Page 37 of The English Queen

“Do you run the country, Daddy?”

“No. Your mother is joking. I am the acting head of state.”

“Head?”

“The person in charge of diplomatic things.”

“I thought you just cut ribbons and said hello to people,” Paul said.

Vanna burst out into a hearty laugh. Robbie loved her great laugh. It was contagious.

He picked up on it and snickered. “Well, it feels that way some days.”

“Why aren’t you king yet?” Paul wondered. “Georgie will be king someday–he told me. Natalie told me, though, she will be most powerful like Aunt Sabine is.”

“Oh, I haven’t a doubt your sister will be Georgie’s power broker. I will be king someday. Someday far too soon. But someday so will George. A long, long time from now, we hope. But, for now… I play king with no benefit of the title. It’s grownup stuff, buddy.”

“No, that’s mine!” Paul pulled his fork out of Kiersten’s eagle-eyed grasp.

Vanna giggled. “She’s getting big enough to pick a fight with you! You have to watch her.”

“She’s perfect. Just perfect.”

“I’m going to go play my game,” Paul announced, rushing off.

“You’re being awful sentimental this morning, Robert,” Vanna said.

“I’m happy to be home and have all four of them under one roof. And to have you. You were dreadful last night.”

“Dreadful? I think the word you used was amazing.”

He shot her a cheeky grin.

“No, Robert, don’t start.”

“What, you’re too knackered?”

“I’ll recharge,” Vanna assured. “You’re a downright sap right now. You’ve gotten up with the baby. And Paul. And you haven’t whinged.”

“I miss Paul. And the baby… I’m enjoying the baby as much as she’s exhausting me. I’d suggest we’d have another if I didn’t know I’d made it impossible. The horror of it.”

“Oh, stop. You sat on ice for a day. I pushed her out. She nearly tore me end-to-end. We are done. I am exhausted. Done. This is you getting broody because of Rita and Bruno.”

“Well, if they could do it—”

“Oh, God, no! Remember how this baby was a miracle and we couldn’t have planned her—she was a statistical anomaly?”

“Yeah, I know. I’m mad, yes. Look at her, though.” Robbie smiled at Kiersten.

She waved a piece of bacon at him.

Vanna sighed. “She is only quiet when eating. She’s exhausting, baby. I need a break. Speaking of which, I am planning a girls weekend.”

“When?” Robbie groaned.

“After the new year. Veronique, Beth’s unofficial maid of honour is saying she’ll plan a weekend in Paris for a few of us–Beth, their friend Megan who is designing the dresses, Louis’s sisters, Rita, Bex, Charlotte, and Izzy.”

Robbie chuckled. “Yes, only a few people.”

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