Page 34 of A Royal Arrangement
“What becomes too much?”
“Watching how she interacts with Addie.”
“What, are you worried you’re going to fall in love with her?” Wes winked and raised a glass of lemonade before taking a sip, his pinky in the air.
Colin’s stomach dropped like he was on the wildest rollercoaster ride of his life. That was the thing he’d been trying to avoid. He shoved any feelings toward Rosalie deep down, but they had a way of erupting to the surface like a volcano when he least expected them.
She was always there, inserting herself into moments, turning them into memories he would never forget.
Like the time she accidentally flung a piece of lobster at his cheek. Or the time she stepped in and finished his press conference for him even though public speaking was her biggest fear. And when she completed the Edgemont Freedom Dance with him—not to mention the fact that she’d learned it before moving here. And their dance at the ball. And the look on her face when she was concentrating, trying to beat him in a game of chess. And watching her have a dance party with Addie. And the way Addie completely adored her.
Yeah, he’d noticed a lot about her, and he was venturing into dangerous territory.
I need to apologize but keep my distance.
They were married, after all. He couldn’t run from their problems and arguments. They needed to act like adults andwork through them together. But keeping Rosalie at arm’s length and focusing on Addie was the safest course for him.
Wes raised his eyebrows. “The silence says it all.”
Colin slipped back into his resting grump face, wanting to appear neutral. “Silence doesn’t say anything. I’m not going to fall for Rosalie.”
Wes drank the rest of his lemonade and smiled knowingly at him. “Sure you won’t.” He clapped his back in a bro hug. “Now go make nice with your wife.”
If it had been anyone else trying to order him around, Colin would’ve brought an abrupt halt to that before they had a chance to finish their thought. But Wes knew Colin better than anyone—maybe even better than himself—so he did as his friend said and went back into the palace to find Rosalie.
He tried to think of where she might’ve gone when he remembered that she’d mentioned in their last chess match how much she loved a small room with the best balcony overlooking the ocean. Colin made his way to the fourth floor, pausing outside the door to a small side room that didn’t look like much but hosted the most magnificent view. He slowly opened the door, his heart rate increasing when he spotted Rosalie on the balcony. Nerves weren’t usually a part of his vocabulary…but neither were apologies.
He rubbed Isabella’s wedding band in his pocket, but it didn’t soothe him like it normally did. Instead, it made him feel more guilty for his actions. Isabella would’ve been disappointed by the hurtful things he'd said to his new wife.
Colin walked toward Rosalie, clearing his throat to make his presence known. Her head whipped around, and when she noticed him, she turned back to the landscape before her.
I guess I deserve that.
“Can I speak with you?”
She shrugged, keeping her gaze set on the ocean.
“I want to apologize.” He paused, thinking about his words, wanting to make sure he didn’t muddle things further. “I overreacted about the party.” Colin walked out onto the balcony and sat on the seat beside her. “It was very thoughtful of you to organize an event like that for Addie. I’ve never had to share her on a birthday before, and I freaked out a little bit.”
Rosalie cleared her throat.
“Okay, a lot,” he corrected, clasping his hands tightly. “And what I said was out of line. Addie has become a brighter version of herself since you’ve been here, and I’m thankful for the positive influence you’re having in her life.”
“She’s an easy girl to love. I’m the one who’s better for knowingher.”
A small smile tugged at the corner of Colin’s lips. “She really is the best.” He rubbed the scruff on his chin. “I also want to thank you for inviting Isabella’s parents. You didn’t have to do that, and it means a lot to me that you did.”
“I couldn’t imagine not inviting them. They’re family.” Rosalie reached over, setting her hand gently on his forearm then finally looking at him. “Thank you for apologizing. I know none of this is easy for you, and I would never try to replace Isabella. All I want is for you and Addie to both be happy.”
Colin wasn’t prepared for the tears that pricked at the corners of his eyes.
“Maybe you could tell me about her sometime.”
“I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to do that,” he rasped out.
She gave his arm a comforting squeeze. “You should at least tell Addie more about her. I can’t imagine the pain you’ve experienced—are still experiencing—but I know it must be confusing for Addie too. She deserves to know about her mom. I’m happy to help Isabella’s legacy live on in any way I can.”
Colin’s mouth dropped slightly. Rosalie had to be the kindest and most giving woman alive. “You would do that?”
