Page 79 of The Prince and the Puck
I was asking myself the same question.
CHAPTER 41
DECK
REBOOT.
Leaving Murdan was a surreal experience.
Never before had I left with such assured confidence in my path forward. And never had I left my home country with my future bride at my side.
Lizzy and I were escorted by a retinue of security guards, though my wife-to-be had decided she preferred not to play an official role in my protection going forward.
"Of course, that doesn’t mean I won’t be looking out for you," she reminded me when I asked—again—if she was sure she was comfortable letting others handle security.
"Of course not."
Lizzy wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted to do in Virginia, but we both figured she had plenty of time to explore her options. Honestly? I didn’t care if she worked at all. But given her determination and general skill at everything she attempted, I doubted she would be happy calling herself a housewife. Or a house fiancée. Or whatever one would call oneself when not employed outside the home and not yet married.
"This is all so unbelievable," Lizzy said as she held my hand, watching the crystal blue ocean drop beneath the wings of our jet.
"Which part?"
"All of it, Declan. Our engagement. The fact that you are going back to play for the Wombats. The fact that I’m coming with you?" Her smile was so wide and bright, I couldn’t stop myself from leaning in for a kiss.
"I love you, wife," I told her, loving the way the word sounded coming out of my mouth.
"Future wife," she reminded me.
I raised an eyebrow. "That’s nice too," I told her. "Not as definitive, though, you know."
I had an idea. A crazy idea. One I wasn’t sure Lizzy would be excited about. But I leaned closer and whispered it in her ear. The smile that took over my fiancée’s face told me everything I needed to know.
As soon as we were cruising, I stood and went to have a private word with the pilot. He wasn’t on board with the idea at first, but I had some skills of royal persuasion that finally convinced him.
A few moments later, we were turning and then descending once again toward the Murdan airstrip.
My family was gathered around the table in the parlor, just beginning their midday meal. Celeste and Lambert sat side by side, and my mother and father sat across from them.
All eyes turned toward us as we burst through the doors.
"What did you forget that you can’t possibly replace in America?" Lambert asked.
"Did you miss us so much already?" my mother added sweetly. She had already shed all the tears she was going toshed during our goodbyes. Now, it seemed she had switched to sarcasm.
"We did forget something," I told them. "And it’s something we need right away. Something only Lambert can provide."
Lambert raised an eyebrow and looked between us, confused.
"Is it something I’m going to want to provide?" he asked, half a sandwich raised to his mouth, about to take a bite.
"I hope so," I told him. "Lizzy and I want to arrive in America as husband and wife."
The table fell silent.
My mother was the first to react. "Oh my goodness!" She jumped out of her seat and ran to hug us both.
"But I need to call MaryAnne," she said, rushing toward the phone.
