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“Sorry to break the news to you, but I’m actually planning to sell my BMW motorcycle,” I announced, catching everyone’s attention. “I intend to donate the proceeds to the Royal Academy of Arts.”
Grace, serving as the president, and Oliver, the director, had been deeply involved with the academy, which was on the verge of beginning construction.
Grace placed her hand on her chest. “That means the world to us.”
“Absolutely—that’s very generous of you, August. Thank you,” Oliver responded appreciatively. “We are full speed ahead, by the way. The groundbreaking for the academy is scheduled right after our wedding.”
“Which is right after our wedding,” Mother said, glancing at Sebastian and giving him a loving smile.
“Hey—I just thought of something very cool,” Theo said. “With Mother, Oliver, and Cousin Enzo all engaged, that’s three engagements in the family at the same time. August, if you decide to make it four, we might just set a world record.”
The comment turned every gaze at the table towards Veronica and me again. I silently wished the royal table wasn’t so wide; a well-timed kick under the table to Theo’s shins would have been immensely satisfying.
Feeling the weight of everyone’s attention, I stood abruptly, the screech of my chair echoing off the walls.
“I mentioned to Veronica that it might be nice to take a walk under the full moon,” I announced, eager to escape the speculative looks. “We’ll see you all later.”
“Sounds perfect,” Veronica agreed, her voice calm and supportive as she rose to join me.
Escaping into the crisp evening air, Veronica and I grasped the opportunity for some solitude, our steps synchronizing as we wandered through the meticulously maintained gardens.
“The royal life certainly is odd,” Veronica said with a chuckle as she stopped in front of the water fountain.
“What do you mean?” I asked, curious about her perspective.
She glanced up at the sky, where stars twinkled around the luminous full moon. “Parents are so obsessed with weddings, marrying off their children, ensuring there are descendants.”
“For them, it’s more important than eating,” I said.
Veronica bent slightly to smell the red roses next to the fountain. “I know it was awkward tonight during dinner, with everyone pushing the engagement, because your mother wants you to have a queen. But let’s not rush it, August. We’ll know when the timing is right. Let’s just take it slow.”
“What if I don’t want to take it slow?” I teased gently, closing the distance between us.
She looked up, surprise flickering across her face. “What do you mean? You’re ready to get married?”
“I’m just saying, you’re the love of my life, and all I want is to be with you,” I confessed, pulling her closer, mindful of the soft cast on my arm. “I love you.”
She smiled. “I love you, too.”
I pulled her in for an embrace, then was surprised when the gentle night breeze carried the sounds of a giggle nearby. Turning slightly, we spotted Caleb and Daphne tucked away on a bench under a garden light, sharing a tender kiss.
“How did they get out here before us?” I asked.
“We shouldn’t be watching this,” Veronica whispered, pulling me away to a more secluded spot under the willow trees, their branches swaying softly above us. “Much better.”
“I agree, but they had the right idea with the kissing,” I said. “The positive chemicals will help me heal faster, and we deserve some romance time now.”
“You really don’t have to sell me on this,” Veronica said, stepping closer and pressing her lips against mine.
I pulled her against me, needing to be closer. Our kiss deepened, fueled by the emotions swirling between us, each moment intensifying the connection that had always existed. I groaned softly as her hands moved to caress my face.
“I’m so sorry,” she gasped, pulling back slightly. “I forgot about your scrapes in the dark. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” I assured her, my voice low.
She reached up, her lips brushing against the skin of my cheek, her touch as light as a feather. “Hopefully that makes it feel better. Maybe we should head back inside so you can rest.”
I flashed a mischievous grin. “Oh, we are far from done here.” I drew her in for another kiss, this time with an intensity that said I wasn’t about to stop soon.
