Page 15 of A Royal Promise
Once she reached solid ground, he wrapped his arm around her. “I’m glad you agreed to the plan so quickly. I didn’t even have to mention I had The Marriage Pact stamped with my family’s royal seal.” He released his hold on her and started walking backward, a big smile on his face.
“You didwhat?”
His loud chuckle was the only response she got as she chased him back to the palace.
“You’re engaged?” her father asked, his eyes darting back and forth between them.
Bri grabbed Drew’s hand, interlocking their fingers as they nodded. She raised her left hand in the air so they could see the ring.
“Finally!” Her mother jumped up from her seat.
“What do you mean ‘finally’?”
Her mother hurried over and grabbed each of their free hands. “I’ve been waiting for the two of you to get together foryears. I’m so glad you finally realized what I could see all along.”
Bri’s eyes went wide at her mother’s confession. Aside from friendship, she had no clue what her mother could have been seeing.
Her mother sighed when she didn’t respond. “You know…that youloveeach other.”
“Right, we love each other,” she replied, leaning her head on Drew’s shoulder for emphasis. He immediately wrapped his arm around her shoulder and leaned into her touch.
“This makes me so happy,” her mother gushed. “I can’t wait to call Lily.”
Bri stood and was instantly pulled into her mother’s arms for a tight hug. When her mother let go, Bri looked over at her father. “What are you thinking?”
When he remained silent, Bri turned back to Drew, her eyes wide with worry. He stood and placed his hand at the dip in her side.
“I apologize for not asking your permission first, sir. We wanted to surprise both of you—”
Her father lifted his hand in the air, cutting off Drew mid-sentence. When a smile pulled at his lips, Bri let out a sigh of relief.
“Drew, we’ve thought of you as a son for many years. I’m looking forward to making it official.”
Bri looked up at Drew as he wiped his eyes. She was impressed with his ability to manufacture tears.
“That means a lot to me. Thank you, sir.”
She nudged him forward, and Drew hugged her mother and then her father.
“Good luck being stuck with her for the rest of your life.” Phillip popped out from behind a window curtain, making them all jump.
Drew laughed good-naturedly and walked over to him, clasping her younger brother in a hug.
“Phillip, you know better,” her mother tutted.
“Excuse me for wanting to be involved in the conversation where I find out my dearest sister is getting hitched.”
Bri rolled her eyes. He hadn’t even known what the conversation was going to be about before hiding in the room to eavesdrop.
Her father rubbed his temples, but the ghost of a smile covered his lips.
“Oh, fine, but no more hiding and jumping out from behind things. You’re going to give someone a heart attack one day.” Her mother swatted at his arm.
“It won’t happen again.” Phillip used his pointer finger to draw an X over his heart.
Her mother turned back to her, grabbing both of Bri’s hands. “Now, have you picked a date yet? When can we go dress shopping? When did you realize you were in love? Tell meeverything.”
Bri’s heart rate picked up. She didn’t want to lie to her parents. As she was contemplating how to respond to her mother’s line of questioning, Drew placed his hand on the small of her back and stepped toward her mom.
