“Not with that shirt.” Gemma gazed toward the bandstand, listening as the first band tuned up.
At thirty, she had her life ahead of her, but when she slowed down for moments like this, she felt as if she’d lived three lifetimes. When she slowed down, the memories surfaced. The shame bit and stung.
The bluegrass band on stage started a beloved hymn in Hearts Bend about Jesus walking and talking with His own. But did He really?
While she worked to get her life back on track, there were moments when she wondered if the good Lord shouldn’t have left her for dead when He had the chance.
“Don’t miss our exclusive documentary on the life of Princess Holland.”
—The Life and Death of a Princess,LTV-1
“The Chamber Office announces Prince John going on July holiday. Destination unknown.”
— theNews Leader
“Who’s watchingThe Life and Death of a Princessnext month? I’m in tears thinking about it.”
— @RoyalFan on Instagram
“I don’t know, do you think Prince John will ever move on, Hy? He was so in love with his wife. I’m a wee bit jealous. I always wanted that sort of love affair.”
— Maddy from theMadeline & Hyacinth Live!
“You’re waking up to exciting news this July morning, Lauchtenland. A royal baby is on the way. The Chamber Office has announced the first grandchild for the queen and king consort. His and Her Royal Highnesses, Prince Augustus and Princess Daffy, are expecting their first child in early December. Everyone on theMorning Showwishes them all the best and a happy, safe pregnancy.”
— Melissa Faris, Royal Reporter, theMorning Show
Chapter Three
John
Day four of his trip to Hearts Bend and he felt more like himself than in the past year. The sweet, dewy air of the South sparked a bit of life to his dried-up soul.
This morning he played a quick nine holes with Buck, showered, breakfasted on eggs, bacon, and toast, stopped at the local coffee shop, Java Jane’s, for a cuppa cappuccino, and arrived at the Fourth of July fairgrounds without having once thought ofher.
Standing by the bandstand in the rising morning heat, waiting for Buck to finalize details for his concert, John’s protection officer, Gunner, shadowed his right shoulder. Scanning the crowded fairgrounds, his attention landed on a woman with the same shiny hair as his wife and nearly called her name.Holland, darling!But a tall, lean chap caught her from behind and swung her round, causing her to spike the air with laughter.
Of course, she wasn’t Holland. No woman would ever be Holland again. Nevertheless, what bothered him more than his fairy-tale ending with no “to be continued” was the fact he had to admit—he thought less and less of the love of his life. At least on a conscious level.
He mused more over how to meet his long-lost sister—which he had yet to do—than how to get on with living as a crown prince widower.
“John.” JoJo Mathews emerged from the throng of locals and tourists wandering in and around the food stalls, bounce houses, and carny games. “I need you.”
“Shall I tell Buck you’re throwing him over for a better man?” He glanced at Gunner who appeared to be sleeping where he stood. A former special forces commander, he excelled in strength and stealth. Gunner Ferguson was one of Lauchtenland’s best.
“Very funny. I need you for a game.” JoJo grabbed his hand and tugged him toward the crowd. Gunner pounced, breaking her grip with skilled precision. Then, “Sorry.”
JoJo rubbed her arm. “What did I do wrong? Can’t I touch you?”
“Yes, you can touch me.” John aimed his reply at Gunner who’d reacted on reflex. While he’d been on the golf outings and lounged around the pool, Gunner stayed in the guesthouse, away from the familiarity John shared with JoJo—the brother-sister teasing, the nightly hugs.
Now that he thought about it, those moments provided healing and comfort more than anything.
“Good, because I need you to partner with someone in a three-legged race. Don’t say no. Thanks.” She eyed Gunner then grabbed John’s arm again. “This way.” She was back in JoJo Mathews form. “We’re trying to win the trophy for The Wedding Shop. It’s cheap and ugly, but Haley really wants to beat Pops Yer Uncle Ice Cream Palace. She says they win every year and it’s time for a new sheriff in town. You’ll be with Gemma. She’s the perfect height for you.”
“Who’s Gemma?” John pulled his arm free and fell in step with JoJo, Gunner not far behind.
He’d won a three-legged race or two in his time. During his boyhood summers at Hadsby Castle.
