Page 58 of A Royal Arrangement
“Is that even a question?” Charlotte got up and wrapped an arm around her waist. “Show useverything.”
“And this is your last stop of the tour, folks.” Rosalie walked backward down the hallway. “According to Her Royal Highness, this is the best room in the palace.” She pushed open the door to Addie’s playroom.
“It’s so…” Charlotte started.
“PUWPLE!” Addie screamed, jumping out from behind the giant unicorn Rosalie had bought for her that the little girl had named Mr. Sprinkles. “Puwple is my favorite color.”She twirled, making the lavender tulle skirt of her dress flutter around her.
“I was going to say perfect.” Charlotte knelt on the ground to be at eye level with the girl. “I’m Charlotte. It’s nice to meet you, Your Highness.”
“You're Wosie’s fwiend?”
“I am.”
“I like you. You can call me Addie.”
“I like you too.” Charlotte mouthedawwto Rosalie over Addie’s shoulder as she hugged her.
When Addie walked over to her, Rosalie motioned to the ladies beside her. “This is Sienna and Bridgette. I’m so happy all my friends finally get to meet my favorite girl in the world.”
Addie jumped toward her, and Rosalie barely caught her in her arms. “I’m your favewit giwl in the wowld?”
Rosalie booped her on the nose and then hugged her close. “Without a doubt.”
“You my favewit too.”
“Is anyone else crying, or is it just me?” Sienna dabbed at her eyes.
Charlotte and Bridgette sniffled in response as they swiped at their own cheeks.
Happy tears gathered in her own eyes. This was what she had wanted all along—to love and be loved in return.
She had the love of her friends. The love of her stepdaughter. And the potential of love on the horizon with Colin.
“Okay, enough of this mush fest. It’s time to eat.” Rosalie led everyone to the dining room. Addie sidled up next to her and held her hand for the whole walk, and Rosalie couldn’t deny how right it felt.
Dinnerpassed in the blink of an eye. The meal was filled with Addie asking her friends a million questions, specifically about their love lives. Sienna shared that she and her ex-boyfriend, Spencer, were back together and better than ever. Bridgette was swearing off dating to focus on herself. And Charlotte said she and Liam were still enjoying their newlywed status and more in love every day.
Colin sent his daughter up to get ready for bed with the nanny, and now Rosalie sat in a sitting room with her best friends and her husband.
“What’s your favorite thing about our girl?” Charlotte asked Colin, staring him down with a fierce expression, showing how completely loyal she was to Rosalie.
Colin readjusted on his couch cushion. “I think her optimism is very admirable. She’s helped me start to see the world through a new perspective.”
Rosalie’s cheeks turned pink. She tilted her head forward slightly, hoping her hair would cover them. Colin didn’t need to see the effects his compliment had on her.
“That’s so true. She’s like pure sunshine.” Charlotte smiled at Colin, seemingly pleased with his answer.
“She’s the best, isn’t she? Did you hear about the time Rosalie saved a child who jumped in front of her carriage during a parade? I mean, how amazing is that?” Sienna asked.
Colin shot an amused look at Rosalie. “I didn’t know that, but that is pretty amazing.”
Bridgette leaned forward. “And she’s beautiful. Between that auburn hair, her hazel eyes, and perfect figure, she’s a total triple threat, don’t you think?”
Colin didn’t respond. He stared blankly at Bridgette with his mouth slightly agape.
Rosalie hid her eyes behind her hand, completely mortified. Her friends were truly the absolute best, but right now they were completely embarrassing her in front of the one man she wanted to impress the most.
It was obvious they had planned all these questions, trying to make Colin admit his feelings. But his silence said everything.
