‘‘I didn’t slam it. I closed it firmly. This isn’t about him, or anyone else. It’s about us.’’
Alex looked at him. ‘‘You don’t understand. No one stands up to the king. My father is a wonderful leader and is very willing to listen to all sides of a discussion, but heisthe king. He never forgets that and neither do we.’’
‘‘I didn’t forget. But this isn’t his decision to make.’’ He stepped toward her, then pulled her close. ‘‘Now where were we?’’
Alex thought about trying to explain the importance of what he’d just done, but she realized Mitch truly didn’t care. If he thought King Phillip was getting in the way, he would tell the man. No doubt he would keep as close a watch on Alex, as well, making sure she didn’t take on too many responsibilities, helping her stay balanced. He was even more wonderful than she’d known.
She slipped into his embrace. As his arms went around her, she felt as if she’d come home.
‘‘I love you, Princess Alexandra,’’ he said. ‘‘I haven’t a clue as to how we’re supposed to make this work, but I don’t want to let you go. I want you to marry me.’’ He smiled down at her. ‘‘And to answer the question before you ask it, I’ve been in love with you for a long time, but I didn’t want to say anything. I wasn’t sure I had very much to offer a woman like you.’’
‘‘What changed your mind?’’ she asked, even though she knew the answer. It was her pregnancy. She tried not to let that information make her sad. After all, many successful relationships had started with less.
‘‘When I woke up this morning and you were gone,’’ he said, ‘‘I knew no matter what, I couldn’t spend my nights alone in that bed. I need you in my life. I’ll do whatever it takes to allow us to be together.’’
She felt tears again, but this time tears of joy. ‘‘I love you, too, Mitch, and it’s not about having a baby with you, although I’m very happy about that. It’s because you’re the best man I know. I would be proud to be your wife.’’
He kissed her hard, his tongue teasing hers, then he pulled back. ‘‘I’ll never be a prince.’’
‘‘You’re wrong. You were born a prince. It’s about character and strength, Mitch, not about titles. But I do have to warn you. My parents are going to insist that we attend the gala celebration in March in Wynborough.’’
‘‘I can do that.’’
She couldn’t help giggling. ‘‘That’s not what I was warning you about. If I know my father, he’s going to insist on knighting you.’’
Mitch groaned and rested his forehead against hers. ‘‘Do you know what the guys who work for me will say if they find that out? They’ll make my life miserable.’’
‘‘They’ll just be jealous.’’
‘‘You’re right. Because I have you.’’
This timeshekissedhim.‘‘We have a lot of things to work out.’’
‘‘Uh-huh. I’ll do what I have to to make you happy, but I want to insist on some time on the ranch each year.’’ He reached out to caress her cheek.
‘‘All right, but what about our parents?’’ she asked, even as she drew closer to him.
‘‘Tell ’em whatever you want about the wedding. I don’t care if there are fifty people there or fifty thousand. As long as you marry me.’’
‘‘I meant that they’re waiting for us in the living room.’’
He kissed her neck, then her cheeks, then her mouth. ‘‘They’d be thrilled if they knew.’’
She found herself laughing, then sighing as he cupped her face.
‘‘I will love you forever, Princess Alexandra of Wynborough,’’ he whispered, his mouth against hers.
Her heart swelled with joy at all that had happened to her. She’d come to this country searching for a brother. Instead she’d found the best man in the world. She knew they were going to have a wonderful life together.
‘‘That’s nearly as long as I’m going to love you,’’ she promised.
* * * * *
