As soon as Charlie made it to her house, she went to her computer and typed in her name and Arran’s. A video popped up with the headline “Does Family History Matter to the Royals?”
She clicked on the link to find Arran, looking wonderful in a white shirt, blazer, and jeans, walking down the street as reporters approached him. One asked about his recent trip to the States. Another about the new woman in his life.
“We’re not quite ready to discuss our relationship with the world, James, but there’s a larger smile on my face for a definite reason.”
The reporter laughed.
Charlie touched a cool palm to her cheek as her grin stretched wide. Prince Charming, indeed!
“Are your parents concerned about your girlfriend’s history?”
To this, Arran stopped walking and turned toward the female reporter. “Pardon me?”
“Her mother’s current prison sentence? Surely His Majesty finds the connection somewhat concerning, especially with his long and storied legacy of quality women in the royal line.”
Charlie’s palm pressed into her stomach. Why would anyone ask such a thing? And how did they even know about her mother?
“Clearly, you’re not informed of the many radical royals in ourfamily history.” Arran’s quick response garnered laughter, but the light in his eyes had left. “I should think us lacking in character, indeed, if we judged every person based on the actions of some of their family members. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“From the long list of ladies you’ve dated over the past year, it certainly seems you enjoy women with more eclectic backgrounds. Wasn’t one of them connected to recent embezzlement charges?”
The smile left Arran’s face for a moment before he recovered and gestured toward the street. “Do you notice all the lovely decorations we have in this beautiful city? It’s a reminder of the upcoming holiday season, isn’t it? A time for reflection on how love reached down into our sullied, dark histories and brought hope and a fresh start. I, for one, am grateful for second chances and the opportunity to prove that, with faith, I can rise above the latest version of myself to be a better person for those dearest to me and this country.”
Charlie closed the computer and rested her face in her hands.
What was she thinking? Her life could never fit his.
If he’d stayed a carpenter in North Carolina, then no one would have cared about her history. But this?
She couldn’t change her past or connections. There was no way to expunge her family’s history. Her mother’s imprisonment for robbery proved yet another stain to add to her extensive list.
And it would always be a part of Charlie’s life. Heaven forbid if Charlie continued a relationship with Arran and her mother found a way to scrape up some demand for money.
She squeezed her eyes closed. She couldn’t spend her life in constant worry that one day her past would prove too much for his heart... too much for their future. With a deep breath, she reached for her phone. Seven p.m. It’d be the middle of the night in Skymar. He’d be asleep.
Tears burned in her vision, but she blinked them away, accepting her choice.
She needed to keep her heart safe.
And, in the long run, this would prove the best for Arran too.
Surely he’d see that.
Charlie:Arran, the interview got me thinking. I’m a simple country girl and certainly not royal material, no matter what kinds of nice clothes I wear. And my family’s past can only lead to more trouble for your family. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think my heart can handle being broken by you, once you see I’m not the right fit for your world. I think, once you’re back home long enough, you’ll realize how right this choice is for both of us. Please forgive me for sending this via text. Forgive me for not being brave enough to try. You are a wonderful man, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to know you. You’ve made me feel special in a very fairy-tale sort of way, and I am awed, humbled, and grateful to have held your heart.
She winced at her own words blinking back at her, but she didn’t see any other way.
She didn’t belong with a prince!
And there was nothing she could do to change that.
Thirteen
The mobile rang again for the third time with no answer.
Arran stared down at the phone screen, doing the time zone math again. Nine a.m. her time. Surely she was awake by now.
When he’d woken up that morning to Charlotte’s text, he’d nearly booked the first ticket back to North Carolina.
