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“I want to be part of yours and Tristan’s meetings and take some responsibilities off your plates and run meetings on my own. I don’t want to simply organize banquets, go to women’s lunches, and support you from the sidelines. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I feel like I could do more to help you and our country with my background and experience.”
For a moment, he simply stared at her.
“You don’t like that idea?” she asked, her voice wary.
“Oh, Madeline. I love that idea. Do you realize how much you’ve helped and inspired T and me? Given us a different perspective, fresh eyes, hope? Both of us would be honored to have you working with us every day, and T actually suggested something similar. We want you to be on our team.”
“I want to be on your team, Nolan.” She smiled softly. “I never aspired to be queen, but I will do my best to beyourqueen. Because all that truly matters to me is that I love the king more than I ever imagined I could love a man.”
Nolan let out a very un-kingly whoop that probably startled the guards and the ducks in the river. Then he swooped her off the cushion and onto his lap and proceeded to kiss her.
They were lost in each other until they were finished with their kissing session. The sun went down, and they were both embarrassed to learn that a platoon of guards had been stationed to watch over them. Nolan apologized to the guards, but they all were as gracious as ever, even if Captain Levi did have a rare twinkle in his eyes.
As they walked out front, Chad and Hope met them.
Chad hugged his mum tight. “Are you all right?”
“Yes.” She beamed up at Nolan. “My king came for me.”
Chad rolled his eyes and looked at Nolan.
“He’s taking me home, Chad,” Madeline said.
Chad looked confused.
“Major Chad Prescott,” Nolan said very seriously. “May I have permission to marry your mum?”
Chad glanced back and forth between them.
Hope nudged him. “Yes,” she whispered. “He makes your mum very happy. She’s sparkling, and you can’t say no to the king.”
Madeline laughed at that. “I tell him that all the time.”
Nolan lifted his hands and quirked an eyebrow. “I try not to abuse the power, but don’t tempt me.”
Everyone but Chad laughed. He looked Nolan over and then a grin quirked on his lips. “You do make my mum happy, and you’ve always treated me like one of your own. I’d be honored to have you marry my mum.” He stuck out his hand, and they shook on it.
Then there were rounds of hugs and tears with Hope and Madeline. Nolan watched with a smile, pondering how soon he could buy Madeline the perfect ring. Jennifer wore the queen’s ring, and he felt that was right. Madeline deserved a unique, special, and breathtaking ring to match what she was to him.
Nolan escorted Madeline to the Lamborghini and, for the first time in his life, he drove slowly. He didn’t want to ditch his guards, and he wanted to savor each moment of their time together.
When they hit his valley and glimpsed the castle glowing across the way, she murmured, “Home.”
“Home,” Nolan repeated.
“I’ve loved this languid drive and time together, but I can hardly wait to hug Kiera. Then you and I are going to hug and kiss for a very long time.”
His stomach heated. “Are you saying you want me to go fast?”
“Yes, love. Let’s feel the power of this Lambo.”
Nolan laughed. Then he pressed down on the gas and they shot down the highway. Madeline’s laughter was the most beautiful thing he’d ever heard.
* * *
Thank you for reading about the royals of Augustine. I hope you loved the series! The fun continues in the three-book Christmas series,Christmas in Augustine.
Hugs and thanks,
