Page 19 of The Princess Home for Christmas

Chapter 8

Thomas stood to follow Dahlia out of the breakfast room, his heart breaking for her. He had never seen her so conflicted, so upset about something. And while he couldn’t be more pleased to be associated with her in any way, he was starting to worry that all this attention might push her away and he’d lose her forever.

Lucan said, “Wait. Give her a minute.”

Seraphina nodded. “And we still need to decide what to tell these people.”

Thomas nodded. “Then we tell them as little as possible.” He grimaced. “Really, we can just tell them the truth. As with all relationships, we can’t possibly know where this is going.” Then he mumbled. “Or if we even have a relationship at all at this point.”

They worked out a few key phrases, the plan for that afternoon, and then at last, Thomas stood again to go find Dahlia.

Lucan called out to him as he moved out the door. “She’s in her office.”

“Thanks.” He took off at a run. Curse the press. Things were going better than he had ever hoped until they showed up. But still, there was a happy angle to all this, and he hoped to show Dahlia.

With staff help, he found his way to her. She painted such a striking picture through the windows to her office. He watched her as he lifted his hand to knock. Her face, pained, staring out her window, laptop open on her desk. He rapped quietly.

When she turned to him, his heart clenched. Her red rimmed eyes were more than he wanted to see. He hurried into her office and she stood and came to him.

He pulled her into his arms and she started to shake, gently, her tears soaking into his shirt

“What, oh no, Dahlia, what is this?” He ran his hand up and down her back and held her close. Hopefully she would confide in him. They could fix whatever this was. He would do whatever it took. “We can make it ok. Whatever you need.”

He pulled her to the sofa against a far wall and wrapped an arm across her shoulders.

She used a tissue to wipe her eyes. “Thank you.”

“Now, talk to me?” He searched her face. “There’s more going on here, I suspect, than a little unwanted press coverage?”

“A little?”

Her exasperated tone made him nod. “Right. More than a little. It seems the whole world is excited about our potential. Can’t blame them. I’ve never seen two more awesome people try to get together.”

She didn’t smile, but he saw a faint twinkle in her eyes.

“Okay, you’re right, we are the newest international sensation. But good can come of that.”

She raised an eyebrow. “You think?”

“I do! For sure. Let’s go to your laptop. I’ll show you something.”

“Stay. I’ll bring it over here.” She hurried over and clicked a few things. Then sat next to him as close as was possible. Hope flared inside. Perhaps they could still make this work.

“May I?” He reached for the computer. Then he opened up the internet browser and pulled up some of the national press that the brothers hadn’t shown yet. “Orphanage overflowing with supplies.” The next one. “Orphanage with six months stocked pantry.” And “Surprise gift of $5000 to the orphanage after Princess Dahlia encouraged support.”

“That’s incredible.” Her eyes were wide, she leaned over and scrolled around to read more of the articles.

“And there’s more. You know how I mentioned refugees?”

She stiffened beside him. He watched her while he finished his news. “The organization I work with just received a slew of new donations as well, and the schools that help refugees here in Torren. They are seeing a greater influx of donations.”

“I can’t believe it.”

“It’s true. The holiday season coupled with the extra air time we gave some worthy organizations really benefitted people today.”

New tears welled up, but no sobbing cries ensued which Thomas thought a good sign.

“I’ve always been so afraid of the press.”

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