At the clatter of a truck rumbling up the driveway behind the house, Max looked out the window to see Emberly arriving with a trailer carrying the two snowmobiles. T.W.’s expression again turned earnest. “Guess what I’m trying to say, Max, is that I give you my blessing if you decide you want to make Emberlyyour one.”
A strange relief whispered through Max, although he was not sure why, since he had no plan—at least yet—to make Emberlyhis one. As soon as the relief came, so did a prick of guilt. Would T.W. be so gracious if he knew Max’s real identity as a prince? He had the feeling T.W. probably would not let such news impress or influence him. Yet how could Max accept T.W.’s blessing to have a relationship with Emberly if he had not yet been completely honest?
T.W. cast a glance toward the back hallway, likely knowing this personal time together was rapidly coming to an end. “I’mmighty biased, but I also know Emberly will be a real treasure to the man who claims her.”
Max could not argue with that statement—not in the least. Emberly was one of the most incredible women he had ever met. Even if he decided toclaimher at some point, that did not guarantee she would want him.
The back door rattled.
“She has not made mention of her feelings toward me,” Max whispered hastily.
“Guess you have some work to do today to make sure her feelings for you are real clear.”
“Hello?” came her call in the hallway.
“In here, darlin’,” T.W. called.
Max’s mind was spinning with everything he and T.W. had just talked about, likely one of the most honest conversations he had ever had with anyone—except the part where he left out he was a prince.
Even so, the exchange had given him a great deal to ponder during this last day with Emberly. It certainly made him want to test if she might be interested in more than just friendship and consider a future with him.
A future with him.
The very thought was overwhelming, but as she stepped into the room in her heavy gear and with flushed cheeks, her beauty and vibrance and energy made him breathless. He had to hold himself back from going right over to her and proposing on the spot.
He was certifiably crazy. But he did not care one ounce. He was indeed falling in love with Emberly McQuaid, and he could no longer deny it.
12
“I told Emberly I didn’t want her going on this hike.” Tyler stalked into the kitchen. “And she’s refusing to listen.”
“I’ve done this hike at least two dozen times in my life.” Emberly had already explained herself to Tyler when she’d been hooking up the snowmobile trailer. But he was refusing to listen. “The heaviest snow is coming later in the day, and we’ll be back before it hits.”
Tyler paused in the doorway and shot Max a narrowed look before shifting his attention to their dad.
She’d texted Max to be ready early today so they could get a good start, and he’d replied that he was eager to go. He’d obviously been talking with T.W. when she’d entered the kitchen, and from the sheepish look on both their faces, she could guess she’d been the topic of their conversation.
That was fine. She’d ask Max later what embarrassing information her dad had said this time. Because he’d been telling Max all kinds of things about her childhood and her past since the day Max and Braun and Winzig had moved out of their cabin and into the upstairs rooms.
Max’s silvery-green eyes lingered over her with something that sent extra warmth into her blood. Was he looking at her possessively? Or with desire? Or both?
“Tell her not to go,” Tyler pleaded with Dad.
Dad shrugged. “I was the one who suggested the hike.”
“Why on earth would you do that?”
Emberly couldn’t keep from smirking at her brother. Yes, actually, Dad had mentioned the hike yesterday. They’d gotten more snow a day or so ago, and enough remained in the lower elevations to make snowshoeing fun instead of a chore.
“Why are you encouraging this?” Tyler waved a hand between her and Max. “Especially a trip like this where they’ll be alone for hours.”
She huffed. “We won’t be alone. Braun and Winzig are coming.”
“See, alone. Those two arehisright-hand men.” Tyler cocked his head at Max.
“In the face of danger,” Max cut in, “I would rather have my right-hand men defend Emberly than myself.”
Tyler didn’t acknowledge Max and instead leveled his glare at Emberly. “You’re not going.”
