“Sporting Kids?” I blurt out. It’s the first thing that comes to mind.
“Sporting Kids? Are you set on that?” Ellie turns her nose up at the name.
“You really going to kick a man when he’s down?”
“Not what I would’ve picked, but have at it. I need to get to the school. Let me know if you need help.” Ellie drops a kiss on my head before leaving.
“Thanks, El.” She winks on her way out the door.
“I think we’ve got you all sorted out.” Grandmum stands, following Ellie. “Just make sure to close the curtains next time.”
“Grandmum, I don’t need you telling me that.”
“How do you think your granddad and I kept it under wraps all those years?”
“Mum!” Mum’s voice carries over the room.
“I’m scarred for life.” If a hole would open up and swallow me down, I’d be forever grateful right about now.
“Katherine, are you joining me?”
“Give me a minute.” Grandmum heads outside, leaving me with Mum.
“Are you going to be alright?” Mum’s voice is quiet as she sits next to me.
My happiness shouldn’t be so dependent on one person, but I can’t help it. I’ve never met anyone like Zara.
“I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve been lately. I know I haven’t been easy on you these last few weeks, and I’m sorry.”
“I’m the one who should be sorry. I didn’t have enough faith that you could make a name for yourself. I was so worried that you would renounce your place in line to the throne like Ellie that I held on too hard.”
Tears linger in her eyes. What is in the air today that is making everyone so emotional? “If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have met Zara. I hated the idea of you finding my wife, but now I can’t imagine my life without her.”
Mum takes my hand. “Then tell her that. Tell her how much she means to you. Don’t lose your chance at a once in a lifetime love over something that won’t mean anything in a few weeks’ time.”
I stand, giving Mum a crushing hug. “I think that’s the best idea you’ve had in a long time.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Zara
“Zara! Are you home?” Dad’s voice echoes throughout the living room. I’ve sequestered myself here the last few days, curtains drawn, so no one can see me.
“Hi Dad.” I peer up from my spot on the sofa as he shuffles into the room.
“Why in the bloody hell are you moping about like this? I thought you’d be happy.”
I shoot up as he sits next to me. “Happy? Why in the world would I be happy about any of this?”
“I figured with the paparazzi getting ahold of those photos, you’d be let out of your arrangement.”
I give him a puzzled look. “Why would I be let out of it?”
“Because you never wanted it in the first place.”
On top of everything else, I’m a terrible daughter. I was so wrapped up in my anger at my father that when things became serious with James, I didn’t tell him. Tears burst from my eyes. I can’t stop them. They’re uncontrollable, as Dad pulls me into a hug. Deep sobs escape as I try to get them under control.
“I fell in love with him.” My voice shakes, and my dad squeezes me tighter. “Not only was I a terrible daughter for ignoring your calls because I was upset with you, but I also fell in love with the prince and didn’t bother to tell you.”
