Page 75 of Royal Agenda

“What’s wrong with my warehouse?” Sean asked, offended.

“I will shower. You figure out how to kidnap my lady love for a sunset wedding.” Ryker pounded Sean’s shoulder. “I will be wed before nightfall.”

Liam whispered loudly. “Is anyone going to ask Grace about this?”

“Not it,” said Sean.

Mack rolled his eyes. “She’s going to say yes.”

“You know this? How?” Ryker demanded.

“I was the guy who took her home last night. Trust me–she’s not going to say no.”

Ryker grinned. “There! You see. She cannot resist my charms.”

Liam shrugged. “If you want to go down like that, I’m going to be there to watch.”

“Me too,” added Sean.

Ryker grinned at the group. “You may tease me and not treat me as one should treat a prince, but you have my back. And for that, I will let you stand up with me at my wedding.”

“You’ll let us?” Sean’s forehead wrinkled.

Mack chuckled. “Let’s give him this one. It is his wedding day.”

Ryker’s smile grew. What started out as the darkest day would turn into the brightest night. He had found a woman to love and make his family. He may have left his homeland behind, but he was starting a new family and that gave him hope like he’d never had before.

Thirty-One

Nancy stared at the pad of paper with a list of tasks, feeling like she was having an out of body experience. What a strange conversation she’d had with Sean. He was an imp and a troublemaker and a darn good friend to Ryker.

“What’s this all about?” asked Harry as he, Polly, and Winnie filed into the conference room.

“We should wait for everyone.” And I should be freaking out because Sean asked to kidnap Grace, but I’m not. Like grandpa, like grandson. Don thought kidnapping people was a viable answer to any question they came up against. Well, not any question–but more often than it should.

Walt, Rosa, and Don came in. Don had coconut cupcakes on a platter that he set in front of Nancy. She could almost forgive Don all his plans, which started with kidnappings when he brought in his baked goods. She smiled and pushed it farther down the table. “I’m keeping it together—barely. Just don’t let them get too far away.”

Samantha ran in, her white eyelet knee-length dress flowing around her legs. “Can we make this quick? I have a group waiting to make piñatas.”

“Yes.” Nancy straightened her back. “Ryker would like to marry Grace . . . tonight.”

Everyone cheered.

Nancy held up her palm. “Grace has no idea. It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

Smiles faded into confused and concerned looks.

“A surprise wedding?” Polly asked. “Is that . . . legal?” she said the last word like she wasn’t sure it was the right word to use.

“It’s legal as long as Grace agrees at some point,” Rosa replied. “Does she love him?”

“Yes. But she hasn’t come out of her room all day.”

“That’s not a good sign,” Walt ventured.

Polly patted his arm. “You’re absolutely right.”

Rosa pressed her hands to her cheeks. “Aya! Did they fight? If they are fighting, a wedding is not the answer.”

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