Page 21 of Falling for the Queen Mother

"That makes absolutely no sense."

She lifted one arm in a casual shrug. "Things seldom do when someone is only after power and authority."

"Very true."

The focus needed to shift. "Tell me about your family? How many children do you have?"

Nathaniel pointed his fork at her. "Don't think you're getting off that easily. I do, in fact, want to know more about your family as well."

"We have plenty of time." That was as close as Alaina was willing to come to commitment at the moment.

The look in his face told Alaina he'd picked up on what she really meant, but he didn't press her.

Not this time.

She suspected that wouldn't last forever, but she'd relish the temporary reprieve while she had it.

For the rest of their meal, Nathaniel told her about his family - his late wife, their children, the grandchildren - and how they'd scattered to the far end of the earth.

Or at least to the States, Dellisole, Western Novigradia, New Zealand, and at least one would be moving again soon.

"I love that my children are close to me," Alaina admitted. "I don't always see them as much as I'd like, but at least they're nearby."

"That's true, and I loved that as well, but now when they come to see me or I go to see them, we tend to have several concentrated days of time together." He wiped his mouth on his napkin and set it to the side. "There are pros and cons to both sides, I suppose."

"Very true."

They each put their empty dishes back onto the cart and Nathaniel pushed it outside of her main door as Alaina sent a message to the kitchen that they were done.

"Would you like to watch a movie?" She picked up the remote and settled into her favorite chair. It was large and comfortable, but not really big enough for two - and for now, she was fine with that.

For a second, she thought he might protest, but instead, he gave a nod and found a spot on the sofa near her chair.

They decided on a classic - Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda in 9 to 5. With the fairly recent passing of Dolly, her movies had enjoyed a resurgence of popularity. Alaina knew she had seen it, but she also knew it had been a long time.

The unmistakable sounds of Dolly's song filled the room, filling Alaina with a feeling of sadness. "She was incredible. It's odd to miss someone I never met, isn't it?"

"I think most of the Western world felt the same way, probably still does. She was the Queen of Eastern Tennessee, an international advocate for literacy, and from all reports one of the kindest people you'd ever want to meet. It makes sense that many people around the world would miss her." Nathaniel didn't look her direction, but at least he seemed to understand.

It was the same with members of the royal family

8

Watching a forty-five year old movie with Alaina wasn't how Nate expected to spend the evening, but it was fairly enjoyable watching the hijinks. Afterward, he said good night, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and accepted an escort back to his room from security.

He slept better that night than he had the night before but this time, he slept in a real bed rather than sharing a lounge chair with someone else.

After breakfast the next morning, he made his way to the archives where work continued. At least he remembered his identification this time. The next couple of days were more of the same. Spending the day working with the others in the archives - and finding nothing - then having dinner with Alaina, followed by a movie, and an escort back to his temporary home.

Would it become his permanent home? Not these quarters, most likely, but with Alaina?

Or would they travel the world, visiting his kids and grandkids, studying ancient artwork, and returning here to see her family?

Or would they end up single again despite their discussions about having a marriage of friendship rather than of passion?

He suspected that wasn't what either of them would prefer out of life in general, but given the developments of the last few days, it might be the best option.

The announcement hadn't been made. Not yet.