“I’ll manage until we get back to the hotel.”
Flashes go off as Amanda and Eddie ham it up for the camera, not wasting a single moment of their precious time. “Are you still all right with exploring the theme park after breakfast?”
“Of course, I’d be concerned if you didn’t want to do a full Disney day, seeing as it’s your first time here.” He glances at David and Clara. “Do you think they’ll be joining us?”
“I doubt it. Knowing David, they’ll probably fly back after Clara fits another nap in.”
“What about your brother and Amanda?”
I lower my voice so Art is the only one who can hear me. “I love them both dearly, but I can’t handle the mad pace they’ll want to keep to make sure they fit literallyeverythingin today. If they try to join us, we’ll find a way to ditch them.”
His body shakes with laughter. “It can’t be that bad.”
“Yes, it can. Amanda is notorious for choreographing the day’s activities down to the loo breaks.”
He arches his eyebrow. “Loo breaks, huh?”
“Uh-huh. Trust me. We’ll be better off on our own.”
“As youwish.”
I picture us taking a slow walk up to the bridge of the castle, where we’ll share a romantic kiss.
“Are you picturing us in the castle again?”
My cheeks warm. “Yes,” I admit.
“Brilliant, because I’d like that to be our veryfirststop of the day. Angela and Dylan have even agreed to give us a few minutes of privacy.”
“What’s the catch?” I ask.
Dylan is the protection officer who was hired to replace Art. A former Royal Marine, physically, he’s a lot like Art. Personality wise, however, they’re opposites. Dylan is always laughing and manages to keep me entertained. He’s nowhere as serious as Art. If you ask me, it’s no surprise Angela is smitten with him. Or so I think.
“They want us to purchase them mouse ears, churros, and some popcorn buckets. Apparently collecting them is a thing.”
I nod. “Done.”
It’s a small price to pay for a few moments alone with my boyfriend, but worth it. Art and I deserve to be able to enjoy our own fairy-tale moment.
Three MonthsLater
“I’m soproud of you. You’re going to do brilliantly Ali.” Art kisses my cheek. “Just remember to breathe.”
“You’re not going to tell me to try and imagine the audience in their knickers?” I joke.
“No,” he deadpans, crossing his arms. Our eyes meet and we both snicker. It’s just the distraction I needed to push the bundle of nerves away. Sometimes it’s hard to believe we’ve officially been together for about just over six months. We’ve gotten to know one another so well.
“We’re ready for you, ma’am,” my mum’s secretary says as she joins us behind the curtain separating Art and me from the press. A clipboard is tucked under her arm. She’s my assistant for the day. “The teleprompter is loaded with all the speaking points you’ve prepared.”
“Thanks, Lynn.”
“Be the Alice I know and love.” Art squeezes my hand one last time as I stand by the entrance and take a deep breath.
Squaring my shoulders, I plaster a smile on my face and walk out. There are three rows of schoolchildren in uniform seated crossed-legged, watching me with wide eyes. I can hear their whispers as they wonder why they’re here. Their teachers stand off to the side, also chatting quietly amongst themselves.
Behind them are about twenty members of the media. Some are taking photo after photo of me, while others are filming. Placing my hands on the side of the lectern, I take a few moments to myself before focusing on the children. They’re the reason I’m here.
“Good morning, everyone.”
