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“So, when are you going to introduce me to this Theo guy?”
I laughed. “Soon, I promise. How weird is it that you want to meet my potential husband that was going to be your husband?”
“Very weird,” she said. “But that’s how it is in our lives.”
57
THEO
It was the day. The moment of truth. My life would change tonight. I was going to walk away a broken man or the happiest man on the planet. It was a big deal. Everything had to be right. The anticipation weighed heavily on my mind. There were arrangements I needed to make, and it was crucial that everything went according to plan. One wrong move and I was going to be left jilted and broken.
Before I set off to meet Emilie’s father, I wanted to have a heart-to-heart conversation with my own parents. They had always supported me, and I wanted to ensure they understood the gravity of the situation and the decision I was about to make. They needed to know there was a damn good chance I was about to smear the family name.
For the second year in a row.
If Emilie didn’t meet me tonight, it was going to send some serious shockwaves through our society and my family. Victoria said she didn’t care if shit hit the fan, but I knew she did. She was going to be tainted by two broken matches. It was just a fact. My parents needed to prepare themselves for the fallout.
I found them in the drawing room, my mother meticulously arranging a vase of fresh flowers. I cleared my throat, and they both turned to look at me, their expressions expectant.
“Mom, Dad, there’s something I need to tell you.”
They exchanged a brief glance, and my mother put the vase down, her attention on me. “What is it, Theo? You seem very serious. Is everything okay?”
I nodded, taking a deep breath. “After the interview, Emilie and I had a small argument. I broke the match.”
My mom smiled and my father nodded. “We know,” Mom said.
“You know? Did they call you?” Panic gripped me. I wasn’t ready for it to officially be over.
“No one has made anything official,” Dad said.
“But you knew?”
“We’re not blind,” Mom said, laughing. “We assumed the interview was the reason you were hiding out. But you’re here, so what does that mean?”
“I sent her a letter,” I explained. “I’ve made arrangements to meet with Emilie’s father. I want to speak to him before the final ball.”
My father arched an eyebrow, concern etching his features. “Theo, what’s the purpose of this meeting?”
I saw the concern in his eyes. They were worried I was going to call it off and ruin everything.
“I plan to ask for Emilie’s hand in marriage tonight, during the final ball.”
A mixture of surprise and pride flashed across their faces. My mother’s eyes shone with unshed tears, and my father relaxed. It was a big decision.
My mother was the first to break into a smile. “Theo, we couldn’t be prouder of the man you’ve become. You’re a good man. I am so glad you were able to accept her for who she is.”
“I’m still not going to agree to be the guy they trot out when it serves a purpose,” I said. “I don’t think that’s Emilie’s wishes. I will talk to Magnus and make it clear I want to marry Emilie, not him and his crown and all his ridiculous rules. If he doesn’t think that’s going to work and he refuses to allow me to marry Emilie with my stipulations, then I can’t do it. I hope you will understand. I just can’t be that guy she described in the interview. I won’t.”
My dad placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. “Son, we’ve always believed in your ability to make the right choices for yourself. If this is what your heart desires, we stand behind you wholeheartedly.”
“He’s right,” Mom said, nodding. “That young woman we saw in the interview is not the same woman we hosted at our home. That was her father speaking. I’m sure you can get through to her.”
“I hope so, but I just wanted to let you know that things might not work out,” I said. “I hope they do, but I have to do what’s right for all of us.”
“I’m sure it will be just fine,” Mom said, smiling.
“Would you like me to go with you?” Dad asked. “I have no problem talking with Magnus and explaining there needs to be some guidelines.”
