Maria picked up another cookie and stared at it. “Before your mother died, she was childhood friends with Queen Anastasia. Both those girls swore they’d be sisters one day though your mother was common. In picking you, she keeps her promise to watch out for you.”
The current Queen had been born a duke’s daughter. Everyone knew that, but her mother’s friend and a promise? Anna raised her eyebrows. Leo hated how his parents manipulated him and she wondered if she should call this off and let Leopoldo marry Francesca. But he didn’t love the model, so she shook her head like that might free her doubts. “I don’t need-”
“You do,” Maria interrupted and Anna quieted down. “You’ve cared for Leopoldo since you first started work with him at his office. Don’t lie to me. You found every excuse for a year to please that man. He leaned on you to get off his horse as you held his shoes—caught on television.”
Maria saw things clearer than she’d imagined. Anna’s face heated. “I don’t lie, Grandma.”
Maria’s voice was almost a whisper as she said, “So you admit you love him for more than his good looks or his future throne?”
Love? Even once they became husband and wife, it didn’t mean that he cared about her at all—he didn’t know she existed, other than as his secretary. But yes, she did care for him. Anna said cautiously, “He was always a fantasy. Now he’s about to be my husband.”
Maria stood and entered the condo. Anna followed once she’d collected the tea cups. Her grandmother had already made it to the kitchen and tied on an apron. “You better eat your dinner and get to bed.”
Normally they were up for hours watching television after their meal. Besides, sleeping seemed impossible. She offered Maria a spoon to stir the lemon garlic sauce. “It’s only seven o’clock.”
Maria stirred, then took out the breaded chicken from the refrigerator and added the individual cutlets to a separate pan. “You will need to look breathtaking and probably have appointments before the sun shows up.”
“You do too, if you remember.” Anna poured the sauce over the sizzling chicken. “But it’s our last night where it’s just us.”
Maria laughed as she covered the chicken and Anna opened the oven door—they’d worked together a thousand times— “Good. You need a life outside of me.”
Once the dinner was in the oven Anna threw her arms out for a hug like she was still a girl. “Grandma, I love you.”
Maria hugged her back and didn’t let go. “I’ve kept you too isolated. Don’t forget to pack an extra pair of your cotton underwear for your honeymoon. We both know you’re allergic to latex.”
Her cheeks flamed. Only Maria would mention that. She shook her head as the hug ended and said, “I’m going to shower while dinner cooks.”
Maria headed toward the living room and picked up the remote control for the television. Anna had just opened her bedroom door when Maria called out, “Wait.”
“What?” Anna turned around.
Maria scratched the top of her gray head as if suddenly bashful. “I’m happy you’re getting what you want. You deserve love.”
Leopoldo would never love her, but she’d find a way to live in peace. Maybe she’d find a way to help the world, but she smiled at Maria and spoke from her heart as she stayed in the doorway. “I have love. I have you.”
Maria laughed. “Okay, but the love of a guy is infinitely sweeter.”
Life changed on a dime and security wasn’t something anyone really had. Anna knew that, but she would prepare for tomorrow. She’d hold onto her fantasy for another day. Waving behind her, she said, “If you say so. See you in a few minutes.”
Tonight’s breaded chicken with lemon garlic butter sauce was the last time she’d have it in this way, but tomorrow’s adventure meant that she got to live with Leopoldo, come what may.
