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“Same to you,” Rory answered. “And I’ll take good care of Danna. She won’t suspect a thing.”
“Thanks,” Graydon said, and they clicked off, but he didn’t move. He well knew that his brother was in love with Danna. The way he looked at her, the way he was silent when Danna was around, hadn’t been difficult to see. For Graydon’s part, he would have gladly stepped aside and let Rory have her, but he couldn’t do that.
For all that he spoke of wanting a holiday, the truth was that Graydon needed to do a lot of thinking. Country or brother? was his dilemma. If he didn’t marry Danna there would be a huge uproar in his country. To toss her aside to his younger brother would cause anger and deep resentment.
The truth was that he could see no solution that didn’t involve his abdication—and even that would solve nothing. Rory would be put on the throne in his place, and his brother would hate being king.
Right now, the best Graydon could do was give his brother this week with Danna. Maybe during that time something would happen, or Graydon would figure out a solution.
He’d been lucky with this girl, Toby. Her ability to tell him from his brother fascinated him. Was it all physical? Some body lang
uage the men couldn’t disguise?
Whatever her abilities, she was certainly a kind and generous young woman and he deeply appreciated her help. He’d already decided that he was going to do all that he could to be allowed to stay with her rather than get dumped into a hotel room.
Peace and calm so he could think about his problems: That was his goal. Toby laughed at his jokes and he enjoyed her company. And it might be pleasant to involve himself in her life for the short time he had on this pretty island.
At least that’s what he told himself. Actually, the young woman confused him. He still didn’t understand why he’d struck out at his brother over her. Didn’t know why he’d been so angry when he realized that Rory had sent him away so he could test whether the girl really could tell them apart. Maybe it was some genetic throwback to when Lanconian men wore bearskins and carried swords and fought over women.
That thought made him smile. He’d loved making Toby laugh about his ancestors. In fact, making her laugh was already becoming one of his favorite things to do.
He put his phone in his pocket and walked back to the tent. People were leaving and he saw Toby going from one person to another and making sure they’d had a good time. They were taking away boxes of food and cake and smiling at her.
He had a feeling that if someone didn’t step in and physically remove her, she might stay there all night. He could imagine her there at three A.M. making sure the place was clean.
Maybe for the next week, when he didn’t have a country and army and charities to look after, he could take care of one overworked young lady.
Smiling, he stepped into the tent.
Graydon had to practically drag Toby from the wedding. As the people left, she began to clean up trash, fold empty chairs, and set centerpiece flower arrangements on one table. Tomorrow they’d be picked up by a local charity. But Graydon caught her arm and pulled her away. “You need to get some rest,” he said. “My aunt and Ken are going to give us a ride to your house.”
“But I have to—”
“It can be done in the morning and I’ll help you,” he said.
The idea of a crown prince on garbage detail almost made her laugh, but it would be rude to say so. Besides, now that the band was gone and the guests were leaving, Toby felt the tiredness that she’d been fighting. For days she’d been working on adrenaline and little else. Tonight, if it hadn’t been for Graydon, she wouldn’t have had any dinner.
“All right,” she said. “I’m ready to go.”
He motioned toward the tent door, where Jilly and Ken were waiting for them. Jilly looked from Graydon to Toby and back again, but she said nothing.
As soon as Ken started the engine, Toby fell asleep in the back of the big SUV, and her head leaned against Graydon’s shoulder. When he put his hand on her cheek to steady her, she snuggled closer to him.
Jilly turned in the front seat and looked at Toby, then at Graydon. She couldn’t quite keep the frown off her face.
“Trust me,” Graydon said softly. “I won’t hurt her.”
Jilly turned back around and Ken squeezed her hand. Minutes later, they stopped in front of a small house.
“This is it,” Jilly said, looking back at them. “Maybe Ken should—”
“Oh! I think I fell asleep,” Toby said as the car light came on, and she sat up straight.
“You’re exhausted,” Ken said as he got out and opened the door for Toby. He put his hands on her arms. “I can’t thank you enough for today. You did a wonderful job. Everything was perfect.”
“Victoria wants me to plan a wedding for her and Dr. Huntley,” Toby blurted out.
“Does she?” Ken said, and he knew Toby was warning him. Sometimes men reacted strangely about the remarriage of their ex-wives. “I’m glad for her,” he said, “and you’ll do a great job.” Bending, he kissed her cheek and whispered, “Will you plan my wedding to Jilly? Our secret? At least until I ask her.”
