Laughing, I hurried over to open the door. Our daughter barreled inside, leaping onto the bed as she repeated her announcement.
"It's Christmas! Merry Christmas!!"
Nicky lifted Alice and held her close before tugged me into their embrace.
"It is, indeed, my darling." He kissed her cheek and then turned his head to brush his lips over mine.
"Merry Christmas, my hearts. My life."
ChapterNine
"Good morning, Your Grace!"
"Merry Christmas, Kyra!"
"Happy Christmas, Kyra, dear."
"Happy Christmas! Happy Christmas, all."
The Royal Family was gathering in a huge foyer, waiting for the cars that would carry us to St. George's Chapel for the Christmas morning service. It still felt odd to me that we'd be driving to the service instead of walking down the road to St. Mary Magdalene as we did when we spent the holiday at Sandringham. Still, everyone clearly felt quite festive as they greeted each other with gladness as though we hadn't all seen each other the day before.
Even the Princess Royal wore a merry sprig of mistletoe on her coat, grinning at me as she nodded her head.
"Good morning, Kyra. Happy Christmas." She peered down her nose at Alice, who was standing between Nicky and me. "I imagine the little one had you up at the crack of dawn?"
"If not slightly before," I agreed. "But who can blame her? It's an exciting time of the year." I glanced over Princess Anne's shoulder. "Is Her Majesty well this morning?"
"She is, but she has decided not to attend services today," the Princess answered. "Just a precaution."
"Of course." I hoped the Queen was all right. It was easy to forget that she was in her late nineties.
"Good morning, Ky!" Brynn danced over to stand near me before she noticed Princess Anne. "Oh, I'm sorry." She executed a brief curtsy. "Good morning, ma'am. Happy Christmas."
The Princess Royal nodded, her expression one of amusement. "Happy Christmas, Brynn. I understand you have significant news?"
My friend laughed and held up her left hand, where a new diamond and sapphire ring twinkled on the third finger. "Word travels fast. I just came over to tell Kyra."
"Oh, my gosh!" I hugged her quickly. "That's wonderful, Brynn! When did it happen?"
"Last night." Her smile was so bright, I blinked. "We were still in the middle of our argument about the assignment, and then suddenly, Milo stalked over to his closet and pulled out a ring box. He said, 'Dammit, Brynn, I was going to give this to you in much more romantic setting, but if you need proof that I need you for the rest of our lives, here it is.'" She lifted her hand again. "I nearly fell over, I was so shocked."
"I assume you made up after you said yes?"
"Of course." Brynn raised her eyebrows. "And we came to a meeting of the minds, too. I'm taking the assignment . . . and Milo is coming with me, too."
"Wow, talk about compromise." I squeezed her arm. "I'm so happy for you both."
Nicky laid a protective hand on my back as he leaned over to speak to me over the din of the room. "The cars are here. Are you ready?"
"Yes." I took Alice's hand in mine. "Have you seen Bria this morning? She and Rhys were meant to ride to church with us, I thought."
Nicky's eyes twinkled at me. "I spoke to my cousin this morning, and he said they'd see us there. I believe they decided to go a bit early."
"Oh." Nonplussed, I began to question what else my husband might know that I didn't, but just then, the Princess Royal whistled shrilly, cutting through all of the noise.
"The cars are here! Go out and load up. Her Majesty might not be here with us, but she won't be pleased if we're late for church on Christmas morning."
I had never been very patient with church services, but Christmas was always an exception. I loved the songs, the candles, the beautiful colors and of course, the deep significance of the Scripture read on this holy day.
