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I chuckled. “Indeed. I’m a big fan of leftovers.”
“Me, too!”
“It drives Mother absolutely insane,” I added, then gestured at the food. “Let’s eat.”
Between the three of us, we devoured every morsel on the cart.
“There is one small piece of business I would like to discuss with you, if you don’t mind,” I said, glancing over at Dante, who handed me the paperwork.
“After that wonderful surprise, we can discuss whatever you wish,” Grace said, wiping her mouth with her napkin.
“A contract,” I announced, handing her a copy and a pen. “You have everything we discussed in writing. I just need your signature on the second page, and you have a guarantee. Not even my mother can oust you from your position.”
Grace was glancing the first page of the contract, but then glanced at me. “Why would your mother want to get rid of me?”
I shifted in my seat. “Well, you see, I hired you without my mother’s consent. She doesn’t even know I replaced the official wedding planner with you.”
“What!?” Grace said, practically jumping out of her seat. “Why would you do such a thing?”
“It’s just, when she finds out I hired you, she may try to fire you,” I said. “That’s just what she does. This contract guarantees you will benefit from our arrangement. You are under my hire, and that she can’t do a thing about it. That’s all.”
“That’s all? Are you kidding me?” Grace exclaimed. “You want me to sign something that makes me directly at odds with the Queen of Verdana? No way!” She stood up abruptly. “Get me off this plane. Now.”
My eyes widened. “You want to exit the aircraft? At thirty-five-thousand feet?”
“Yes! Get me a parachute,” Grace demanded, crossing her arms. “I want no part of this.”
“Grace, please relax,” I said reassuringly. “This is just a formality. My mother is away visiting the Spanish royal family right now in Madrid. When she gets back, I will tell her the wedding planner left, and I was solving a problem by bringing you in to take over the duties. I will convince her I cannot have a wedding without you. I promise. You have nothing to worry about. Besides, the contract is between me and you, so technically, she should not be able to fire you.”
Grace bit her lip, uncertainty flickering across her face. “I don’t know. I already have enough drama in my life.”
“Let’s not assume the worst.” I stood and took her hands in mine, giving them a gentle squeeze. “Please. I can’t do this without you.”
Grace searched my eyes, then sighed. “Okay. I’ll sign, since she’s away. But you better keep me far from the queen until you break the news.”
I grinned as she scrawled her signature, securing our partnership.
Grace handed me the signed contract and pen. “Is there anything else you need to tell me or warn me about? I don’t like surprises.”
I nodded. “Just one more thing . . .”
She sighed. “I don’t care if you’re a prince—don’t make me hurt you.”
I chuckled. “I promise—you’ll like this surprise.” I signaled to Jill, who returned with slices of peach cobbler for the three of us.
Grace’s expression softened as she sat back down. “Okay, you’re right. This is a good surprise.”
After dessert, we chatted about movies, books, vacations, and life in the palace. A few hours later, the gentle hum of the jet’s engines seemed to lull Grace into a state of drowsiness. Her eyelids grew heavy, and soon enough, she drifted off to sleep, her head resting against the plush seat.
I couldn’t help but steal glances at her as she slept, her face a picture of tranquility. There was an angelic quality to her appearance, with her brown hair framing her face like a halo. I found myself entranced by her peaceful slumber, marveling at how easy she was to talk to, even when we disagreed.
Dante caught me staring and gave me a knowing look.
I quickly buried my nose back in my book.
As the jet began its descent toward the airport runway in Verdana, Grace stirred from her slumber, rubbing her eyes and giving us a disoriented smile. She yawned and stretched, trying to wake herself up.
“How long was I sleeping?” she asked.
