Page 44 of Forbidden Prince
"Renee, coming from the same world at least helps with communication." Her mother stared at her, her brown eyes softening. "While I'm sure you and Marco think this is love..." She reached over and hugged her. "I want you to understand we're your family and we're here foryou."
Her face must be red because she was hot, everywhere. Her heartbeat grew fast. She stopped hugging her and said, "Mom, I know you love me, but I want you to accept that Marco and I are inlove."
"Yes, Mrs. Brown. I promise to protect Renee with mylife."
She reached for Marco’s hand withappreciation.
"Creating a life for yourself is finding people who can make you happy." Her mother's smile showed she was at least trying. "But I'm worried my daughter is making a badchoice."
Renee bowed her head. Marco was not a bad choice at all. It was time to set her mom straight and she needed privacy to do itin.
"Marco, will you please go and talk to my father? We will meet youdownstairs."
Marco stared at her with concern. Yes, she knew this wasn't his plan, but she wasimprovising.
Everything about her life was about to change. Right now, her mother's opinions might jeopardize a relationship that was too important and she needed to ensure nothing happened to her baby's father. "Please trustme..."
"Okay." Marco hesitated, but then nodded. He paused at the door. "See you in a half anhour."
The door had hardly finished closing when her mother said, "Finally." She stood, her mouth tight. "You need to leave now before this all falls apart in your face and you'll be the laughing stock of the entire world—not just our littlecommunity."
"That doesn't have to happen." Renee told herself to stay calm. "In fact, it's not going to happen because Marco lovesme."
"A fish can love a bird but where will theylive?"
Her mother had used that line on her before. Renee felt stronger this time and said, "We'll live here. In fact, our home is a fishing village on the Mediterranean. The fish and the bird can both live happily on anisland."
"You're not being serious." Her mother shook herhead.
"But I am," Renee retorted. "I am finishedwith-"
Her bedroom door swung open. "Sorry to interrupt." Marco's deep voice reverberated on the walls. Her father stood next toMarco.
Marco's wide shoulders and added height made him seem larger than life. She wanted to bury her head against his shoulder and tell him to send her parents away. "Marco.Dad."
His brown eyes sent compassion. "I was speaking to your father, Ted, downstairs when my mother and Kristin approached—they would like you to meet them in the gold sittingroom."
"Thanks." Renee joined him and squeezed his arm forsupport.
Marco massaged her back and said, "Mr. and Mrs. Brown, the wedding has been scheduled for tomorrow, so my mother will be excited to have yourinput."
The sooner, the less time her parents would have to stop her. Her heart pounded. Theycouldn'tstop her. Her mother said in a solicitous tone, "We all want what's best for mydaughter."
Her father acted like he didn't care, not even looking at her. "I was told you have a nice fishing pond in theback."
Marco stepped forward. "Ted, let me direct the staff to bring you whatever you need. Renee, I’ll show your father where to go." He turned back to face her. "Once you are done in here, I'll come and findyou."
"Sounds perfect." She nodded and stared at him. He made no move toward her though her lips ached for a kiss that she shouldn't desire at the moment. She hugged her belly and watched himleave.
The moment the door closed, her mother asked, "Why didn't you kisshim?"
"Because you're watching." Renee sighed. "Let’s go." She escorted her mother from the bedroom, not wanting her sanctuary to be ruined with bad memories. The gold sitting room was next to the place Kristin had met with her wedding designers. Renee walked in that general direction. The guards stood at attention and seemed in shape and ready to defend them from outsidethreats.
With her mother at her side, Renee’s ramrod stiff spine made it difficult to relax. They reached the room and went inside. "Remember Kristin, Mom? And this is Her Majesty, Queen Anna CamillaAussa."
She bowed her head andwaited.
"Greetings," the queenintoned.
