“Let’s forget protocol today.” He waved his hand toward the sidewalk. “No one will say anything if we walk together.”
“You’re the prince.” Kat fell in step with him.
A school appeared on her right; it was surrounded by a tall, wrought iron fence. The country’s flag fluttered from a flagpole near the edge of a playground—one that looked more modern than the old building made of stone. The large, three-story school had to be at least a hundred years old.
Children stood in rows on the front steps. Each wore a blue coat with a red hat and yellow scarf. A few whispered. Some giggled. Several pointed at Gill.
Kat touched her chest. “They are so cute.”
“Let’s take a closer look.”
Gill opened the gate, and she passed through. He closed the gate behind him.
The snow had turned to flurries. Being surrounded by the tiny flakes made Kat feel as if they were standing inside a snow globe. Everything around them looked so Christmassy she could almost believe they were.
The children sang “Welcome Christmas” fromHow the Grinch Stole Christmas. The young voices sounded so sweet, and the lyrics clogged her throat with emotion.
The song transported her back to her childhood and watching the show every year with her grandparents. She had the DVD somewhere in her apartment. Probably packed away with the Christmas stuff she’d left in the closet this year.
Warmth pooled at the center of Kat’s chest. “I love this song.”
“I know.”
Huh? She wanted to ask him how, but not while the children sang.
The song ended, and she clapped. So did Gill, who also whistled uncharacteristically.
The children laughed.
She glanced his way. “How did you know I liked this song?”
“I asked Sophie and phoned the school this morning. Fortunately, the children are singing the song at their upcoming holiday concert, so they included it for you.”
“For me?”
Two children climbed down and stood in front of the others. Soloists, perhaps.
“I thought you might like your own mini Christmas concert.”
This was all for her. Kat looked around. Her heart drummed in her chest. “Like? I love it.”
This might be Gill’s way of saying thank you, but his effort made her feel special. A way she hadn’t felt in a very long time.
Too long.
She couldn’t believehewas the one who’d done this for her.
“But…” Trying not to smile too big, Kat stared down her nose at him. “Who are you, and what did you do to Prince Annoying?”
He laughed. “He’s around here somewhere. I can find him if you’d like.”
“No, thanks. I’d prefer if he not make an appearance today.”
The two children in front sang the first verse of “Away in the Manger,” and then the rest of the choir joined in. “Deck the Halls” followed, and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” was next.
The children bowed.
She applauded. “Bravo.”
