Page 121 of Royally Rivalled

“I just want everything to be calm,” Alexandra protested. “You deserve that much.”

“Yes, Dr Deschamps,” Parker said. “But I suspect it will be fine either way.”

I’d passed my defence that morning, officially finishing my journey to the moniker of “Dr Deschamps.”

I leaned over and kissed him before kicking off my shoes in the mud room off the back door.

I was riding high, and my entire family was here to see me tick an important box. It felt heady to have us all in one place. At twenty-six, Ifelt like a big, grown human with my own life. The last four years I’d spent here in Scotland with Parker hadn’t always been perfect, but they’d been rewarding. My family rarely got to visit, so their presence was extra special.

I stepped into our kitchen, not expecting to see what I had done. The entire place was chock full of balloons, and a big cake sat on our marble island.

“Oh my God, what is this?” I giggled.

“The girls were keen to celebrate you,” Parker said. “And they asked for balloons.”

“I said they were tacky, but we delegated all of that to a five-year-old,” Ingrid sighed.

“They arelovely,” I gave Kari and Linny hugs. “I love the display and you.”

“And the cake!” Linny said excitedly.

“Of course,” I laughed. “The cake, too.”

I stepped forward to see the design on the cake, surprised by what I read.

Astrid Deschamps, PhD will you marry me?

“What?” I looked at Parker.

He smiled nervously.

I pointed at the cake.

“What does it say?” Kari whispered in French.

“He asked her to marry him, stupid!” Linny answered.

“Linnea, be good to your sister,” Rick sighed.

“Yes,” I laughed, rushing to Parker to give him a big kiss, beyond excited. “But you were so confident?”

“There wasnoway you wouldn’t pass,” Parker said. “I only worried you would say no!”

“Never,” I answered. “Never. I love you too much.”

“Where is the damn ring. Can anyone have a normal proposal in this family?” Ingrid demanded.

“Shit! Yes! Ring!”

Parker pulled a box out from a kitchen cabinet. It was endearingthat this was his solution. It was Parker—practical, resourceful, no fuss. I smiled as he opened the box to unveil a large emerald.

“I love it.”

“I know you adore emeralds.”

“I said I love it,” I laughed. “You needn’t sell me.”

I slid the ring on my finger and kissed him—slowly and with a few tears. It wasn’t that I’d been thirsting for a ring or rushing to run down the aisle, but it was good to know the man who waited for me still thought I was worth it. We’d been so happy and remained that way—always. This was a testament to the fact that two rivals and unlikely friends could forge something spectacular when they finally set their differences aside.

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