“If they’ve been waiting out there all this time, I feel like we should at least acknowledge them a little.”
“I think you’re right.” Nicky lifted my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it. Down where the press was still taking pictures and filming us, there was what sounded like a groan of delight.
“Good heavens. They get all excited about the smallest things.” I shook my head as we walked further along the path. Suddenly, Harold was there at my side.
“Sir, it’s this way.” He pointed in the opposite direction, the walkway that led back to the Palace.
“Yes, I know. We’re just going to stand a bit closer so the crowd there can get a look.” He lowered his voice. “It’s all right, Harold. We’re not deviating from the plan, I promise. Just a quick wave and then right back inside.”
“Of course, sir.” He stepped aside, but I noticed that he wandered along with us, a few paces behind us.
When we came into view at the hedge border, the people who’d been watching shouted and jumped up and down, many of them calling to us.
“Prince Nicholas! Kyra! Congratulations! Best wishes! We can’t wait to see your special day! We love you!”
My first real smile since we’d left the sanctity of the palace spread across my face, and I waved again, leaning forward a little so that I could see the people more clearly. Nicky tugged me closer to him, his arm around my shoulder, and waved, too.
It was as though I could feel the love emanating from that group of people, and I suddenly understood the allure of fame. None of those folks really knew me, but because they were excited about another royal wedding and perhaps even the idea of an American girl marrying a prince, they were happy for us. They’d waited there in the chilly wind on the off-chance that they might see us, even though they knew it would only be a fleeting glance.
“We should go inside now,” Nicky murmured to me. “It’s all right to veer off the plan a bit, but we don’t want to upset the security people.”
“Of course.” I gave one last wave and smile and then, with Nicky’s arm holding me close, I turned to go back inside.
“Today was a long day.” Nicky stretched, pulling the tails of his shirt from the waistband of his pants in the process. “But a good one. Actually, a really excellent one.”
“I won’t disagree on either sentiment.” I kicked off my heels and dropped onto our bed, laying back with a long sigh. “Holy cannoli. I feel like my cheeks are broken from smiling so much.”
He laughed softly and lay down next to me. “I’m sorry. But you were wonderful today, love. Really, completely wonderful. I’m so proud of you.”
“Mmmmm.” I closed my eyes. “Some of it was terrifying, but mostly, I enjoyed myself. And I was more surprised at that than anyone else.”
“You were so calm during the interview. No one would’ve guessed you were anything but calm, cool and collected.” He stroked one finger down my cheek. “You answered their questions with the perfect mix of dignity and ... hmmm. Sass.”
“Sass, huh? Is that what the reporters will be saying about me?” The corners of my lips tilted up. “I guess there are worse things.”
“You’re not wrong. And having a backbone isn’t a bad thing in our way of life, trust me. If you haven’t noticed yet, my grandmother still has that, even after all these years. And no one could accuse Daisy of not being a bit sassy herself.”
“That’s true.” We lay in contented quiet for a few moments before I spoke again. “Nicky, one thing they asked about today is something we haven’t finalized yet, with everything else going on. What are we going to do about Christmas this year? What are the plans?”
“Ah.” He turned to his side and braced himself on one elbow. “Well, you have been invited to join the family at Sandringham. I should have said something earlier—but as you said, we’ve had other things on our minds.”
“I’d love that, of course, but I was thinking, actually, that maybe I should go home to have Christmas with my family this year.” At Nicky’s frown, I rushed to continue. “It’s not that I don’t want to spend the holidays with your family. I’d love to do that, believe me. And next year, I will. But I’m worried about Honey’s health. I don’t ...” I fell silent. “I don’t know how many years I have left with my grandparents. I’m sure you feel the same way about yours. After this year, I’ll happily enjoy English Christmastime. But will you give me this one with my own family?”
“Sweetheart.” Nicky brushed several strands of hair away from my face. “We don’t have to spend every Christmas with my family. We’ll take them as they come—and I think compromise is the key here. I absolutely agree with you about this year. Go spend the time with Handsome and Honey and with all of your family. I’d say that I’d go with you, but if I did, the whole thing might turn into a circus with the press, and I will be expected to be at Sandringham, anyway. I’ll miss you, but I understand. Enjoy yourself. Be normal for one last time.”
I’d been a little worried about broaching this subject, so it was a relief to me that Nicky understood so readily. “Normal is not something I’d ever claim to be—but I know what you mean. If I can have a quiet week in Florida, I’ll come back ready to tackle life as a soon-to-be royal.”
“Just come back to me. That’s all I ask.”
I rolled to my side and looped my arms around his neck. “That’s one thing I can promise. I’ll always come back to you. Forever.”
“HEY THERE, MY BRIGHT GIRL. Care for some company?”
I turned, smiling at my grandfather, and slid down the wooden bench a bit. “If you’re the company, Handsome, my answer is always yes. Sit down with me.”
“Don’t mind if I do.” He eased onto the seat with small groan. “Ah, that’s good. Beautiful morning, isn’t it?”
“It is.” I stretched out my legs. After months of shivering in England, it felt odd to see my limbs bare again, but it had been warm enough for me to wear shorts and T-shirts since I’d arrived in Florida two days before Christmas. “I think I’ve finally thawed. Nicky teases me, but it really is a different kind of damp and cold over there. It seeps into your bones.”
