Page 68 of His Royal Highness

“I’ve been careful with her over the years,” he says. “She had a unique upbringing. The forgotten child in her family, you could say.”

“She told me about that, years ago.”

I was reminded of it the other day at rehearsals when her phone kept going off. It was her sister, Avery, wanting to know if she was still coming up to New York for a visit. I’m not sure Whitney would have told me anything about it had I not been standing there while she read the texts.

“Her sister is performing on Broadway now,” Cal shares. “Whitney’s parents are proud. Their world revolves around Avery. It always has. You know in all the years I’ve mentored Whitney, I’ve never met her parents. Doesn’t that strike you as odd?”

I frown, thinking it over.

“They don’t make it down here often,” he continues. “In fact, I can’t recall the last time they visited her. Whitney flies to New York every now and then to see them, but she always comes home worse off than when she left.”

“Sounds like she’s better off without them.”

He turns back to me. “Like you’re better off without your dad?”

I shrug, feeling guilty. “I know I should want a relationship with him, but the truth is, you took his place years ago. I’ve never wanted for family.”

Cal smiles and reaches over to pat my hand. “I think that’s the exact reason why I’ve been careful with her. Imagine if you and I didn’t have each other, how tough a road that would have been…”

I stay silent, mulling it over.

“You’ll take care of her, won’t you?” he asks.

Something clicks for me then. It’s an obvious truth I’ve been ignoring all these weeks. I’ve always known Cal to be a few steps ahead of the rest of us. His mind works continuously, inventing and designing every aspect of the park. I didn’t realize he was extending his gifts to my life as well. Sitting here with him now, I finally piece together the real reason Cal placed me in the role of His Royal Highness. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear that the board had nothing to do with it at all. Cal was playing matchmaker.

I’m sure of it.

I wonder how long he’s wanted Whitney and me to be together. I don’t ask. It doesn’t matter now. If anything, I should thank him. Instead, I nod, answering his question, and stand, feeling deeply exhausted.

“Before you go, Derek, there’s something we need to discuss about the company.”Chapter EighteenCalWhen I hear the sound of Whitney’s voice at my door, I stuff my book back under my covers and lie back, feigning sleep. She’s here with my breakfast. I can hear the clink of ceramic as she sets the tray down on the nightstand beside my bed.

“Cal?” she whispers, touching my hand.

I make sure my breathing sounds haggard, a wheeze or two thrown in for good measure. It works well. On cue, Whitney’s hand tightens around mine. Her gentle grip translates all of her worries.

I peel one eye open slowly, as if it takes all the strength left in me.

“Whitney?” I ask, acting fatigued.

She smiles tentatively. “Morning. How are you feeling?”

Wonderful. That nurse and I played cards half the night and she proved to be a worthy opponent.

“Oh, I’ll manage,” I groan, trying to lift myself into a sitting position.

She leans forward to assist me and the first pang of guilt hits my heart. Serves me right, putting it on like this.

What option do I have though?

Whitney and Derek have been taking their sweet time, performing a prolonged mating ritual. Some of us don’t have years to wait around for them to admit their feelings for one another. I had no choice but to take action.

Of course, I didn’t plan the hospitalization. That was just a happy accident, really.

Once I saw them together at my bedside, I realized the opportunity I’d been presented.

Now, I just need to milk it.

“You and Derek have been so helpful. I don’t know how I’d be faring without you both.”

She nods and fluffs my pillow.

“He’s a good man, Whitney.”

“I know.”

“You love him?”

She rears back, surprised.

Oops.

I press a hand to my heart as if a sudden spasm is causing me pain. She forgets my question and worries over me.

I change course.

“Derek won’t be filling in for His Royal Highness anymore.”

Her brows furrow over her jade green eyes, eyes I hope to see on the faces of my future grandchildren someday.

“Of course,” she says, understanding.

“I’ll need him to take over some of my duties. I’ve been obstinate when it comes to passing the reins, but it’s time.” She nods, keeping quiet as I continue, “We’ll have Ryan fill in for him.”

“Really?”

Oh good, she’s disappointed.

“Though now might be a good time for you to transition out of your role as well.”

Her forehead crinkles. “Quit working as Princess Elena?”

Source: www.allfreenovel.com