Page 81 of Mistletoe Season
He needed to talk to her. Reason with her. Convince her the past didn’t matter to him or his family. But even more so, he’d made his own choice: if shecouldn’tbe brave enough to enter his world, he’d choose hers.
“Are you alright, son?”
Arran looked over to see his father joining him on the private balcony of Perth Hall, the country estate hidden in the northern mountains of Skymar. Afamilyhome. Quiet and safe from the noise and bother of the outside world. If only he could escape the noise of his heart as easily.
Arran turned his phone toward his father, with Charlotte’s message on display.
“I know her history isn’t a simple one, but it doesn’t matter to me—except for how it impacts her.”
His father nodded and handed him back the mobile. “I never discount someone’s history.”
Arran’s gaze shot back to his father.
“Our histories define us, for good or ill. There’s no changing that fact.” Father’s smile softened beneath his close-shaved beard.“From all you’ve said, this Charlotte of yours is a capable and deeply compassionate sort. Some of the very hurts she’s known likely also contribute to her strengths.”
“I will fight to keep her, Father.” Arran looked out over the countryside, his hands fisting the railing. “To convince her we are worth a chance.”
“The media will run its course on the story and find a more interesting one soon enough.” Father placed his palm on Arran’s shoulder. “But here is my question. If she is not willing to take a chance on you, on all this”—his father waved an arm toward the horizon, encompassing the grand vista over the Skymarian landscape—“are you stronger now from knowing yourself better—and, perhaps, from knowing her—to continue forward with a healthier head and heart than the last time?”
Arran stared at his father, taking in the question. “I am most assuredly stronger now than I was before I left. I’m more secure in who I am and what I want,” he said. “Which is why I am also willing to consider...” He paused and pulled in a breath. “A simpler life. If that’s what she requires.”
“You love her.”
It wasn’t a question. His father saw.
“I do.” The admittance sank deep, securing his decision.
“Ellie’s life and marriage to Luke has taught your mother and me to hold our expectations for our children more loosely than we’d planned.” He grinned. “Apart from the past two years, you have proven an excellent ambassador and supporter of Skymar, especially your patronage of Bredon and the Western Isles. But you have a freedom not as easily afforded to your eldest siblings, and it offers you a choice.”
“I know.”
“Love has the potential to give any home the splendor of a palace, son.”
The choice ached through him, a ripping of two worlds and two loves. He knew he could find happiness in her world. And although he’d been without her for merely a couple of weeks, he realized his world held less luster without her in it.
“It’s true. And I’ve learned so much about love from you and Mother.” Arran released a long breath. “But if Charlotte doesn’t choose me...” He swallowed through his tightening throat. “I’d like to renew my commitment to my patronages and service to the realm. My time in North Carolina reminded me I have the desire and ability to serve others well.” His gaze found his father’s. “But right now my plan is to stay in Skymar through Christmas, and then return to North Carolina and win her back.”
“If she’s as smart as you claim”—his father smiled and drew in a deep breath—“I have no doubt you’ll succeed.”
***
Charlie:I promise to call you back, but I need to make it through the Gala tonight first. I leave in a half hour. Can we talk tomorrow?
Arran:I’ll be preparing for the Royal Christmas Dinner tomorrow evening, so timing may be tricky, but I’ll make it work.
Charlie:Thank you.
Arran:Charlotte, you need to know that I plan to return to North Carolina after Christmas. I’ve already spoken to Luke, and he’s given me leave to stay at his place during his and Ellie’s Skymar sabbatical and resume my spot on the building team. That will give me time to sort out my long-term plans. But one thing of which I am certain: I want to be where you are. And if that means my world changes, then so be it.
Charlie reread his text. Was he saying what she thought he was saying? Give up his royal life? Move to North Carolina?
For her?
Emotion gathered in her throat as she reread the message for the third time.
He was crazy.
Princes didn’t do things like that. And working in construction? Living in her small Appalachian town?
