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I look at Bella. Her beautiful eyes are filled with concern. She’s such a caring person. I know she was feeling what I was when we kissed. I don’t know when we can again, but I hope that won’t be the last time.
I set the cookies aside, barely touched. “They’re preparing for his funeral. Just in case.”
She lets out a little gasp and grabs my arm tightly.
“Oh, Alex, no.”
I nod. “I have to go back. Immediately.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Don’t worry about that. What can I do? Do you need a ride to the airport?”
I laugh in spite of myself.
“You’re so sweet. No, I can take care of that. There’s only one thing I need.”
“Name it.”
“Please. Help me give my uncle his dying wish.”
She doesn’t answer. If she knew how important this is, she’d do something. I don’t care anymore about what effect this will have on my career. Just how it affects a man I love.
“I just want to do this one thing for him while I still can. If he dies and I’ve failed him, I’ll regret it for the rest of my life.”
“I’m sorry, Alex, I really am. But it’s not up to me…”
“Please, Bella. I’m begging you.” I can barely get the words out. The consequences if I fail him are overwhelming. I’ll never forgive myself.
I hear a door clang, then Lily’s voice. “What’s going on?”
Lily steps outside. “Alex, you’re as white as a sheet. What is it? What’s going on?”
Bella gives me the tiniest nod. Whatever I do now, she won’t try to stop me. Maybe she realizes this isn’t just my uncle’s last chance, but Lily’s, too.
“Will somebody tell me what is going on?”
Bella leads her over to the loveseat. Likely so she won’t fall upon hearing the news.
“I have to go home. My uncle had another attack.”
Lily gasps, and Bella quickly wraps her arm around her. “Is the King… dying?”
Tears trickle down her face.
I can’t lie to her. “There’s a distinct possibility that could happen.”
20
ISABELLA
“We should go inside.” I grab Lily by the hand and lead her into the living room. “Anyone want some water?”
Alex and Lily shake their heads. I go into the kitchen, my whole mind and body swirling from the highs and lows of the last half hour. I fill a glass of water and consider, somewhat seriously, throwing it onto myself for clarity.
I’m still flying high from the kiss. My brain is flipping back and forth, wildly alternating between that and the news about the King. I know which should be more important, but I can’t focus.
I take a few sips of water leaning over the counter.
I had been wondering what it would be like to kiss him. I had high expectations, but, God, he blew them out of the water.
