Page 102 of The Billionaire's Royal Secret

“And she complained about the ring.” He shook his head. “Maybe I chose wrong again.”

“You didn’t. She loves emerald. The dress she picked for tonight is emerald. It’s a perfect match. The photos will be lovely with that dress and the ring.”

“I can’t wait to get to that part. I just want to fast forward after she says yes when everything is settled, and we’re happily taking pictures.”

His mother rose as he stood. “And they will be beautiful. And you’re going to have a fun story to tell your kids about how nervous you were when you ask their mother to marry you.”

“I love your enthusiasm, Mom. I hope it goes as well as you’re predicting.”

“Oh, I think it will,” she said with a grin before she kissed his cheek. “Now, get your jacket on and get downstairs. Your soon-to-be fiancée should be arriving any moment. And you don’t want to leave her sitting with your father.”

“No, she might burn his paper again. I still don’t get that.”

“She told me she was simply nervous about the dress shopping. And maybe about something else…have you hinted at all about the proposal?” His mother arched an eyebrow at him.

“No. Not even a tiny one like I have a big surprise or I bought you something. I haven’t said anything.” He pulled on his jacket and buttoned it as the blood drained from his face. “I shouldhave hinted, huh?”

“No,” she said, cupping his cheek. “No, you should do it the way you planned.”

“And you got the roses, right?”

“I made sure they set them up in the gazebo just like we planned.”

He bobbed his head up and down. “Okay. Thanks, Mom.”

“Come on,” she said, grabbing his hand, “I’m taking you downstairs before you can obsess over this anymore.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” he said as they approached the door. He grabbed the ring box and waved it in the air. “I need this.”

With it secreted in his pocket, he followed his mother from the room. As he walked, his fingers found the velvet box inside his pocket, sending his heart hammering again.

He relaxed a little as they descended the stairs. Wait staff flitted back and forth as the final preparations commenced for the doors to open in less than fifteen minutes.

He followed his mother into the living room, finding Ellie already awaiting him. In the emerald dress with her hair swept up, she looked stunning.

“There you are,” she said with a wide grin as he kissed her cheek.

“Sorry, I couldn’t get the tie straight.”

“Well, it looks perfect now,” she answered as he slid an arm around her.

Victoria snatched a glass of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray and sipped it. “I’m afraid, Ellie, you may be responsible for tie-tying if you stick with this one.”

“Quite all right,” she said with a nod. “I’m capable.”

“Oh, really, you sound pretty confident.”

She lifted her chin. “My cousin is quite terrible at it, too. I’ve helped him a number of times.”

“It’s a skill you may need.” Victoria handed her a glass of champagne as the first guests filtered in.

Introductions were made when needed and soon, the party was in full swing. Guests mingled and chatter filled the air.

Nate led Elena to the dance floor, pulling her close as they shared a quiet moment after the barrage of conversations with several of Sterling City’s elite.

“Are you all right?” she asked as they swayed to the music.

“Yes,” he said, his thumb rubbing the back of her hand.

---