Page 146 of The Devil’s Lair

She wraps an arm across my abdomen. “Now we’re alone, I have something to tell you.”

“Oh.” I straighten, giving her my full attention.

“I planned to tell you right after the adoption, but then you decided to tell your family about what happened to you, and that was much more important.”

“I disagree. Nothing is more important than you and what you have to tell me.”

“Perhaps necessary is a better word.” She shifts her weight and reaches behind her into the back pocket of her jeans. “I have a present for you.”

She hands me a long, thin, giftwrapped box, tied with a pink and blue striped bow. I tug on the ribbon and open the box. Inside is a white stick. There’s a window in the middle and the word “Pregnant” is written in blue.

My jaw falls open. I look at her, then the stick, then back at my wife.

“Oh, my God, is this real?”

She nods. “Yep. I suspected a few days ago, but I wanted to be sure before I told you. Since it’s impossible to sneak off anywhere in this family without an army of bodyguards, I ordered a bunch of pregnancy tests online. They arrived right before Isla’s adoption papers. It’s good news, right?”

“Wren.” I take my wife’s face in my hands and kiss her. “It’s the best news.” I kiss her again and again. “You’ve given me everything. A life I never thought I’d have, a daughter whom I love with all my heart, and now a brother or sister for Isla. You made me a husband, a family man, a father, and a lover. I love you so much.”

“You gave me everything, too. Safety, security, the father my daughter deserved all along, and the kind of love that dreams are made of. I love you, and I can’t wait to spend my life with you.”

I press my hand to her stomach. Inside there is my baby. Our baby. It’s equal parts thrilling and utterly terrifying.

Once, we were both broken, yet we found each other and survived. Now, together, we get to build something new.

Chapter Forty-Five

SASKIA

The chandeliers adorning the ornate ceiling in the ancient ballroom inside Buckingham Palace twinkle and glow with a buttery soft, yellow light. Paintings of royalty going back centuries line the walls, watching the events unfold. Truth be told, they give me the creeps even more than the ones at Oakleigh do. It’s like they’re judging me as their future queen and finding me lacking.

Screw them. I did it. I landed the most eligible bachelor in the United Kingdom, and a prince to boot. It’s what Mum always wanted for me, and damn it, I made it happen—with Dad’s help, of course. The negotiations have taken months, and the entire time, I was on pins waiting for our secret to get out before we were ready to announce it. Thank goodness that didn’t happen.

I don’t love Luis anymore than he loves me, but that doesn’t matter to either of us. We like and respect one another and enjoy spending time together. He’s a good man, and he’ll be a great dad. He also finds my outspokenness something of a breath of fresh air in the stuffy world of Britain’s royalty—his words, not mine. Although I will have to keep my trap shut when the occasion calls for it. I can do that. Probably.

We’re friends—good friends—and that’s enough for me if it means I get to carry out Mum’s wishes.

I wish she was here. Even though my memories of her are virtually non-existent, the one thing I do remember is her telling me I was destined to grow up and marry a prince.

I glance up at the ceiling to a Heaven I’m not sure I believe in but take comfort in from time to time. “I did it, Mum. I hope you’re proud.”

The skin on my palm is sore from the amount of handshaking I’ve had to do. The engagement party of the heir to the throne is a big fucking deal, and the guest list ballooned to over one thousand people by the time the courtiers had finished compiling it.

One thousand. Insane.

My wedding will have double that, according to Luis.

The thought brings me out in hives. I may be forthright and confident, but even I have my limits.

A wisp of air brushes along the back of my neck, and a husky, baritone voice I’ve known my entire life murmurs, “Do I have to get on my knees in front of you now, princess?”

I turn in time to see Donovan Sinner’s cocky smirk form. “I heard they let the riff raff in.” I glance around as though I’m looking for someone. “Security.”

Donovan chuckles. “Same old Saskia.”

“You didn’t expect me to change, did you?” I grin. “Thanks for coming. I really appreciate it. It’s good to see a friendly face among the crowds of stuffy politicians and international royalty.”

“Oh, we didn’t have a choice. My father insisted the entire Sinner clan came along for the ride.”