Page 12 of His Unexpected Heir

Astra knew that the crenelation was so that soldiers could shoot arrows at the enemy approaching from below, but it still looked magnificent! As Macie drove closer, Astra saw that there was even a drawbridge! An actual freaking drawbridge! What she suspected had been a moat in previous centuries, was now filled with flowers and bushes that bloomed in a profusion of color. The flowers and bushes might have been planted there at some point by an ambitious landscaper, but at the moment, it looked more organic than curated.

“This is amazing!” Macie gasped as she and Astra stared out through the windows, trying to take it all in. “Even the village down the road looks so picturesque.”

Astra had to agree. “I used to dream about living in a place like this,” she admitted with a small laugh. “My mother told me that I could achieve my dreams if I just tried hard enough.”

Macie laughed and turned down the long driveway. “Well, you and I will be living in this particular castle for the next two months!”

Astra touched her stomach, then remembered that Macie didn’t know about her pregnancy. She was now four and a half months pregnant and was grateful for the chilly, spring temperatures, which allowed her to wear big, bulky sweaters. She’d only known about her pregnancy for two weeks and it was still new, still a shock every time she thought about it.

She’d visited an obstetrician last week and was now stocked up on prenatal vitamins and a whole list of dos and don’ts for the next several months. Before that doctor’s visit, Astra hadn’t realized that she wasn’t supposed to sleep on her back, which was fine since she was a side sleeper. Unfortunately, she preferred sleeping on her right side, but she was getting used to sleeping on her left. There was something about how the blood vessels that traveled through one’s body, so she’d started sleeping on her left. Of course, most mornings, she woke up on her right, but she’d learn. Just like she’d figure out all of the other stuff she’d have to learn once the baby arrived.

Gazing at the castle, she wondered if she should have reserved a hotel instead. There were several pregnancy restrictions and it might be easier if she could control her environment.

Mentally, she pushed that thought aside. If she needed to move to a hotel, she’d just tell the castle owner that she needed to work late into the nights and didn’t want to disturb anyone. That was often true, especially when a big event drew closer. There were so many details to finalize at the last minute and Astra wasn’t very good at….

Whatever thought had started to form in her mind vanished as soon as the tall, handsome man stepped out through the iron studded entryway of the castle.

“Who is he?” Macie hissed. “He’s gorgeous!”

Astra’s mouth tried to form words, but nothing came out. She was too stunned to speak! Antonio del Campo stood on the stone pathway, an older woman by his side.

“Antonio!” Astra whispered.

Macie turned, her stunned gaze looking at Astra. “You know him?”

Astra nodded slowly, not sure if she was even breathing.

“Well, he’s hot!”

Jealousy zinged through her and Astra glared at her assistant. “He’s our client,” she told Macie firmly.

Macie laughed, holding up her hands. “I know. Off limits,” she replied. “I get it, but I can look,” she argued. “And I can appreciate a stunningly gorgeous man, right?”

The car came to a stop and Macie turned off the engine and stepped out of the vehicle. Immediately, she rounded the car, extending her hand. “Hello. I’m Macie Meyers. And this…?” she turned, ready to introduce Astra. But Macie’s boss was still sitting in the passenger seat. “That’s Astra Phillips.” Then Macie turned to help with the suitcases, abandoning Astra to deal with the glaring man standing on the sidewalk, looking…magnificent!

Astra took her time gathering up her tote bag. Not that it was difficult. All of her business documents and notes were in her tote. Still, she grabbed her sunglasses out of the tote and slipped them on before stepping out of the car.

Someone, a castle employee perhaps, was pulling their suitcases out of the trunk and Macie was busy offering him some money for a tip. So, Astra didn’t even have her assistant available as a buffer as she straightened and looked up at Antonio.

Obviously, he was just as surprised as she was. That reassured her slightly, but not enough to give her confidence as she stared back at the man who had rocked her world almost five months ago.

“Antonio,” she said in greeting.

He was silent for a long moment, then gestured to the older woman by his side. “This is Eldora, my housekeeper,” he explained.

Astra stepped forward, extending her hand to the dour looking woman. “Ms. Eldora, it’s a pleasure to…”

“It’s Senora Eldora, per favor,” the housekeeper interrupted. But the woman shook Astra’s hand. “I’ll show you to your rooms,” and then the woman turned, walking into the castle without any other greeting or waiting to see if either Macie or Astra were following.

Astra turned to Macie. “Can you take our luggage to our rooms? I need to speak to our client for a moment.”

Macie’s shocked expression morphed into a knowing smile. “Of course,” she replied, then turned and tugged both suitcases along the stone pathway. They both rolled along behind her so it wasn’t hard.

“Leave the luggage,” Antonio ordered. “I’ll have someone bring them to your rooms in a moment.”

Macie hesitated, then glanced at Astra, who nodded. Macie set both suitcases on the sidewalk and followed the now-absent housekeeper into the castle.

Standing in the cool sunshine, Astra stared up at the man who had forever changed her life.

---