Page 120 of Royally Rivalled

“There are updates we could make that would improve it,” Astrid said. “The kitchen and bathrooms. Some paint here or there. The floors are amazing. The parquet in the entry is beautiful. I love the staircase. The bedrooms are large, Parker. It’s perfect.”

I let out a long sigh. “It’s a start. But you’re talking about changing the most expensive parts of the house.”

“It’s only half-a-mil, Parker,” Astrid said as if that wasnothing. “It’s a great deal. And we’ve got what? Five months to do the renovations.”

“They always take longer than you think,” I groaned.

“Parker, please,” she whinged. “I love this place.”

Astrid threw her arms around me, burying her face in my shirt and holding me tight. She looked up at me, chin on my chest. It was adorable. She knew it made me melt.

“For you,” I sighed. “I’d do nearly anything. But you realise this place is a pipe dream?”

“Why?”

“Because it’s out here in BFE,” I said.

“It’s private.”

“And you cannot drive.”

She kissed me slowly, buttering me up. “You’re an excellent teacher.”

I chuckled. “You’re fucking cute, but I still think it’s impractical.”

“Let’s go for it—be happy. I will have my horses. You can have your quiet life far from the hustle and bustle.”

Unable to resist, I settled the matter with a kiss.

“C’mon, you know you want to buy a house, Dr Westfall.”

“Now, you’re just sucking up.”

“Well, is it working?”

I smiled. “Fine. You want the house. Let’s get it. I am helpless to resist you. But all renovation needs to be finished two weeks before we move here in August. You hear me?”

“I will keep it to a minimum,” Astrid promised.

“Then, we can buy the house.”

Astrid jumped up and down. “Thank you, Parker. I love you so much!”

“And I do, too—against my better judgement, Astrid,” I sighed. “If it makes you happy, we will be. And if we can be happy, I won’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“We will be happy. Build a life. Give it a shot, Parker.”

I took her face in my hands, taking in her delicate features, beautiful blue eyes, and pout on her lips. I kissed her forehead slowly, breathing in the comforting smell of her shampoo. This was all I wanted—all I needed. I didn’t need fanfare or a parade. I only needed this woman who always showed up for me and asked for very little. She’d have her stone house and her horses. I’d have a beautiful, quiet life and live happily ever after.

epilogue

ASTRID

“Slow down, Karolina!!”Alexandra called to my youngest niece, who careened into the house like a wayward elephant.

I snickered. She was so full of energy—much more than her older sister. Linny was quiet and reserved. Kari was anything but. They reminded me of myself and Alex. Alexandra grumbled, adjusting the baby on her hip, annoyed. Little Christophe was a behemoth compared to his sisters at the same age. He was ten months old and full of smiles.

“It’s fine, Lex,” I said.

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