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With the more challenging road, he slowed his speed and downshifted. The Veneno took the curves easily, and Nolan enjoyed every second of this ride—the pace, the control, and the power of his car, but most of all that Madeline was by his side, and she loved it.
She let out a whoop as they raced around a corner. He couldn’t stop himself from glancing at her and laughing at the glint in her green eyes.
They reached the end of the canyon. He shot out onto the highway, glanced both ways, and spun a smooth one-eighty through both lanes.
“Yes!” Madeline cheered.
They sped back the other direction. Halfway through the canyon, they flew past his guards. He waved to them, and Madeline laughed. Sergeant Braxton was driving, and he looked stressed. The guy was tough and brave, but a bit too serious for Nolan.
“I have to slow down and let them catch up, or Ray will cuss me,” he told Madeline, slowing his speed.
She giggled. “I’d love to see the general cuss out the king.”
“Now that is hurtful. I thought you were on my team.”
“Always.” There was a promising look in her emerald eyes.
Joy filled him at that one word. Always. They would be a team in every way. Somehow, he would convince her.
“You look unbelievably enticing in that seat,” she added, her gaze trailing over him.
Nolan’s heart rate refused to slow, and his chest seemed to expand. “I know.”
She laughed beautifully at that. “I guess I can’t expect a humble king. Who would obey you if you were humble?”
“Good point.” He was still going slow and waiting for the guards, so he took his hand off the gearshift and wrapped it around hers. “I only humble myself for you, beautiful Madeline.”
They shared a look that had him full of hope and dreams of a future with her.
The guards caught up.
“Let’s go fast,” she said.
“Your wish is my command.” He had to release her hand to focus on driving. They left the guards in the dust. Nolan savored each laugh and happy cheer from Madeline.
Too soon, they were back at the castle gate. Late for dinner. Tonight Chad, Hope, and Hope’s sister Faith were joining them. They drove quickly up the hill and parked in the garage. As he got her door and assisted her from the vehicle, she smiled up at him. “Do I look flushed and excited?”
His body tightened, and he wrapped his arms around her. “Not yet, but you will.”
Madeline’s eyes widened. She leaned up, and every good dream he’d ever had of them together seemed on the verge of reality. Madeline was in his arms, where she belonged, and soon her luscious lips would be his.
Sergeant Braxton and the new guard drove into the garage. Nolan knew the men wouldn’t care, but Madeline shifted away. He wanted their first kiss to be special, so he released her and took her hand. They climbed the stairs silently and Nolan escorted her into the dining room. Madeline greeted Tristan, Jenn, Chad, Hope, Faith, Ray, Macey, and Kiera with hugs and ‘lots of love’ as this mesmerizing lady by his side liked to call her greetings.
Chad shook Nolan’s hand a bit tighter than usual and gave him some penetrating glances throughout dinner. Did Chad notice their relationship was progressing? Nolan wondered what Madeline had told him about them, but the accomplished major said nothing to indicate he could see how smitten the king was with his mum.
Chad and Tristan were as charming and full of jokes as ever. They all laughed so much through dinner that Nolan’s cheeks ached. After dinner, the group went on a long walk through the mountains to Tristan and Jennifer’s favorite waterfall.
Kiera and Faith adored each other, and it was fun to see them reunited. They skipped and danced and laughed throughout the hike. Faith was twenty-seven, but she seemed much younger. She was creative and whimsical, and the entire family loved her and was protective of her. Captain Levi in particular seemed fixated on her. Perhaps there was some history there.
They reached the waterfall, and Tristan announced, “It is tradition that we all have to jump into the waterfall pool.”
Everyone started laughing and protesting. It had been a warm August day, but the sun was hiding in the thick trees. They were all fully clothed and nobody wanted to slosh back to the castle wet and miserable.
“No protesting. If you love me, you will jump in.” Tristan winked at Jennifer, then pumped his eyebrows at them. “That trick works on my beautiful wife every time.”
“Yes, it does.” Jennifer grinned at him, grabbed his hand, and they ran together for the rock ledge and leaped. His oldest son and his perfect match flew through the air, united, and hit the water with a terrific splash.
They burst out of the water. Tristan whooped and Jennifer laughed.
