Page 46 of The Princess and the SEAL

My head jerked back. Some lady was taking a picture of us with her phone.

“Sorry to startle you! You both just looked so happy, so I thought I’d take a picture. Here I can airdrop it to you.”

Ryan smiled. “Sure. Thanks.”

Ryan held his phone up to hers, and, magically, the pictures appeared.

I stared at the photo, and something struck me.

I had never seen myself look so happy in my life.

Ugh. Would I ever be this happy again?

We strolled through the rest of the zoo. The hippos and the gorillas were other favorites of mine.

After a long walk, we finally stopped at the food court to get a snack.

In front of me, a young couple gave their toddler daughter an ice cream cone. The father looked so caring . . . just like Ryan.

My heart ached. I felt like I was facing an oncoming train and was powerless to stop it.

“What’s wrong, Princess?”

“It’s just . . . I want that.” I pointed to the couple.

“An ice cream cone? Chocolate or vanilla?”

Ryan could definitely be clueless sometimes. But it was adorable.

“No, that. A family.”

Ryan scowled. “Well, I’m sure you and Miguel will have beautiful children.”

“Stop, Ryan. I know. You’ve already told me over and over what an idiot I am. My marriage will be loveless. Miguel is a jerk. I’ll regret it. Don’t marry him. Stop. I’m not going to change my mind.”

“You’re right. I won’t waste my breath. Nothing I say changes anything. You’re going to do what you’re going to do, no matter what I say.” He stared at the family and then turned his head. “I’m ready to bounce.”

“Okay.”

We left the zoo, and my dreams of a happy little family, behind.