, Harriet reached up to kiss Finn. The world disappeared around them again, and they barely heard Harley utter.
“Well.. then… Um…” Harley coughed. “You know. I’m just going to leave you for a few more minutes.”
As soon as the door clicked closed, Harriet drew away and smiled at Finn. “I think he got the message.” Her voice was hoarse as she stepped away from Finn. He felt his heart drop when he realized Harriet was also an excellent actor.
CHAPTER 11
The Cobble Point Restaurant, perched high on the cliffs of Cobble Cove, presented a panoramic view over the entire cove. Tonight, the usually bustling venue was reserved for a private affair, taken over at King Titus’s direction. A long table was dressed with fine linens and flickering candles and hosted an assembly of close friends and family. Harriet sat on one side of King Titus, who sat at the end of the table with Finn on his other side. The open windows and doors let the soft swish of the ocean play a symphony as the soft backdrop to the evening’s tension.
A hush instantly fell over the room as Titus stood, his presence commanding the silence. “I appreciate everyone changing their plans for the evening and joining us at such short notice,” he began, his eyes drifting along the table and landing on Alex and Daniella. “I feel an apology is owed to you, Alex, and your beautiful bride, Daniella.” He turned and looked at Finn, thenHarriet. “I’m afraid that my family’s business is going to steal a little of the limelight from your joyous celebrations this week.”
A murmur of anticipation swept through the guests as Titus gestured towards Finn.
“My niece, Harriet, and Finn have something that they want to share with you all,” Titus told them. “But before I hand the floor over to them, I want to extend another apology.” He turned and looked at Harriet. “Princess Harriet, I’m sorry that I so callously engaged you to Duke Leon Gladstone.” He gave her a smile. “Had I known you had such a fine young man as Finn Shaw in your life, I would never have even contemplated it.”
“It’s okay, Your Majesty,” Harriet told him with a smile. “I forgive you as you’ve forgiven us.” She included Finn by looking lovingly at him.
“I must say that standing here, looking over at Harriet and Finn’s friends, I’m humbled,” Titus continued, “by the sense of loyalty and strength of friendship that binds you all together.” His eyes traveled to each of Harriet’s and Finn’s friends. “I’m so glad my niece has all of you in her life. It makes me feel more secure knowing she’s surrounded by friends like you.”
“What my uncle is trying to say,” Harriet interrupted. “Is that he knows mine and Finn’s engagement was a charade to ensure my uncle wouldn’t try and force me to leave Plum Island or marry me off to someone.”
