Chapter Fifteen
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The magic continuedthroughout Christmas Eve. Kat spent every second with Gill. She wanted to form enough memories to last a lifetime. From wrapping gifts to dressing up and serving the staff Christmas Eve dinner, she was the happiest she’d ever been.
When the thought of leaving on the twenty-sixth reared its ugly head, she ignored the sadness and heartache she knew would be coming and focused on Gill and the beauty of the holiday.
Later that night as midnight approached, Kat was in the castle’s chapel with his family and friends. She almost lost it. The poinsettias, flickering candles, and wooden nativity set at the altar were simple, yet perfect. She understood why Sophie had wanted to get married here.
Kat glanced at Gill, who sat beside her. This was where she would…
Don’t go there.
He held her hand and sang Christmas carols. His voice flowed through her, wrapped around her heart, and gave her a great big hug. After the service, he’d wished her Merry Christmas and kissed her goodnight.
If only time could stop…
Christmas day was just as special. From eating a buffet breakfast to opening stockings to handing out presents. She hadn’t been part of a big celebration in years, and though this family wasn’t hers, she pretended it was. And Gill, too.
For today.
In the sitting room, surrounded by his mother and friends, he gave Kat a gift wrapped in red paper and tied with a silver bow. “This is for you.”
She’d given him a pirate ship ornament, a book on pirate lore, and an eye patch as reminders of the pirate prince who plundered and stole her heart.
Kat untied the bow and then ripped off the paper. She lifted the top off the box. Beneath the neatly creased tissue paper was a folder with a photograph of the African savannah on the front. “What…?”
Smiling, he leaned toward her. “Open the folder.”
She did. And gasped.
“What is it?” Queen Louise asked.
The words blurred through Kat’s tears. He’d known what the perfect gift would be and given it to her. She was touched, shaken, and if she hadn’t known he was the one for her, she did now. She cleared her throat. “It’s a travel voucher for airfare and a tour of Africa.”
Rowena’s mouth gaped. “Now that’s a present.”
“An extravagant one,” Queen Louise said with an incredulous stare.
Kat’s heart overflowed with love. She looked at Gill. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything.” He leaned closer and kissed her.
Right there in front of friends, family, and the staff. The day was pure bliss. Perfection.
But on the twenty-sixth, it was all over. The magic had ended. Santa hadn’t delivered a happy ending. No miracle had appeared.
She had to go.
A forlorn look on his face, Gill stood inside the airport. He held onto both of her hands. “Stay in Alistonia. Stay with me.”
“I can’t.” Kat wouldn’t meet his gaze. She couldn’t. “Your mother has other plans for you.”
“So? I’m making my own plans for the future. Ones I hope will include you. There’s something between us.”
“There is, and maybe if you were just some guy with a meddling mother, it might be different, but you’re a crown prince and she’s the queen. Things aren’t that simple.”
“I choose you. I will always choose you.”
