Page 55 of The Royal Engagement

“It is my honor to serve the Scott Clan.”

Dad ends the call and takes a few deep breaths before he looks up, He grins widely. “Our whole family is going to be together soon.”

Julien jumps up from his seat. “I’m going to go get Mom.”

He runs from the room and I watch Dad. He can’t stop smiling and his cheeks are pink with elation. He tips his head back and looks up at the ceiling.

I lean forward. “Dad, do you think Lucien will like me?”

He looks at me, his eyes wide. “Why do you think he wouldn’t like you?”

I shrug. “I’ve been doing his duties while he’s been gone. Maybe he won’t like the choices I’ve made.”

Dad shakes his head. “Madeline, your brother loves you.”

“He doesn’t know me,” I argue.

“Ever since I found out about you, once you were eighteen, Lucien has been after me to go find you and bring you back.” He folds his hands on the desk in front of him. “I didn’t want to disturb your life, but he argued that this was where you belonged. He wanted to meet you. He wanted us to be a family. You know my reasons for not coming sooner. I was an idiot for not listening to him and I’m certain he will tell me so when he sees how well you’ve integrated into the family.”

My eyes widen.

Lucien wanted to meet me.

“So he won’t hate me?” I chew on my bottom lip.

Dad chuckles. “No. He will adore you. Damek, on the other hand, will likely be interrogated.”

“Does he not like Damek?” I put a hand on the base of my throat. Ijustgot Mom and Tiffany to stop fighting, the last thing I want is Lucien trying to start something with Damek. Though, Damek isn’t the fighting sort.

“They get along well,” Dad assures me.

I let out a breath of relief.

“But you are his little sister,” he continues. “And he will want to protect you.”

“Yes, but I don’t need protection from Damek,” I say.

Dad shrugs.

The door is abruptly thrown open. I jump at the sudden noise, once again hating how the room is soundproof.

“What is going on?” Eden asks, walking up to Dad’s desk. “Julien woke me up and told me I needed to come to your office. He said it was something urgent.” She pauses. “Is it Lucien? Did something happen?” I can hear the anguish in her voice.

She’s been waiting for news, not knowing if they would find her son alive or dead. I can’t imagine how difficult this has been for her.

Dad smiles so widely that I’m sure she can tell without being told. “Kaine found him. He’s alive.”

Eden sobs in relief. Julien slips his arm around her and hugs her tightly. When I look at Julien, he’s got tears in his eyes which causes me to tear up.

“When will be home?” Eden asks once she can speak.

“By sunset,” Dad answers. He walks around his desk and embraces his wife. “Lucien is cominghome.”

Julien and I watch the two of them embrace, both of us smiling. I don’t know Lucien, do I do know that this feels amazing. Pretty soon, our family will be whole.

When Eden backs up from the embrace, she wipes under her eyes. “We should all get some rest. Tonight, we’re having a family reunion.”

My heart flutters.

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