Page 12 of The Un-Apparent Heir

Robbie blushed.

“I want this story,” Sanne giggled. “I need this.”

“I’m like ten weeks pregnant with Paul. It was my easiest pregnancy, mind you. We had to try for years for him. And finally, Paul. Our easiest baby and most challenging toddler.”

“He was a dreadful baby. He never slept. You just loved him because he looked like you. Paul, you were a nightmare. I hope anything but that for you.”

“Robbie, don’t be an ass,” Vanna said.

Sanne loved it when her in-laws argued. It humanised them. People wouldn’t believe Robbie was as bad as his son at thinking before he spoke. No one would guess their sweet Queen could be so direct and admonishing when needed. She kept her husband on a leash. He needed it. Sanne found herself doing the same with Paul. Paul may have been his mother’s spitting image, but he had his father’s lack of self-awareness.

“We hosted a dinner. There were about thirty royals in the room and he noted I was ill and flagging because of ‘the baby,’ We only had full-on kids at that time. The twins were no longer babies. And there were two of them. Not to mention that I was showing and trying to hide it.”

“I flubbed. I should have caught myself, but I was excited. It was too soon. She was nervous to say it,” Robbie agreed. “I felt dreadful, Vanora.”

“Well, you didn’t seem to care much at the moment.”

“You were hormonal.”

Vanna rolled her eyes. “Robert, I am not getting into things from nearly thirty years ago.”

“Uh-huh,” he gave her a cheeky grin.

“I should smack that smile off your face,” she said, playfully. “The point is, Paul, I need you and George to not run your mouths. That’s all. And you, too, Robert.”

“I have learned my lesson, Vanna.”

“I will do my best,” Paul said. “But she’s ill, so we must get creative. Let’s ask Lucy what to do. She will know.”

“Lucy has never managed to cover up a pregnancy and she’s already swamped, Paul,” Sanne said.

“Your staff can talk to Meredith. She must remember how to do it,” Vanna said. “We will rework your schedule, Sanne. It will be okay. And, yes, the press will get nosy. But we will deny through omission until you both are comfortable announcing it.”

“It could be good. Natalie has yet to produce an heir. It will calm them and distract them from that,” Robbie said.

“Don’t ever say that to her, Robert!” Vanna said. “I am serious! You never know what she and Ed are planning.”

“They’ve said they wanted to wait.”

“So did we,” Paul said. “I agree with Mum. Please don’t make this an us versus them thing.”

“Fine. You are probably right. I am just excited. I’d like to have a house full of grandchildren someday.”

“We already have two! Slow it down,” Vanna said. “Charlotte and Leah are wonderful.”

“Maybe a boy?” Robbie said. “Even the playing field a bit.”

Vanna rolled her eyes.

“What? I am not the only one thinking it.”

“We want a girl,” Paul said.

“I honestly don’t care,” Sanne giggled. “I have no clue how to raise a boy. I’ve only been raised by women and I have nothing but nieces now. I want a happy, healthy baby. A fat one, preferably. They’re cuter.”

“Paul was a massive baby,” Vanna said. “I think you will get what you want. I will say a prayer for you. He was a challenge to deliver.”

“It was fine,” Robbie said.

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