“Someone to kiss under the mistletoe,” Kat said jokingly.
Sophie’s mouth formed a perfect O. She jumped up from the table and nearly knocked over her coffee cup. “Mistletoe.”
“What about it?”
“I forgot to tell the new wedding planner about hanging mistletoe at the royal wedding ball. I must call Talia. Do you mind?”
Even in a panic, Sophie considered others. Kat motioned toward the door. “Go. I’ll get dressed while you do that.”
“Meet me downstairs when you’re ready. Claude is driving us to the appointment with the dressmaker.”
Coffee and pancakes forgotten, Sophie walked out of the bedroom at a brisk pace. But then again, mistletoe at a Christmas wedding, even a royal one, was important.
Though kissing under the mistletoe at the castle seemed unlikely to Kat. She knew three men at the castle—Claude, Jennings, and Gill.
An image of the prince’s handsome face appeared.
He had nice lips, but he scowled more than he smiled when she was around. They didn’t get along well enough to kiss. Even if she wanted to kiss him—which she didn’t—he would never want to kiss her.
Maybe Sophie could introduce Kat to someone at the wedding who might want to kiss under the mistletoe at the royal ball.
Was a kiss too much to hope for before the proverbial clock struck midnight and her fairy-tale vacation ended?
One kiss—a peck would do—to take back to reality, to her small, one-bedroom apartment and her job caring for animals.
A good life. One she loved.
Just a world away from this castle and Alistonia.
*
Sitting in theback of the idling limousine, Gill tapped his foot to the beat of the Christmas carol playing and hummed along to the tune. Most holidays seemed like a waste of time, but he loved everything about Christmas—from the decorations to the music to the food. Gifts were an added bonus because he preferred to give rather than to receive.
This year, Gill felt torn. He wanted his little sister’s wedding day to be perfect, but he didn’t want the Christmas festivities to be pushed aside due to the royal nuptials. The fact he hadn’t thought much about the holiday season suggested that might happen this year.
Unacceptable.
Christmas at the castle was full of traditions that dated back centuries. The staff deserved the usual celebration and presents, and in spite of his mother downplaying the holiday since his father’s death three years ago, so did she.
Come Christmas, Gill wanted to see only happy faces, not disappointed ones. He knew who would make that happen—his assistant Frederick.
Before the second ring, the line connected. “This is Frederick, sir. How may I help you?”
“We haven’t discussed Christmas.”
“Already on it, sir.”
Of course Frederick was. The man never disappointed. “Same as last year?”
“Yes, sir. I’ve finished purchasing the gifts for the staff as well as their stocking stuffers. I’m only missing the cash bonuses that go in the cards.” Frederick’s competent tone let Gill know everything was under control.
“I will take care of the bonuses.” As well as Frederick’s gift. Gill wanted his assistant to be surprised along with everyone else. “Have the cards and envelopes addressed and ready to be filled before the wedding.”
“Yes, sir,” Frederick said. “Jennings is coordinating with the chef for the staff’s Christmas Eve dinner.”
“What about the guests staying at the castle?” One particular guest came to mind. Gill would have to give Kat a present. Excluding her would be rude, especially on Christmas morning.
“I have presents for each of the names on the list Jennings provided, and I purchased extra in case of unexpected guests.”
