Page 131 of Loyally, Luke
“Marrying a princess is a little different than just being friends, I think.” Luke pinched his eyes closed as the car swerved. “She has responsibilities here and I have responsibilities back at my home.”
“What are responsibilities?” Faye tilted her head and studied him.
Nessa gave the bow tie another jerk and then smiled. “You look braw, my boy.” Then she turned to the front. “Route 45 will have work traffic from Kelmer and you know how that is.”
“Responsibilities are things that are important to each of us that we need to do. That other people expect us to do.” Maybe he preferredbeing in the back seat, because watching Gordon drive from the front seat would probably look more like aMario Kartrace.
“You’re going to miss the exit, Gordie.” Nessa’s voice rose. “There it is.”
“Och!” Gordon growled and swung the car over two lanes to take the exit.
Faye didn’t seem fazed at all. Jamie held on to the side door with a white-knuckled grip.
“But she’s a princess. That makes it special,” came Faye’s voice through the madness.
“It does, which means she deserves someone special to help her meet those responsibilities, and I live too far away.” The statement hurt because it felt so true.
“We’ve gained at least ten minutes on our time.” Nessa looked over at him, her eyes glistening. “Oh, it’s so exciting, Luke.” She glanced around the car expectantly. “Does anyone else feel like Cinderella?”
A few of his man points died inside him.
Faye gave a rousing clapped response, but every male in the car failed to be amused.
“Cinderella, woman?” Gordon gave his head a strong shake. “Right now, I feel like we’re in a blooming Jason Bourne car chase.”
And the men gave their hearty approval.
Man points restored. Mostly.
“Can’t you and Princess Ellie just live in the middle?” Faye asked.
Gordon scoffed. “If they were merfolk.”
“There’s an ocean in the middle, Faye,” Luke clarified.
The car swerved again, and Faye nearly landed in his lap.
“We’re not far now,” Nessa announced, patting Luke on the arm. “I can’t wait for you to tell us all about it.”
“We’ll collect you at midnight,” Gordon said. “Text us when you’re ready.”
“Midnight is when Cinderella’s magic ran out too,” Faye added with a smile.
Luke wasn’t even sure if his smile still worked. Was it possible that his little sister was writing this scene of his life and cackling from her place of omniscience?
“Do you think midnight will give you plenty of time?” This from Nessa.
“You don’t have to wait for me.” Luke shook his head. “I can rent a car and get back to Crieff.”
“And allow us to miss the story?” Nessa gasped. “You kinna do that. Gordon and I will take Jamie and Faye back to Cambric and return for you later.” Nessa sent Faye a wink. “And I’ll share all of it with you tomorrow, Faye. Don’t you worry.”
The car swerved again and Luke braced himself with his knees as the tires screeched through a turn.
Maybe God was using this car ride to make him grateful to finally put his feet on steady ground again. Even if that steady ground started at the bottom of a staircase to a castle to meet a princess.
Yep. Still sounded weird.
And completely impossible.
