Page 26 of Once Upon a Royal Billionaire

She hung up and enjoyed the passing scenery. They were on a main road, but to the right and left were homes she didn’t often get to see. Villages of small stucco homes, shops, and the occasional gas station. The ocean sparkled in the distance, and flowers filled every garden. They passed groves of oranges and lemons. Then as they neared Lukeia Village, rolling hills of lavender filled her view. She rolled down the window and breathed deeply. The lavender fields reminded her of the unique, sweet smell of her grandmother, her bath salts, and most powerfully, the royal chalet in Lukeia.

Memories of Rhett flooded her mind. They’d spent some of their happiest times in this place. Trees, fishing spots, horses. She leaned forward to see out the front. Hopefully they could get out on the horses. Did the chalet still have them?

The car slowed as they approached the front gate and cleared security. Then they continued down the long lane that led to the front of the house. “It’s exactly how I remember it.”

“Have you been here before, miss?”

“Oh yes, I spent every summer of my younger years here.”

“Then welcome home, is it?”

“It sure seems like it. And thank you.”

He pulled up to the house. Long, tall pillars lined the front, their white stone sparkling in the sunlight. And she welcomed the shade of the large oak tree in the yard.

She wanted to run and fling her arms around its trunk, or climb to the top like she used to, but instead she nodded to it subtly and then turned to enter the house.

Their housekeeper, Mrs. Halstead, would no longer be with them, but Emily noticed with delight that the woman to greet her at the front door had Mrs. Halstead’s eyes.

“Welcome to our home.” She gestured for Emily to follow. “The king should be here soon and asked that we provide every comfort. Perhaps you’d care for some refreshment out on the verandah?”

“I would like nothing more. Thank you.”

She followed the new Mrs. Halstead through the front rooms. The whole space was airy and cool and beautiful. Marble floors, exquisite furniture, flowy drapes, and a light breeze that smelled of lavender and the ocean. Emily had entered a new form of heaven. “This is even lovelier than I remember.”

An older woman sat in one of the chairs on the verandah. “You were too busy running about to appreciate the finer things back then, Em.”

“Mrs. Halstead?” Emily ran to the older woman and knelt at her feet. “Can it be you after all these years?”

“It is indeed, and you’ve met my daughter?”

“I recognized your eyes.” She turned back to her guide. “Hello.”

The younger Mrs. Halstead smiled in response then nodded and left them alone.

“Have something to cool yourself, child.”

The lemonade was poured, and Emily almost choked when she saw her favorite cookie. “You remembered.”

“We did indeed. There’s not much about you any of us can forget. You’re a dear. Tell me, child, how are you doing? I heard that evil husband of yours is out of the picture?” Her eyes sparkled in mischief.

“He is. I wish I’d had you to counsel me during those days.” She shook her head.

“And you’ve a daughter?”

“Oh, Lily is my light and my joy.” She pulled up pictures on her phone. “She’s smart as can be and perfectly delightful.”

“She takes after you. What a beauty.”

Emily scooted her chair over as close as she could to Mrs. Halstead, and they chatted about old times. By the time they spotted Rhett walking up, Emily felt they’d relived every moment she’d had with him back then. “Has he changed much, Mrs. Halstead?”

They both watched him approach. His broad shoulders filled out his suit, he held his head high, and there was energy in his step. As he neared, Emily could see the light dancing in his eyes.

“Oh, he’s excited to see you.” Mrs. Halstead patted her hand. “He’s not changed, not in the essentials. Besides the obvious, of course. This specimen you see before you is obviously not fifteen anymore.”

Emily blushed and then stood. His eyes lit up as she ran to him and tugged on his hand. ‘Look who is here!”

“Ah, you’ve found our dear Mrs. Halstead.”

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