“Perhaps.” He chuckled. “But those don’t necessarily have to be tedious, especially if you’re with the right people.”
Her gaze rose to his. “Meaning you, of course.”
“Of course. And all the protocol for events like those can be learned. You’ve already proven you’re a fast learner.” He leaned in closer, his voice dropping low. “Though I wouldn’t mind taking an extended amount of time to give you another dance lesson or two.”
She stifled a sigh and kept her face forward. The way his body moved with hers, palm steady against her back, face so close. If she was supposed to give thanks in all things, God had certainly gotten a litany of praise after those lessons. “Sounds like a nice plan to me.”
“If you were interested in a little trip to Skymar, I’d happily make the arrangements.” All teasing left his voice. “Because I’m interested in pursuing something very long-term with you, Charlotte.”
She pulled the truck to a stop in front of the Lindseys’ house and turned to him. “Arran, I love the thought of it. I do. But I’m... I’m not sure I can ever fit into your world.”
He drew in a deep breath and grabbed one of her hands. “Ididn’t think I could ever fit into yours until I tried. And I know you’re brave enough to try to do the same.”
Howls from the incoming dogs broke into their conversation. She pulled her hand free and offered an apologetic smile. Dating him on her home turf was one thing. Traveling to his world was another.
“Let’s talk about it later, okay?” And with that, she exited the truck.
He narrowed his eyes, his expression filled with teasing suspicion, but he didn’t move as she started gathering some of the gifts.
“Are you coming?” she asked.
“Yes, of course.” He hesitated, then waved her forward. “But you go on ahead. There’s a certain gift I need to collect before I enter.”
“Alright.” She drew out the word, studying him for a moment, but he gave no clue to his delay. “I’ll see you inside.”
She closed the truck door and walked toward the house, sending one look over her shoulder before she entered. What on earth was he doing?
With another shake of her head, she entered the cabin, its toasty warmth a clear sign of the woodstove’s work. Ginny and Mary welcomed her in with dimpled smiles and giggles. Their dad sent his usual nod of appreciation and a quiet “Thank you.”
“My friend Arran should be bringing the rest of the gifts, Kevin,” Charlie said, just as a knock came on the door.
The first hint to something being... different was when Ginny froze as she opened her gift to stare over Charlie’s shoulder. The second hint came when Mary scrambled to her feet, her little hands covering her mouth as her eyes widened into giant brown saucers. With a sudden tremor in her stomach, Charlie turned to look back toward the door.
Standing on the threshold, in a full Prince Phillip costume, was Arran St. Clare. A red cape, Nerf sword, and massive shield completed his ensemble, and his wide grin proved the most attractive cherry on top.
Charlie failed to usher up one word in response.
Everyone else seemed to struggle with the same reaction, because the room went completely silent.
“I come bearing gifts, Princess Mary.” He tipped his head without one ounce of apparent awkwardness. From behind the shield, he drew two gift bags.
“You... youarePrince Phillip.” Mary giggled. She ran forward to take the bags, staring up at him with the same sort of awe weaving its way through Charlie. “I knew you were. I knew it!”
Arran shot Charlie a wink, which inspired a smile that matched the one that both girls wore. To make Mary and Ginny even more thrilled, once they had changed into their princess dresses, Arran danced around the living room with them and even drew Charlie into a little twirl.
Kevin stood in the background, arms crossed, watching, but the small smile on his face spoke volumes. A big, quiet mountain man, but a man who loved his little girls.
After a little more fanfare, Charlie gave Kevin a fruit basket, new boots, and a Visa gift card, then reiterated that the Gala was for all families, and that a few of Kevin’s friends would be joining with their own children.
Then she turned to the girls. “You could even wear your dresses to the Gala.”
The girls lifted hopeful eyes to their father, who stepped forward, his head already shaking. “Now, girls, a fancy dinner ain’t no place for the likes of us.”
“Why not, Daddy?” came Mary’s cry before she twirled again. “I’m fit as a fiddle for a fancy dinner.” She turned to her sister. “So is Ginny.”
Charlie’s stomach dropped as she realized the problem. Kevinwore work-worn jeans and a long-sleeve T-shirt during his daily grind at the stone quarry. He probably felt he didn’t measure up to the rest of the folks who’d attend the dinner.
Before Charlie could respond, Arran stepped forward.
