Page 3 of Once Upon a Royal Billionaire

Clint raised his eyebrows. “Yeah, is the bachelor king bringing a date?”

Rhett ignored them. He might bring a date. If he felt like dealing with the public speculation.

They all seemed satisfied with the plans. Everyone dug back into their food and talked mostly to the people near them. When everything was wrapping up, Nico and Tripp came to stand beside him. His two favorite Valdez brothers. “Hey, thanks. Good timing today.”

“Some of those guys just need to grow up. In the meantime, we’ll keep them in line. This was a great idea, Rhett. Good things will come of it.”

“I hope so. I know we need to talk about hosting another environmental summit, and we should also start discussing unrest in our southern nations. But I thought for today, girls, waterskiing, and food would be enough.”

Nico clapped him on the back. “It was perfect.” He sipped his drink. “So, Emily?”

Rhett groaned. “Why does she keep coming up? We haven’t talked, not one word, since our dumb breakup.”

“The dangerous duo back together. Heaven help us,” Tripp teased.

“Very funny. But really, we’re adults. We should be able to talk. Say hello.”

They nodded, overly agreeable, and Rhett regretted the whole conversation. He didn’t want anyone in his business, not even his friends.

“Okay, okay, we agree. Talk to the woman. Make peace. We miss her brothers.” Tripp and Nico clinked their glasses together.

Clint joined the three of them. “But we can’t let them win the competition.”

“That’s not happening. I want that trophy right there, where it belongs.” Rhett pointed to an empty shelf in his main room.

“Done. We win. We make nice. We party with our friends. Sound good?” Tripp’s smile could charm the most antagonistic among them.

“Wish it was that easy.” Rhett shook his head.

Nico shrugged. “You never know. It might be.”

The other princes started to get up and trickle out. They’d be back first thing in the morning to practice. But Rhett didn’t want them to leave, yet. He’d be left with a silent house, and he knew what thoughts would fill his mind.

2

Emily kissed her daughter on the forehead. “I won’t be gone for very long.”

“I’ll be fine, Mom.” Lily always seemed older than hersix years. But Emily knew Lily was trying to be brave. Her mouth gave her away. The corner turned down for a second before she disguised her frown with a smile. Emily almost cancelled her trip on the spot.

Lily shook her head. “We’re gonna party without you.”

“I don’t doubt it for a second.”

Emily’s father was arriving any minute and would whisk Lily away to their weekend home for three weeks. Lily would have a lake, boats, ducks, a huge yard, and grandparents to entertain her. Emily would be lucky if her daughter checked in once a day as instructed. “Just don’t forget me.”

Lily laughed, her quivering lip gone. “I won’t.” She held her hand out for a fist bump. “And you don’t forget me either.”

“Never.” She pulled her close for another hug. “You’re my number one.”

Emily’s father’s booming voice echoed down the hall from the front entryway. “Where’s my lily flower?”

Lily’s face lit up, and she took off running.

Emily was once again thankful that Lily had a grandfather to help fill the holes left by Jackson, Lily’s father, who was thankfully not in the picture.

Emily kissed her dad’s cheek. He stood tall and strong even though he was well into his seventies. “Thanks, Dad. I’ll contact you when I get there.”

“You just have some fun. We will be having our own. You can count on that.”

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