Page 114 of The Backup Princess

We’ve come a long way.

But the night isn’t over yet, and I have something planned for the woman of my affections.

“The fireworks are about to begin, I'm told,” Max announces. “I suggest we all go to watch them in our usual place.”

“Where's your usual place?” Chloe asks.

“Actually, let's not do that this year. Let's all go onto the terrace with everyone else,” I suggest, not because I don't want to go to our usual place to watch the fireworks. Well, not with my family, anyway.

Max leans back in his chair, slinging his arm around Sofia’s shoulders. “If you want. Makes no difference to me.”

Amelia narrows her eyes at me. “Why don't you want us to go to the roof?” she asks under her breath. “Is it because you want to take her there?” She waggles her brows at me and I can’t help but beam at her. “I knew it. She’s your perfect match.”

“How did you…?”

She laughs. “Let's see. You spend most of your time with her, and when you're not with her you've got a goofy grin on your face like you've just won the lottery. Personally, I think you’re great together, and I'm so, so happy for you.” She gives my hand a squeeze.

“She really is quite something.”

“She is. Now, go get your girl.”

I don’t need to be told twice.

“Make sure everyone goes outside with the rest of the guests. This needs to be perfect,” I say.

“You can count on me, brother,” she replies with a conspiratorial grin.

Amelia's true to her word, and as everyone steps out onto the terrace to watch the display, I take Maddie by the hand and lead her from the ballroom.

“Where are you taking me?” she asks.

“You'll have to wait and see.”

I lead her up the winding staircase until we reach a heavy wooden door that looks like something from a Mediaeval castle. Which of course it is. I tug on the wrought iron handle until the door gives and pull it back to reveal the night sky in all its expansive glory.

“Alex, it’s gorgeous!” she exclaims.

Together, we step out onto the roof, lined with the ancient battlements of a time long gone. Stars twinkle above us and the darkened mountains bask in the glow of the sunset’s final rays of the day. We make our way over to the edge and look down at the throngs of people below, milling around like little mice dressed in human clothes.

“I used to steal up here with my brother and sisters to watch the fireworks when I was a child. Tonight, I wanted to share this moment with you alone.”

Our gazes lock and a zing of anticipation soars through me.

Being here alone, with no photographers or family members or staff or anyone else to interrupt us, is as rare as the diamonds in her tiara, and I intend to use every moment we have together.

My eyes drop from hers to her soft lips and she looks so utterly beautiful in the pale moonlight, I have to stop myself from pulling her into my arms and kissing her right here and now.

It’s too soon.

This needs to be nothing short of perfection.

She gives a shiver in the cool night air, so I do what any gentleman would do and remove my jacket to wrap around her shoulders. It almost engulfs her, reminding me how much smaller she is than me, smaller and utterly gorgeous.

“Thanks.”

“Anything for you.”

“Anything?” she asks, a smile on her lips.

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