She opened her mouth to say something evasive but decided against it.
"So much so that I'm scared to my bones," Antoinette admitted huskily. "He annoys me and sometimes makes me so angry, I want to punch him, but I love him, so damn much."
"Then that's all that matters. And I happen to already think of you as my daughter-in-law."
Tears welled in her eyes and had Antoinette blinking them back.
"The unwelcome news is that, after the announcement is made, the press will descend on this place like the plague. You're a black American woman and an employee, all of those will be intriguing aspects to this scenario."
"And I'm not his usual type," Antoinette added a little shakily. "Oh Lord!" she whispered.
"Precisely. I'm preparing you for what's to come." The queen rose gracefully. "Take your time getting dressed. I'll see you in the office."
As soon as the doors shut behind the woman, she flopped back on the pillows and blew out a breath. So, it was real. She was getting married. Her phone rang, sending a jolt through her already jangled nervous system.
"You could have waited," she said accusingly as soon as she answered.
"Hi." His deep, slightly accented voice had her heart melting. "You were sleeping so peacefully, I did not have the heart to wake you."
"Tomas, I did not say you could tell anyone."
"No?" His voice was tinged with amusement. "I took a measurement of your ring finger and guess where I am?"
She sighed in resignation. "Where?"
"In Madrid. I want us to be officially engaged so there's no backing out on your end."
"Your mother was just in my room and I'm still naked."
His chuckle had her lips curving. "I hope you had the good sense to cover up. She's my mother, but I like the idea of being the only one to see you like that. I want you to move into my suite."
"No."
"Querida-"
"No. I would like us to have our own space before-" She closed her eyes. "December! How are we going to pull it off? That's barely a month from now."
"That's why we have people to do that sort of thing. I love you," he whispered.
She closed her eyes and felt the familiar weakness invading her being.
"Say it back to me," he demanded.
"What if I said I changed my mind? That I don't love you after all?"
"I would certainly not believe you. Say it back to me."
Sighing softly, she capitulated. "I love you."
"Thank you. I'll see you later, mi vida," he said before hanging up.
Before she had time to assimilate the conversation, her doors swung open again to admit a stream of maids, led by Carmen.
"We're all so excited, Señorita Antoinette. A royal wedding!"
With a sigh, she accepted the fact that it was out in the open.
*****
