Page 67 of Royally Drawn

His wife gave him a look that put fear into my heart. As always, he was digging a hole.

“No,” I said. I was deployed… We met on the yacht trip. She’s clever, brave, and has a sick sense of humour. What’s not to like?”

“Uh-huh. I’m sure that is all,” Uncle Olav razzed. “She’s hard on the eyes, isn’t she.”

Aunt Kiersten shot him another look.Just keep digging.

“I didn’t say anything because I didn’t know there was anything to say. Moreover, Lars has been upset with me—but mostly her—as he developed a crush she did not return.”

“Yes,” Peder sighed. “He will be upset. I trust you all are grown enough to handle it.”

“I hope so, too. You cannot make a woman like you if she doesn’t,” Kiersten said.

“I don’t know. Your brother certainly tried until I gave in,” Mamma laughed. His persistence paid off.”

I smiled. They hadnotgotten on. Mamma was the wedding planner, and Dad was the groom's brother. She thought he was an absolute nightmare sent to ruin her life and upend everything in the lakeshore town where my Uncle George was marrying my Uncle Patrick. Mamma eventually fell for my father. They couldn’t have been more different, and he couldn’t have loved her more.

“I will tell Lars first,” I said. “That was the plan. I don’t want to make it so awkward. Betty has already given him a tongue-lashing about talking to her friend like that, and… it’s a mess. I don’t want to put Lars in an awkward spot, but I like Ingrid.”

“I am glad you do. She’s such a nice girl,” Aunt Kiersten said. “And you’re both adrenaline junkies. She’d be bored otherwise.”

“True.”

As I helped the parents with the charcuterie board, I spied Lars helming the barbecue with Win. It was time to take my licks and get this over with. I approached with a plate to suit, hoping food might soften him like a ripe cheese.

“I brought you all some food.”

“Niiiiice,” Win said.

“Can I chat with Lars alone?” I asked.

“Sure, fine,” Win said. “But yougotta help.”

I took the grill spatula from his hand, assuming the task of flipping burgers. Win walked off with half the plate like a wandering toddler.

“No manners to this day,” I sighed.

“Eh, it’s family. What’s on your mind?”

“We sail tomorrow,” I said.

“And?”

“And… I’m… I just wanted to say what I needed before you are left in the dark and feel upset.”

“What?” Lars asked, confused.

I flipped a burger. “I’m seeing Ingrid. And I didn’t want to blindside?—”

“You’re seeing Ingrid? Princess Ingrid? Cici’s friend?”

“Yes,” I answered. “That Ingrid.”

“Since when?”

“Since the trip.”

“And how?”

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