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When the parade is over, we make our way inside Ben’s Place, the small restaurant nearby, and sit down for some appetizers. “What was it like growing up as a prince?” I ask Jeff as we wait for our food.
“It had its advantages—and disadvantages. I had a loving family and all of the best schooling, I was never in need of anything, and the palace was like a huge playground for me. But growing up royal also means that I had to meet certain—expectations, and people always treated me differently.”
“That has to be rough.”
“It is, but at least I’ve always had Nigel. He’s always been there for me as a friend when I’ve needed him.”
“How did you two meet?”
“His parents worked for my parents, so we kind of grew up together. Then, when we were older, he became my bodyguard as well as my friend.”
Jeff patiently answers all of my questions, and tells me about his life in Rohemia while we share cheese curds and deep fried pickles—two foods that he had never eaten before tonight, but has now added to his list of favorites. After we’re finished eating, he drives us back to my house and joins me inside. Once we’re both settled on the couch, I turn to look him in the eyes. “Jeff, when you go back to Rohemia, I’ll come with you.”
“Are you sure?” he asks hopefully, searching my face. “If you need more time—”
“I don’t. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
He leans in to kiss me. It’s a long, sweet kiss filled with passion. “Hearing you say that makes me the happiest man in the world.”
We spend the rest of the night cuddling and making passionate love to one another. It makes me even more certain that my decision to go with Jeff is the right one.
5
Jeff
Over the next week, Sarah and I spend time packing her belongings and making the necessary arrangements for her to join me in Rohemia. The plan is for her to stay with me for six months so that we have adequate time to learn more about each other, but if all goes well, I hope that she’ll make the move permanent.
“My parents have agreed to have a room prepared for you at the palace.”
“The palace—I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to that. But I look forward to meeting the King and Queen. I hope that they find me—acceptable,” Sarah says a little sheepishly. “Are you sure that they’re okay with me staying there? I don’t want to impose on royalty.”
“Don’t worry—you’re the woman that I love, so you’ll never be an imposition. Besides, my parents will love you, and it’ll be great for you to experience what life in the palace is like,” I say, comforting her.
“I hope you’re right. The fact that I’m the woman that you love, and I’m not royal, is what worries me. I’ve watched all of the royal romance movies—the King and Queen are never happy about the idea of their heir being with a commoner.”
I can’t help but laugh. “Relax, Sarah. My parents are nothing like the royals that you see in the movies. They don’t believe in the whole arranged marriage, keeping the bloodline pure thing. They’ve always taught me that I’m free to follow my heart as long as I don’t neglect my royal responsibilities—and the woman who will one day reign at my side can be whoever I choose her to be.”
“That makes me feel a little bit better at least. I really am looking forward to meeting them and staying at the palace with you.” She folds a sweater before placing it into her suitcase. “Well, that’s the last shirt that I needed to pack,” she states as she zips up her bag.
“Good. Are you all ready, then?”
“I think so. All that’s left now is to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends, and say our goodbyes. Speaking of which, Christmas Eve is in a few days, and my parents have invited you to spend it with us at their home.”
“That sounds wonderful—I’m looking forward to spending time with them as well.” I smile and wrap my arms around her waist. “Until it’s time to leave for Rohemia, I want nothing more than to be wherever you are.”
“I think that can be arranged,” Sarah says as she leans up to kiss me. “There’s still a few more days for me to show you the rest of the holiday festivities that Bessemer has to offer—along with a few special, festive, activities of my own to show you,” she adds with a gleam in her eye.
I’m not sure what she has in store for me, but I like the sound of that.
“Thank you for inviting me this evening,” I say when Sarah and I arrive at her parents’ home on Christmas Eve.
“Of course! We couldn’t let you spend Christmas alone—especially if you’re dating our daughter,” her mother says cheerfully as she takes the gifts that we brought and heads into the living room to put them under the tree.
“It feels like you’re already part of our family, son,” her father adds as he pats me on the back.
“Well, thank you for trusting me enough to take your daughter halfway around the world with me.”
“We trust you because Sarah trusts you—but if you break her heart or hurt her in any way, I will hunt you down,” he warns. “I don’t care if you are a prince.”
