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Grace blinked in surprise. “That has got to be the most unromantic thing I have heard in my entire life.”
I nodded. “Welcome to my world.”
“So . . . you’re not in love,” she said.
I shook my head. “Not even a little. She and I are more like cousins, so excuse me if the entire thing feels absurd.”
“Then why go through with the charade?” Grace asked.
“It’s complicated,” I said with a sigh. “Let's just say it’s expected of me as the heir apparent, and according to my mother, it’s what is best for my country. Now, it doesn’t need to be an emotional wedding. The priority is throwing a lavish, opulent affair befitting royalty. I want you to pull out all the stops. Spare no expense. Will that be a problem?”
Grace chewed her lip thoughtfully. “I still haven’t said yes, Your Highness. I usually plan weddings for people who are truly in love.”
I held up a hand. “Please, call me Oliver.”
Grace smiled warmly. “Sounds good, Oliver. ”
“What will it take?” I asked. “Name it.”
She set down her fork. “My life is in complete disarray. Going to Europe for a month feels wrong. Like I’m running away. That’s not something I’ve ever done before, even when things were at their worst.”
“I paid your rent for three months,” I said. “I also offered to pay your legal fees for the bride suing you, plus I will compensate you very well for your services. Your life will only get better by accepting the job. It gives you breathing room to turn everything around. I’m offering you a lifeline. Take it and don’t look back. This is an opportunity for redemption and positive publicity for your company.”
Grace sighed, then glanced over at Dante. “You’ve been mighty quiet. What do you think about all this?”
Dante wiped his mouth. “Well?—”
“It’s not his wedding,” I said.
“I’d like to hear what he has to say,” Grace said. “Unless you don’t allow your employees to speak their mind.”
“Dante has never had a problem with expressing his thoughts.” I chuckled and turned toward him. “Very well. Dante, my good man, what are your thoughts on Grace planning my wedding? Do you think what I am offering is fair?”
Dante hesitated. “The offer is very generous, indeed.”
I held up my hand before he addressed me formally. “That is all we need to know.”
A woman walked by and did a double-take in our direction.
“Not good,” I mumbled.
“What is it?” Grace said.
I kept my voice low. “I can’t be certain, but there is a distinct possibility that the woman who just passed our table knows who I am.”
Grace eyed my clothes. “With that outfit? I doubt it.”
“Actually, I got the same feeling—she looked suspicious,” Dante said, watching the woman walk outside, then turn to glance at us through the window. “It would behoove you to take care of the check.”
“I think you’re right.” I pulled out my credit card and waved Sadie over.
“Something else, darlin’?” she asked.
“Would you be so kind as to wrap up this food up to go, along with that peach cobbler?”
“My pleasure,” she said, taking the credit card from me and walking away.
I turned back to Grace. “Does this mean you’ll plan my wedding?”
