Max squeezed her hand even though he’d been distracted for the short duration of their ride.
“The reporters have been swarming the ranch since the story broke two days ago,” Kade said through his headset as he nodded in the direction of the ranch entrance. “Someone will have to inform them you guys have been rescued so they go away.”
Emberly peered out the window at snow-covered foothills to the sight of vehicles, camera crews, and reporters swarming the area outside the locked gate. Security personnel stood nearby, making sure no one came past.
Her family had learned to keep out reporters and paparazzi during many of Brock’s visits home. But they’d never had a prince to protect or a story of international importance.
Max glanced down at the people milling about, some of them now pointing at the helicopter with camera lenses that could probably see right inside.
He sat back out of sight and tugged Emberly back with him. “I shall go and speak with them directly.”
“I can go with you.”
His brow had a worried line in it that had only gotten deeper with every passing minute.
In the front seat next to Kade, Tyler hadn’t spoken for much of the ride. From the way his jaw was clenching, she knew he was frustrated about her and Max getting married. But he’d probably refrained from saying or doing anything else because he didn’t want to earn another headlock from Winzig, who was kneeling on the floor while Braun sat in the second passenger seat.
Emberly was disappointed that neither of her brothers had been more excited for her. But what had she expected? Their lack of support was partially why she’d decided to go through with marrying Max at the cabin.
As Kade directed the helicopter to the landing pad on a plateau above the family house, the back door of the house opened, and her mom and dad exited along with Kinsey and Wyatt, all in heavy coats and boots and hats. No doubt they were all worried about her.
Tyler had already called them after they’d reached cell phone range and let everyone know they were all okay. Since all of their phones were dead, Tyler had asked Dad to alert Max’s family that he’d been found and was doing fine.
Emberly shifted and caught Max’s gaze. Even though he offered her a small smile and brushed his thumb across the back of her hand, the gravity in his eyes did nothing to ease the worry growing inside her. Did he regret their hasty marriage? Was he concerned about how to tell his family, the same way she was hesitant about how to tell hers?
She hoped he wasn’t having regrets. The only regret she was beginning to have was that they’d had to leave their secluded bubble out in the wilderness, where they could be together and love each other without anyone condemning them. Even though they’d been stranded and hungry, at least they’d had a blissful time together.
As the helicopter touched the ground, Emberly silently rehearsed the words to explain to her parents all that had happened.
“I’d like to be the one to tell Mom and Dad about Max,” she said to Kade and Tyler as she stepped down from the helicopter onto the landing.
Mom and Dad had just ascended the stairs and were already crossing toward her. She barely had time to take a few steps before they were gathering her into their arms tightly.
She hugged Kinsey and Wyatt and then embraced Mom and Dad again as Wyatt and Kinsey went to Tyler and hopefully distracted him from spilling the news about her marriage.
“I was trying not to worry too much,” Dad said as he pulled back. “I knew you had all the skills necessary to survive out there.”
“Even so.” Mom cupped Emberly’s cheek as she blinked back tears. “We didn’t know if you’d decided to stay at the cabin or gotten caught in the snowstorm on the way down.”
“I made the decision to stay since I didn’t know if we could make it down before the conditions got worse.”
“That was a wise choice, darlin’.” Dad shifted toward Max, who was standing beside her. “I’m sorry for all the worry this has caused your family, Max.”
“I apologize that you are having to deal with the media.” Max stood tall and regal. “I also apologize that you had to learn about my true identity through this mishap.”
Dad waved a hand. “Oh, don’t worry. I already knew. The minute you started showing interest in Emberly, I had one of my connections do a private investigation to learn more about you.”
“Da-ad. Was that really necessary?” No wonder her brothers were so overprotective. They had inherited that trait from Dad.
He shrugged, his grin turning crooked. “I’m sorry. It probably wasn’t necessary. But you are my only daughter, and I couldn’t let you spend time with a man I didn’t approve of.”
“I was well aware of Max’s royalty, and we were keeping it under wraps so that we didn’t end up with the press at our gates.” She gave him a pointed look.
Dad raised his gloved hands. “Don’t blame me. I didn’t tell a soul. This only happened after Max’s family released a press statement about his disappearance.”
Max nodded. “I do believe the best thing I can do for the peace of your ranch is to go and make a quick appearance and then send them on their way.”
“First,” Emberly said quickly, reaching for Max’s hand, “Mom, Dad, there’s something you should know.”
