Page 31 of Once Upon a Royal Billionaire

Their ride through the lavender was what fairytales were made of. The sweet smell rose up all around them. The rolling fields of purple and green, lined by deep rich soil, filled every direction with a postcard image. Rhett rode at her side, and his carefree smile made it easy for her to imagine a future filled with days just like this one.

But as she thought about it after, an important truth jabbed at her fantasy. Rhett would never be able to keep such a schedule. On their ride, they’d received no phone calls, no texts. She hadn’t seen his phone out at all. And she could only guess at what kinds of sacrifices he was making so that they could be together undisturbed. She would do well to remember the busy years when they rarely saw each other, and if they did, they were rarely alone.

It hadn’t been entirely Rhett’s fault. He’d been busy as the newly crowned king, and she had been busy preparing to take over her father’s company.

Thoughts of Mountain Blue reminded her she would have to spend a few hours today working with her new project managers. She sat out on the verandah, a delicious breeze blowing in over the fields. They’d had dinner with all the staff, everyone sharing their favorite stories of Emily and Rhett’s summers at the house. If life were always so simple, she and Rhett would get on as perfectly as any couple could.

He joined her, holding a book. As he sat, pressed up against her on the small settee, he opened the first page of the journal they’d left on the island.

“You brought it?”

“Someone had to rescue this treasure from the elements.”

“Are you sure it’s worthy of rescue?”

“Undoubtedly.” He read the first paragraph out loud. “The words of Emily and Rhett. Any other eyes reading these pages are sure to be burned out with a fire poker.”

“To the point.”

“I’m sure we had the best intentions.”

“I don’t know who you’re remembering…”

He cleared his throat and turned a few more pages. “Our statement of belief. One: All living things matter. Two: God’s earth is important. We should take care of it. Three: Family first. And crown. Four: The dynamic duo can never be parted. Our spouses will just have to get used to it.”

Emily laughed. “Our younger selves would be proud we’re back together.”

“I’m happy we’re back together.” He reached for her hand.

“Back together?” She allowed him to take her fingers in his. “Were you at the same PR meeting that I was? ’Cause that was a disaster.”

He ran his thumb along the back of her hand. “There was room for improvement. But see, something like that would have sent you hightailing it ten years ago, and today, here we are.”

“Because we aren’t planning on a forever.”

“Aren’t we?” He sat forward. “I think these things can be worked through. Kenworthy knows his place.”

“Are you sure? Because I just saw a lot of him getting to say whatever he wanted.”

He raised his eyebrows.

“And me getting to say whatever I wanted. I’m sorry. I should really bite my tongue sometimes.”

“I want you to express your opinions. You could do a lot of good for my country. I don’t plan to be with you and not respect your mind. But change is hard for anyone, and these people don’t know you like I do, so they might need a softer delivery.” He winked. She knew he was being gentle and that he was right.

“Point taken. I will work on my diplomacy. Somehow, where you’re involved, everything has an added level of emotion.”

“That’s not a bad thing.” He wrapped an arm around her back, and she snuggled closer while the stars came out, one by one.

* * *

The next day,far away from the house and the beautiful quiet moments with Rhett, she wished she could return. But instead, she walked the rest of the way down the boat docks to help her water ski team win the competition. As soon as she stood at the edge of the boat, the guys looked up.

“What seems to be the trouble, gentlemen?”

Five guys lounged in their swim trunks, their skiis lying on the bottom of the boat. “Milo says he’s lost his touch.”

“He’s not wrong. The guy can’t clear more than three buoys. We’ve been at it all morning.” Carlson seemed almost out of patience.

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