Page 124 of Royally Benevolent

I blushed.

“She thought she did you a favour, which I understand.” Rick sighed and handed the baby another piece of toast to gum. “Royal life is complicated and messy.”

“I don’t want Theo’s childhood to be even more fucked up than it has.”

Rick shrugged. “You think our kids are pretty well-adjusted, right?”

“You’ve done a great job,” I admitted. “You all are not what I expected—I say that with love. I am surprised Odette is as normal as she is, given the circumstances. That’s a credit to you and Alex.”

Rick smiled. “Odette is the sweetest person I’ve ever met. She loves wholeheartedly but it’s gotten her hurt before. If I can be candid, I think she overcorrected. She deserves to be happy.”

“I know,” I said. “But, Jesus, it’s not easy!”

“Wyatt, it’s tacky to remind you, but you’re a fucking billionaire. No matter what you do, Theo will grow up different.”

It never occurred to me how much that was true.

“I just figured he’d lay low if I did.”

“That’s not how it works,” Rick said. “We cannot choose. I will protect my children with everything I have because that’s my job, but…”

Baby Manon beamed at Rick. He turned and spoke at her, voice and face brightening. “I can only do so much, man. None of us are perfect parents. We do the best we can. We love them. And isn’t it better to havetwoexceptional parents to protect a kid? You don’t get better or more protective than Odette.”

I never considered that evenwithOdette’s status, she was value-added for Theo. I knew she was good with Theo and made me happy, but I hadn’t considered how good she was for him. He missed speaking to her in French and running with Grieg in the backyard. She’d thrown him a beautiful party because she knew I couldn’t.

“Without her, he never would have had a party at all,” I remarked.

“What?”

“Theo’s birthday is the hardest day for me. I told her this. I told her he wanted a party, and I wanted to give him one but couldn’t bring myself to do it. She just worked with Mom to get it done. I love her so much for that. I focused on the press and all that, but not how happy she made him and how lost he’s been without her.”

“Perhaps you both overcorrected?”

“Perhaps,” I agreed. “I’ll be back. I’ve got a couple of calls to make before dinner arrives.”

72

THE UN-HANGOVER

ODETTE

Iawoke in late evening to Wyatt in my bed watching television. I hadn’t hallucinated. He was still with me. Sitting up, I got my bearings. Wyatt looked over as I pushed myself up, his face showing a kind smile in the room’s low light. I felt safe with him, relieved he hadn’t left after my ridiculous display. Grieg perked, coming from where he’d been at my feet. I settled him in my lap, petting his fur lovingly.

“Have a nice nap?” Wyatt joked.

I scratched Grieg’s ears, “I’m so sorry about that. Mortified. I wish I had been more articulate.”

“Alexandra got you drunk, or so I heard.”

“She’s having a moment to process her… I don’t even know.”

“It’s okay. I am still glad I came. I hope you don’t mind me staying. Rick fed me, but he says you can have whatever you want or something.”

“I’ll just ring for food, yeah. Sorry, we get full service here until about ten. Not sure about food.”

“You’ll want to drink some water. You’re probably prettyhungover.”

“I’ve never had a hangover,” I reached for the water. “Honestly, I’m fine.”

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