Page 56 of Falling for the Queen Mother

Nate gave her a little bit of a squeeze then relaxed his hold. "Go on." After another kiss to her head, he let go entirely. "I'll only be a few minutes behind you."

If she didn't want him to stay with her, he wouldn't, but he did need to get some sleep. The sofa was much more comfortable than it looked but he'd prefer to change first.

He picked up her bag and shoes and straightened up a little bit before going back toward the bedroom. The shower was running so he went straight to the dressing room and found a pair of athletic shorts and a t-shirt. By the time Alaina reentered the room dressed in her favorite pyjamas, he was seated on the bed with his back to the headboard and reading a book on his ereader.

Flipping the cover closed, Nate looked toward Alaina. "Did the shower help?"

She nodded and sat on the bed, turning to slide her feet under the covers without laying down - but neither did she sit back. Instead, she slumped where she was. "It helped some. I think a good massage might help more."

"Probably. I'm no expert, but I'd do my best if you'd like."

Alaina gave a shake of her head and sat there for another moment before letting herself fall backward, her head resting on the pillow. "No. I sent a message to my assistant to schedule one for me as soon as feasible. It's also likely that I'll be able to take the rest of the day off. She said there wasn't anything planned that couldn't be rescheduled."

"Good. I'm glad." That made him decide to send his own follow-up text to see if there was any way he could stay away from the archives for the day. He suspected it would be fine, but he wanted to ask, not tell.

A quick reply told him to take the whole day off.

The possibility also existed that they'd be called back to the hospital, for good or bad reasons. Though her son was stable, that didn't mean something couldn't change.

Nate set his phone and ereader on the side table then situated himself so he lay on his side with his head on the pillow and facing Alaina. He brushed the hair back off the side of her face. "How are you?"

She closed her eyes as he continued to stroke the hair back off her forehead with his thumb "Exhausted, but all right for the most part. As long as he keeps improving, I'll be fine. If something happens to him..."

She left the rest unspoken, but he understood what she meant.

"Whatever happens, you won't be alone."

A small smile played across her lips. "I know, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate that you're here."

Nate grew even more serious. "Look at me, love."

Alaina opened her eyes. "What is it?"

"I want you to know something."

"What?"

"I'm not going anywhere. I'm falling for you. I can't say it's truly love just yet, but I'm on my way. I can't imagine spending my life anywhere but with you."

Her eyes filled with tears again. "I feel the same way, Nate. I can't say it's love yet, but I can say I'm on my way. The way you helped take care of me and my family last night..." The tears began to fall. "I don't want to be anywhere else but here. With you."

Nate leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. She moved closer and laid her head on his chest as he wrapped his arm around her.

Neither one of them said anything as they finally began to get some rest.

Together.

EPILOGUE

Alaina looked beautiful.

There was no other way for Nate to think about it. She wore a dark blue dress that sparkled. Her hair was done in some sort of fancy… bun, maybe? And she wore a tiara.

Nate wore the green jacket that had been provided for him, but he still didn’t think it would look quite right. There was no reason to doubt the palace stylist, but he still felt uncomfortable about it and likely would until he saw what others were wearing and whether or not he fit in as seamlessly as he hoped.

Alaina finally walked close enough to talk to. “You look lovely.” He held out his hands to take hers. “I doubt anyone will notice me if I’m standing next to you.”

That wasn’t quite accurate of course, but close enough. Very few people would eclipse the Queen Mother on any day, much less when she was dressed as for a formal event.