Page 112 of Royally Rivalled

“Nah. Not a bit. It muddies the waters because now I wonder if I should give in.”

“It’s not giving in to believe in something. It’s not giving in to love someone. It’s not giving in to wait someone out, trusting you know it can work out. Give him time to think through what happens next. He loves you, Astrid. Just like Alexandra loved me. I don’t regret my grovel-and-wait approach.”

Rick’s words were heavy, but I trusted they held a kernel of truth.

sixty-one

PARKER

Faced with Astrid’s rejection,I packed and went home early. My mother and sisters were grateful for me arriving solo. I tried to just white-knuckle through but was lost. Astrid was the one I relied on to break me out of my shell. She was the charming sidekick I needed. She made everything better. I kicked myself for not telling her immediately I didn’t want anything without her by my side. I didn’t want to be away for weeks on end, but what did I have without her? Radio silence? My mother’s constant prodding about an heir? That was no better than going back and forth to Edinburgh to a woman I couldn’t imagine life without.

Niall came down with his brother and sister, Iona. Mum was sore that their parents declined our invitation. The Duke and Duchess were a hotter ticket, but their children would do.

“What is going on with Astrid? Amara says she’s not speaking to anyone about it?”

“I reacted poorly to her announcement she was moving to Edinburgh. I shut down, then exploded. My anger got the better of me, hers teed off. She shut down in a typical Astrid fashion.”

“So what? Edinburgh is nothing, mate!”

“It’s a lot when you are me.”

Niall shook his head. “It may be something, but… you love her, mate.”

“I’ve done this before?—”

“And that was with someone incompatible. You and Astrid are so perfect for one another. I hate to get all sappy, but she’s everything to you. So, go get your woman!”

“She told me she didn’t want to be here. It’s over, Niall.”

“It’s never over! God, you two are infuriating! I know I should have taken that advice with Amara sooner. I love the woman. I’m missing her like mad.”

“Where is she?”

“Dinner with her parents. She was afraid to skip their party. Politicians,” Niall groaned. “But did I give up?”

“No,” I answered. “Fine, whatever. But how the hell… I cannot just not have a job and no other reason to avoid being here.”

“Can you ask Briggs for a job?”

“I can try, but I doubt it. Academic life doesn’t work like that.”

I thought a moment. Getting a position this late in the year was nearly impossible. I thought about something Briggs said. There was a position at St Andrews. Maybe it was still available, but I’d need to grovel for not applying sooner. Before I dressed for the big event, I opened my laptop and searched for the job posting, discovering I was past the application deadline.

Still, what if they had something else? I got brave. Astrid was worth it, wasn’t she? I longed to make it work. I would eat crow for her if that was what I must do.

Dr Wentz,

You don’t know me. I am a doctoral candidate, and Dr Briggs is my advisor here at Shalebrook. Dr Briggs mentioned a teaching position at St Andrews months ago when I was not in the position to take employment. However, my circumstances havechanged, so I am looking for a teaching position. I would be happy with an adjunct or travelling lecturer position.

I have attached my CV here for your consideration. I know it is past the application deadline, and I understand if I am too late. However, I believe I am a good fit for a university that emphasises a balanced teaching and research approach. I have received multiple teaching and service awards. Dr Briggs will be glad to speak to you about my qualifications. Should you still have an open position, please reach out. I would be delighted to chat.

Best,

Parker Westfall

I signed off. I needed to show Astrid how serious I was. I prayed the universe would finally align for me. It was worth the gamble to be with the woman I loved. I couldn’t think of anyone I’d rather spend my life with than Astrid fucking Deschamps. She was everything I wanted and all I needed. If I could make it work, I wanted to try. Niall was right. It wasn’t over yet.

sixty-two

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