Page 11 of His Royal Request

George gave me a warm smile. “I’m sure it will work out how it should.”

I wish I had his confidence, but I wasn’t feeling it. Today had been easier, being with people that knew the area and allowing them to make the plan. After twenty years of planning it was a wonderful change to let someone else take over.

“I think so too. If all I’m meant to see is the Cliffs and Galway, I won’t leave disappointed.”

“I think we can do better than that,” Aiden said. I looked to him, hoping he’d clarify but he just jumped up and hurried to the bar. I looked at George but he simply smiled.

When we got back in the car and headed to Galway Aiden began peppering me with questions.

“Your favorite food?”

“Anything Mexican.”

He nodded slowly. “I do love tacos.”

“What about you?” I figured he’d say some fancy French dish or something I’d never even heard of.

“Sunday Roast.”

I chuckled. “Really? Something so simple?”

“Miss Mariam’s cooking can’t be beaten.” George commented.

“Who’s that?” I asked looking between them.

“She’s the family chef.”

I narrowed my eyes. “Cause everyone has one of those.”

He looked uncomfortable for a moment before asking another question. “Favorite holiday?”

“Fourth of July.” I didn’t even need to think about that, but he looked surprised.

“Really? Not Christmas or Halloween? Not even Valentine’s Day?”

I shook my head. “Nope. I love the fourth because it’s during the summer, and we always spent the day at the lake then barbeque and watch fireworks. It’s the best day of the year.”

“You’re such an American.”

I nodded, proudly. “That’s right.”

“Why not Christmas?”

“Is that your favorite?”

He nodded. “Of course.”

I shrugged. “It’s so cold and snowy. Plus, there are so many expectations and it’s stressful and family drama. I feel like people are usually let down by the time it’s over. The fourth has very little expectations. You just need to relax and eat food.”

He chuckled. “I admit that does sound nice, but I still don’t think it can top Christmas.”

“What does Lochland do for its Independence Day?”

“Most cities have a parade, and it’s a day you usually spend with your family, but since it’s in November there’s no hanging out by the lake.”

“So it’s like Thanksgiving?”

He seemed to think about it. “We do have a large dinner and pies, traditionally, so I guess so.”