“Buck’s playing the Ryman tonight but I’ll bring Gemma if she’s available.”
“Seven o’clock.” By Trent’s manner, John could tell he wanted to return to work so he said goodbye.
On his way to the truck with Gunner, John texted his brother.
I met her. Tough but tender. Reminds me of Mum and Great-granny.
She’s a Blue then.
In her DNA but otherwise she’s an O’Shay.
Does she want to meet us?
Not really but having dinner tonight.
Have you informed Mum?
Let’s see how things progress. How is she by the way?
Good, I think. She and Dad are at Hadsby for holiday. Give sis my regards.
John smiled.
Will do. She sent hers, btw.
Driving the quiet Tennessee roads—with Gunner riding silently beside him—John sorted and categorized the meeting, wondering all the more why Mum wanted to meet Scottie now.
Her challenge was spot-on. It’d been a year since the truth came out. So why ask to meet this summer? And if one wanted to be technical, the truth had been alive for Mum and Trent for thirty-five years.
Well, he’d done his bit. Met his sister. After dinner tonight, he’d enjoy the rest of his holiday before returning home to face reality. The anniversary of Holland’s funeral and the memorial service where he’d lay the final wreath. Then on to his investiture ceremony. Would Mum indeed change the old writ?
But for now, he’d shove all that aside and extend a dinner invitation to Gemma. His rather lovely plus-one, if she’d do him the honor.
“Eloise Ltd. is claiming something afoul with the sale of a Midlands tract of land to Hessenberg manufacturer Reingard Industries. ‘Three months ago we were denied the purchase of the north Midlands tract. Today we learned Reingard Industries is breaking ground for a massive plant. We are asking for an investigation.’”
— Clark Wilson, the News Leader
“Cecily and I were wondering whatever happened to the portrait of Princess Holland? Was it completed? Will it ever be revealed? We think it should be, don’t you?”
— Loyal Royals Blog
“The queen and king consort are on holiday for the month of July, enjoying Hadsby Castle in the Old Hamlet part of Dalholm. Here’s our royal reporter Melissa Faris on what it might be like to live in the ancient castle.”
—Stone Brubaker, the Morning Show
“Can anyone tell us what’s going on with Prince John and the mysterious woman in his arms?”
— @StefwithanF on Instagram
Chapter Eight
Gemma
Okay, life was getting weird. First the call from Matt Biglow. Which she did not answer.
Now, on this Monday afternoon, as she helped a customer with her dress, Prince John peeked into the grand salon.
“May I speak with you?”
