“What are you suggesting?”
“When in doubt, don’t.”
“Don’t what?”
“Don’t leave, Meri. Not yet anyway. Give him a bit of time. For your sake as much as for the prince’s. How would you feel if you left too soon and later discovered you had broken his heart?”
“Me break his heart?” Now she described Astrid, the potential new wife.
“And this woman was his choice?”
“No…the queen and Astrid’s parents are just hoping she will be.”
“Give the prince a chance, Meri. Let him make up his mind.”
“But, Daddy.” Meredith suddenly felt like a child. “Even if he wanted to choose me, what would that really mean? The queen would probably have a fit. And I don’t know anything about being part of a royal family.”
“Aren’t you learning right now? You’re an intelligent woman. You’d figure it out.”
“But I would have to live over here. What about you?”
“I know how to get on a plane. And I’ve always wanted to explore Europe. Are you saying I wouldn’t be welcome there?”
She sighed. “Of course, I would welcome you. But this whole thing sounds ridiculous. I can’t believe we’re even talking about it. In the light of day, I will probably think I dreamed this whole thing. It’s crazy, Dad. Really, I plan to let them know I’m leaving. The children are in good hands here. I’ve met the old nanny,and she’s sweet. And even the queen, in her own way, loves her grandchildren. I think my work is done.”
“What about God’s work?” he challenged. “What if He’s not done?”
“I’ll pray about it.”
“Good for you, honey. I’ll be praying too. By the way, we may have to end our hike early.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Wildfires ahead. They may be closing down our next section of PCT.”
“I’m sorry.”
“We’ll just pick it up next year. Gives us something to look forward to. That and the possibility of coming over to Rotslavia to visit my princess.”
“Oh, Dad.” She chuckled. “I love you.”
“I love you too, honey. God bless.”
“You too. Stay safe.” As she shut down her phone, she considered his challenge to stay longer. Okay, maybe he was right. What could it hurt? And what if the queen did throw her out like Meredith kept imagining? Well, that would be an answer too. And, really, a few more days with the children, gently hinting that all good things must come to an end, probably wouldn’t hurt either.
As it turned out, Meredith didn’t get much time with the children for the next few days. The queen had most of their time booked with Astrid and her family, and Meredith, not surprisingly, was not included. Left to her own devices, Meredith enjoyed the down time. She explored the castle and town independently, discovering that Rotslavia was even morecharming than she thought. People were warm and friendly, and despite language barriers, they were quite helpful.
Still, she wondered why she had remained here. What was the point? For all she knew, Spencer and Astrid might be engaged and making wedding plans. Of course, that would simplify her exodus from Rotslavia as well as the children’s lives. Perhaps it would all work out for the best in the long run. It was a good exercise in patience…and in trusting God.
Finally, on the fourth day of Astrid’s visit, Kat announced her grandmother’s plans to give a formal ball in honor of Kat’s thirteenth birthday.
“I think it’s really for Astrid,” Kat confided as Meredith helped her with her hair. “Grandmama wants Papa to be seen with her by everyone. My birthday is just an excuse for it.”
“A birthday ball sounds like fun to me. You should just enjoy it, Kat.”
“I’d enjoy it more if I had some friends there.”
“What about Kalina?” Meredith asked. “Could you invite her?”
