Page 35 of A Royal Arrangement
“Of course, but we have to work together to do that. Whether you like it or not, we’re a team now. It would help if we were on the same side.”
Somehow, this woman, eight years his junior, was much wiser than him. Maybe he’d been looking at the situation all wrong.
“I’ll try to keep that in mind.” He stood, stretching his back before leaning his forearms against the balcony railing. “I can’t promise I’ll share anything about Isabella soon, but I’ll work on it.”
“I’m here whenever you’re ready to talk.”
He wasn’t sure if he would ever be ready, but one thing he knew for sure was that he had greatly underestimated Rosalie.
Even though he had already apologized to Rosalie, Colin still felt like a blockhead, as Wes had called him. She was always kind to him and went out of her way to do thingsto love on Addie and show him she wasn’t there to replace Isabella like he had feared.
Today, he wanted to follow up his words with action. Colin had a note delivered to Rosalie, apologizing again and letting her know he had arranged a spa day for her to feel pampered, followed by a dinner for just the two of them. He hoped his actions would back up his words and help to strengthen the trust between them. Although he wanted a marriage in name only, Colin could at least admit that they would need to be cordial for this arrangement to work.
To get into the right headspace for dinner alone with Rosalie, he decided to start his morning with an activity that was sure to lift his spirits. He walked to Addie’s playroom, wearing his finest suit and the royal crown he typically only wore for formal occasions—and an occasional tea party with the cutest five-year-old around.
Colin knocked on the door and smiled down at his daughter as she pulled it open, curtsying to him. Daddy-daughter dates were his favorite thing in the world.
“May I have the honor of joining you for a tea party?”
“It was planned fow you, Daddy.” Addie giggled, stepping aside and letting him into the room.
“For me?” He held a hand to his chest in feigned shock. “You shouldn’t have.” Colin moved over to the kid’s table set with a pink lace tablecloth and covered in plates of miniature pastries, finger sandwiches, and a floral teapot. He pulled out one of the small chairs for Addie and helped her scoot in before lowering himself into one opposite her.
Colin’s knees were bunched up to his chest as he sat at the table made for someone Addie’s size. It wasn’t comfortable in the slightest, but he would do anything for his girl.
He poured Addie’s cup of tea—apple juice—before filling his own teacup. Colin helped her make a plate of mini peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches and a small apple pie. He piled his own plate high with chicken salad sandwiches and cheese Danishes.
“So, what was your favorite part of turning five, my little princess?” Colin asked, then took a bite of a chicken salad sandwich.
“I liked my donut and my cake and my pawty.” She put a finger to her lips, her eyebrows scrunching. “Oh, and of course Mr. Spwinkles.”
As she listed everything off, Colin couldn’t help but notice all her favorite parts of her big day had been Rosalie’s doing. She really was good for Addie.
“Wait, who is Mr. Sprinkles?”
“Don’t insult him, Daddy. He’s wight here.” She gestured to the giant stuffed unicorn sitting between them. It had been Rosalie’s gift to her, and Addie hadn’t let it out of her sight the past few days, dragging it behind her everywhere she went.
“Ah.” He pressed his hand to his lips to hide his smirk. “Mr. Sprinkles is the perfect name for a unicorn.”
“I thought so.”
Colin took a sip of his apple juice, and Addie tapped his arm, clearing her throat.
“Wemember, pinkies out.”
“Right, so sorry.” He picked up his teacup, holding out his pinky and taking another sip.
She scrunched up her nose as she laughed, the image of her mother.
“You know, the older you get, the more you look like your mom.” Colin couldn’t help but smile as a huge grin lit up Addie’s face.
“Wosie is pwetty. So you think I’m pwetty?”
“Oh, I meant Isabella, honey.” He reached over and ruffled Addie’s hair. “But yes, I think you’re the prettiest girl in the whole wide world.”
Her smile faded as she nibbled on her sandwich. Colin didn’t know what to say. He was making a mess of things lately. After a few minutes of silent eating, Addie finally spoke again.
“Miss Wosie told me our heawts are big enough to hold lots of people. That it’s okay fow me to miss the mama I didn’t know but still like Wosie too.”
