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“I must say—this is so out of character for you,” Veronica said. “You don’t feel the slightest bit of guilt for this plan of yours?”
I sighed. “I would be lying if I said I didn’t, but there really is no other way. The alternative is you and me being married forever.”
Veronica nodded. “Good point.”
“Prince Oliver!” called out a little girl, running toward me with arms wide open, effectively pulling me from my thoughts. I bent down to catch her in a big embrace, feeling her infectious giggle vibrate against my chest.
“Hello there, Carmen,” I said warmly after reading her name tag. “Are you enjoying yourself?”
“Uh-huh!” she exclaimed, her eyes shining with excitement. “I got my face painted like a butterfly, see?” She pointed to the colorful design adorning her cheeks, and I couldn’t help but smile at her enthusiasm.
“Absolutely beautiful,” I said, causing her to blush and giggle once more.
“I agree!” Veronica added as the girl ran off.
“Well done, Your Highness,” said Mr. Thomas, a major donor, dressed in a perfectly cut tuxedo. “Including the children was a brilliant idea. Several parents have already told me their kids seem happier and more optimistic. It’s not surprising that their involvement has inspired many guests to increase their donations.”
The fundraiser had been the same monotonous affair year after year, full of stuffed shirts donating for the prestige, so his words were music to my ears.
“Thank you, but I can’t take the credit,” I replied. “Our wedding planner, Miss Fullerton, was the one who proposed it.”
“Then I would like to personally thank her myself,” he said.
“We’re hoping for her arrival at any minute,” I said.
“I look forward to making her acquaintance,” Mr. Thomas said before being called away by another guest.
I plastered on my best princely smile as the cameras flashed, trying not to blink against the blinding lights. I exchanged pleasantries on autopilot, nodding and making small talk, all while scanning the room for any sign of Grace.
“Oliver, she’s here,” Veronica said, gesturing to the entrance.
As we walked in her direction, a group of children immediately flocked to Grace, nearly knocking her over with their enthusiastic and affectionate hugs.
“Miss Grace! You look like a princess!” one exclaimed.
“Please take a photo with me!” another said.
Grace’s smile lit up the tent as she exchanged more hugs and high-fives than I’d seen in my entire life. I couldn’t help but marvel at the impact Grace had on these children.
“Your Highnesses.” Grace curtseyed as we approached her, then admiring Veronica’s elegant black sequined dress, said enthusiastically, “You look stunning.”
“Thank you—you are far too kind,” Veronica said, offering her a warm smile as she admired Grace’s red, floor-length gown. “I was just about to say the same thing about you.”
“Thank you,” Grace said, glancing at me and nodding. “Nice tux, Prince Oliver.”
“Oh, uh, thank you,” I said, adjusting my bow tie. “It’s obvious this event means a lot to the children. Just look at them.” I gestured to the impromptu dance party that had broken out behind her. “This was an inspired idea, I must say. You should be proud.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. That means a lot to me,” Grace said, her cheeks flushing pink.
A server stopped by and offered champagne to the three of us.
“Perfect timing,” I said, holding up my glass. “To the children!”
“Cheers!” we all said, clinking our glasses.
“And to the Adana orchid!” Grace added, beaming. “Mission completed. I’ve got all one hundred and twenty-five of them.”
I nearly choked on my champagne.
