Page 55 of Twins for the Secret Prince
“So maybe you talk to Eva, tell her you love her, and everything else will fall into place.”
Pieter chuckled. “When did you become such a romantic?”
Jan grinned. “Listen, I’ve just got you back. I don’t exactly want to encourage you to go back to Alaska. But Idowant you to be happy. And I don’t want you spending the rest of your life wishing you’d made a go of it with Eva.”
“No regrets.”
“That’s right. No regrets.”
The next morning, Pieter paced in his living quarters, rehearsing how he was going to tell his parents about Eva. He knew they would be unhappy about his decision to return to Alaska to tell Eva how he felt about her, but he couldn’t put it off just because his parents wouldn’t like it.
There was a chance — possibly even a strong chance — that Eva would tell him she didn’t love him back. Or maybe she would tell him she loved him but couldn’t see a future for them. It was very possible she didn’t want to marry into the royal family of Laagestein. He’d raise his parents’ ire, and all for nothing.
But still, he had to try.No regrets.
Just as he’d steeled himself to ask to speak to his parents, there was a knock at his door.
“Your Highness, someone is here to see you.”
“Please tell them I’m not available right now.”
“They say it’s urgent, Your Highness. They’re from the United States military.”
Pieter’s heart thumped in his chest. “Where did you put this visitor?”
“They’re waiting in the Grand Hall, Your Highness.”
Without another word, Pieter raced out of his room. He practically ran along the corridor and the grand staircase. Who could be here to see him? He’d spoken to Derek only the day before, and he hadn’t said a word about anyone from the basecoming to Laagestein. He knew he’d left quickly, but he didn’t think a senior officer would fly all this way just to serve him a disciplinary notice.
Itmustbe Eva. Was there a chance she felt the same way about him as he felt about her? Pieter hardly dared to believe it, but he hoped with every fiber of his being that it was the case.
He reached the Grand Hall, threw open the door, and his eyes were treated to the glorious sight of Eva standing just a few feet away from him, resplendent in her military uniform.
“Eva!” he said. He took two long strides and stood in front of her, breathing her in. “You look even more beautiful than I remembered.”
“Hello, Pieter,” she said, her voice shaking slightly.
He took the final step towards her and pulled her close. “I’m so glad you’re here. I’ve missed you so much.”
Eva’s body stiffened under his touch, and she pulled away from him. She took a step back. “We need to talk,” she said, her voice strained.
Pieter felt the blood drain from his face. All of the hope he’d carried about his future being inextricably bound with Eva’s faded. His chest filled with dread as he braced himself for what he was sure was the inevitable. Eva had come to Laagestein to reject him, once and for all.
CHAPTER 18
EVA
Pieter’s face had gone pale, like he was bracing himself for bad news. Was it possible he already knew what she was about to tell him? Eva didn’t think so, since the only other person in the world who knew she was pregnant was Ali, the medic. And Ali wouldn’t break the bonds of confidentiality, of that she was sure.
She took a deep breath and put her hands on her stomach, willing herself not to faint as she told him the news. “I know this must be a shock, me showing up like this. But I have something to tell you, and I wanted you to hear this in person.”
Pieter nodded once, and she saw him gulp. “I’m very happy to see you. Thank you for coming all this way. Won’t you sit down?” he asked, sinking into a chair and gesturing at the one beside it.
Even though she was battling nausea and nervousness, Eva shook her head. She wanted to stay exactly where she was and get this over with. “I’m just going to say it quickly. I’m pregnant.”
Pieter’s mouth dropped open. He stared at her for a moment, silently. His mouth moved as though he was about to saysomething, but he just continued to stare. Finally, he said, “I thought you’d come here to tell me never to contact you again.”
“What? Why would I come all the way here to say that? That would be insane.”
