Page 71 of His Royal Request

This was it.

This was goodbye.

I clenched my jaw to keep from crying.

“Charlie, I can’t ask you to do this.”

I was confused. “Do what?”

“To put yourself out there. To meet with the press and give them information.”

I sucked in a breath. I wasn’t expecting that.

“Are you sure that’s what you want?” I was really asking if he was willing to commit to me. I couldn’t do this if it was just for a few days. I couldn’t put myself or my family through it for a fling. I knew coming forward would change my life, and I would do it. Only if it meant we were going to give us a real shot.

“I don’t want you to go. I’m not ready to say goodbye.”

I wished we weren’t having this conversation in front of his entire family and then some, but I had a feeling privacy was a rare commodity for them.

“For how long, Aiden?”

His face and muscles relaxed. He took my hands in his. “For as long as you’ll have me.”

I studied him, waiting for more.

He lowered his voice so only I could hear his words. “I’ve shared my feelings and I want us to explore what’s between us,” he said. “Having the stress of the wedding over would give us a chance to try.” He was asking me to stay. It wasn’t the romantic speech but it was more than I could ask for under the circumstances.

“Okay,” I whispered.

“Okay?” He sounded hopeful.

“I’ll meet with the press or do an interview. Whatever needs to happen.” I spoke loud enough for the rest of the room to hear.

He looked over his shoulder at his mother.

“I’ll have it arranged,” she said.

The conversation continued around us while Aiden pulled me close and wrapped his arms tightly around me. “Thank you.”

I nodded. “I’m not ready to leave.” I looked up and waited until he met my eyes. “I’m falling, Aiden, and it’s scary, but I’m not willing to give us up. Not without trying.”

He smiled and kissed my forehead. “I promise I will do everything in my power to make you happy and keep you safe. Don’t give up on me when things get hard, okay?”

I wasn’t sure what he meant by that but it was easy to agree when his scent surrounded me and I felt safe and untouchable in his arms.

20

Aiden

We decided to take advantage of the press coverage of the reception and make a public statement together. We cleared it with Nicole and William, who told us they didn’t care. They were so lost in each other I was surprised they even answered me when I asked.

The biggest statement we could make was arriving together. Breaking protocol would draw attention and give us the opportunity to say our piece.

We just had to get there.

I checked my watch again and glanced at the stairs.

“They’ll be down when they’re ready,” Michael said coolly while leaning against the wall. “Staring like a mad man isn’t going to change anything.”