Page 37 of The Princess Home for Christmas

Dahlia whipped around to see the path behind them. People stood still, heads watching the sky above them. Children chased each other, waving their hands in the air. She turned to Thomas. “This is one of the best things I have ever done. Where else can we go?”

“Let’s stop by the tree and then off to the children.”

She gripped his hand, watching out the window. They pulled lower over the tree and the huge crowds gathered around it and the park nearby. They let loose another three bags, filling the air with fluttering, flurrying flakes. “I hope someone is getting all this on camera.”

“What, the private Dahlia hopes for press coverage?”

She grinned. “You know what I mean.”

Thomas texted someone on his phone and Dahlia became nervous again. “Is something wrong?”

He showed her. “Not at all. I’m just letting the orphanage know, now would be a good time for recess.” He chuckled.

She tapped her feet with anticipation. They had three more bags. As soon as they flew close enough and low enough, they let them loose over the tops of the children.

“Those bags have the most surprise money.”

Dahlia’s face hurt from smiling. “You really are the best of men, Thomas.”

He took off his earphones and gently lifted hers, moving as close to her as he could. “I try to be.” He spoked in her ear. “I mess up so much where you’re concerned but I try to be the best I can for you.” He placed a kiss on her earlobe and then stared deeply into her eyes. His sincerity and love so obvious, she warmed from her toes to her cheeks. “I’ve never met anyone like you.”

The copter changed directions and was coming in on the helipad at the palace. “What is this? Are we going home?”

“I’m dropping you off here. I promised your brothers I would get you home.”

Disappointment filled her. “And you?”

“I still have some work to do in the whole Theresa department, but I’ll see you soon?” He leaned in and kissed her lips, and in the quickness of his mouth covering hers, she felt the zing through her center. “Wow, Thomas, call me.”

He grinned back wickedly. “You can be sure of it.”

She hopped out and ran to safety then waved while he rose and flew off into the sky.

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