4
The Queen of England was already seated in Donna’s pew. Her heart pounded. Being a guest at a royal wedding was so different from her ordinary life. She held onto Blackwell’s arm, just in case he disappeared and she woke up from adream.
Blackwell escorted her two rows behind the royal family she’d grown up watching on TV. She scooted in and stared around the room. In the front row were the American princesses but her gaze went to the entire royal family that the newspapers were always writingabout.
There was no way she belonged in this world, but it was nice to see that the faces were all real. Blackwell smelled good, like the mountain air he so loved mixed with pure testosterone. She squeezed his hand and glanced at his profile. Yesterday she’d never have believed she’d end up as the date to a tall, handsome duke. This wasn’t even on her list, but he was the sexiest man she’d seen in years, and he was holding her hand. “I can’t believe I’m here,” she said in a low voice. “This feelsunreal.”
He whispered to her as the wedding started, “It’s a traditional royal wedding and the guest list is old European society, or therichest.”
The bride, Amy Fields from England, was beautiful, and the church itself was more ancient Roman temple in feel than a traditional gothic church, which she hadn’t expected. She kept her voice low so only Blackwell heard her. “It’s all so different. In Miami, we have a lot of South American nouveau rich types who like to show off thier money, but here it seems the royals have classic, understatedtastes.”
For the rest of the wedding, neither of them spoke, but her body was warm at Blackwell’s side. It seemed odd, but it was as if she belonged somewhere at last, next tohim.
The bride and groom walked down the aisle together after sharing their vows and the guests began to mill out after them. The reception at the palace meant she’d get an inside look at a real royal family. Goosebumps grew on herarms.
Then as they walked out, Blackwell asked her, “Would you like to meet the English royalty? You’re staring atthem.”
She had been? She lowered her head and felt heat rise on her cheeks. “Icouldn’t.”
“That’s a yes.” He walked right over to the Queen of England, who waited for her limo in the midst of the othernobility.
Blackwell stood beside the Queen. “Good evening, Your Majesty. The wedding wasbeautiful.”
“Agreed.” The Queen of England said in response. “It waslovely.”
Blackwell then bowed formally. “Your Highness, I’d like to introduce Ms. Donna Smith. She’s a huge fan ofyours.”
The Queen held out her gloved hand. “Delighted.”
“Your life is so very interesting.” Donna curtsied. This was surreal--beyond a dream. She’d never imagined really talking to the royalty that she’d read so much about. She couldn’t wait to tellBeth.
The moment she straightened the Queen smiled at her. “It’s a life. We all have one. I hope yours is interestingtoo.”
Her family brought her toward herlimo.
“Thank you,” Donna said as they departed. Blackwell then led her toward his limo and her heart pounded in her chest. “Blackwell, she was sogracious.”
“I think it’s part of the job description. Now let’s get you into the palace.” He guided her through the crowd to his black limo and she stayed at hisside.
The driver held the door open for them and they scooted inside. When Blackwell joined her, she put her hands on his thigh and met his gaze. “I’m waiting for the reception where we can relax, eat and possibly dance. This is a dream come true and I can’t even begin to truly thank you for all ofthis.”
He winked at her but didn’t say much. Her breathing skipped beats and she had a zip in her pulse that couldn’t be contained. She kept her hands on his leg, but stole glances at his handsome profile. He could have anyone he wanted and there were tons of women way more sophisticated than she was. “Blackwell, why me? Don’t get me wrong, I’m excited we’re here, together. You’re asweetheart.”
His lips curled and she saw his dimples. “Not even my mother thinks that ofme.”
Family. At least he still had some. Once her grandmother had died, she’d lost everyone related to her. She released her grip on his leg. “Why isn’t shehere?”
He turned toward her and she could smell his mountain air essence like cologne. Her lips tingled for a kiss though she knew it would be a mistake. Tonight was just onenight.
Blackwell then said, “She’s still in mourning for my father and skipping social events for the rest of theyear.”
She lowered her head, her breaths at last coming easier. “That’ssad.”
The limo slowed again. He pointed toward the castle with the blue roofs. “See? We are at the palace already. Are youready?”
Part of her felt like an intruder. She dropped her hands on her lap. “For?”
“The reception.” He took her hand to gently tug her toward the limodoor.
