How to Catch a Prince

by Leanne Banks

  “Are you sure you’re not ill? I’ve never seen you this pale, not even in the hospital,” Bridget said, worry creasing her brow.

  “I’m fine. We’ve all been working long hours this week. I’ll make sure to sleep in tomorrow morning. You’re so sweet to ask,” Sophie said and was determined to take the attention away from herself. “The casino night is a total success. You’re a miracle worker.”

  Bridget shrugged, but smiled. “Oh, I can’t take credit. Several people came through,” she said, attempting modesty. “But it is going fabulously, isn’t it?”

  “Yes, it is,” Sophie said. “Now I’m going to let you powder your nose while I get a drink of water. I’ll see you later.”

  “Yes,” Bridget said. “Don’t overdo. I may have to say something to Maxwell.”

  “Oh, no. Not necessary,” Sophie said, but Bridget had already disappeared into the inner toilet area. Sophie prayed Bridget wouldn’t say anything. She didn’t want to draw any extra attention to herself. Getting a glass of water from one of the staff, Sophie slinked back against the wall. Even after pulling herself from the crowd, the sights and sounds of the party felt overwhelming.

  “Are you all right?” a familiar male voice asked her. “You look pale.”

  Sophie glanced at David. She hadn’t spoken to him since she’d told him she just wanted to be friends. “I just got a little warm. I’m fine. How are you?”

  He gave a charming smile. “Aside from missing your company, I’m well. Are you sure there’s nothing I can do for you?”

  “Not a thing,” she said. “I’m just going to hold up this wall for a few minutes and watch the show.”

  “As you wish,” he said. “Good night, Sophie.”

  He walked away and she felt a sliver of relief and regret at the same time. It would have been so convenient if she could have fallen for him romantically. He seemed like such a nice man.

  Seconds later, she caught sight of Max walking toward her with a tight expression on his face. “I saw Rinaldo talking with you. What did he want?”

  “He just said hello then left,” she said.

  “Are you sure? Was he bothering you?” he asked.

  Sophie laughed. “David’s too polite to bother me. I told him weeks ago that I wanted to be friends and he has respected that.”

  Max cleared his throat. “Well, that’s good.”

  Sophie couldn’t resist playing back the words Max had said just a few moments earlier. “I’m not sure why you’re all that concerned about David. You’re committed to being uncommitted and you make sure all women know that. Right?”

  “You overheard me talking to Al Janton. I told you I was going to explain our presence together tonight as presenting a united front for the company. Al didn’t believe me because he figured out you were the one I took to his hot springs. I had to say something to eliminate his curiosity.”

  “Hmm,” she said, too many emotions churning through her. “But it’s really the truth, isn’t it? You’ve always said you believed in no-strings affairs. Is that what we have?”

  “Why are you asking me this right now?” he asked, tugging at his shirt collar.

  “Just curious,” she scoffed, feeling her hands turn clammy with fear. “You don’t want any strings between us, do you?”

  Max frowned. “Sophie, I know I’d be a rotten husband. I don’t want to subject you to that. You deserve better.”

  “Then why did you get involved with me this way?” she demanded.

  “Because I couldn’t resist you,” he admitted. “I wanted you too much.” He gave a sigh of exasperation. “Can we discuss this later? I’ve got to make a speech and be introduced to the crowd again. It’s not my favorite thing to do.”

  “There’s no need to discuss anything later,” she said and took a sip of water. “Go ahead. I think the event has gone extremely well.”

  He nodded. “I was hoping we would make enough to not only complete the renovation, but also take care of the upkeep for several years.” He looked at her. “Thanks for being here.”

  He walked toward the center of the room where Bridget stood, holding court. A microphone was handed to one of the hosts of the event. Someone tapped a glass with a spoon, gathering everyone’s attention.

  “Ladies and gentlemen,” the host said. “It’s my honor to announce Her Highness, Princess Bridget.”

  The crowd erupted in applause and Bridget gave a generous smile. “You’re too kind.” Well, not too kind, she teased. “I’m so grateful for your participation in this unique project that my brother Maxwell Carter has initiated for our community. A center for handicapped children is a long-needed and welcome addition to Chantaine. We are thrilled that Maxwell has found a way to make it happen for us. And you, you are the most generous people in the world to come out and support this cause. Please give yourselves a hand because you certainly deserve it,” Bridget said and led the applause.

  “I know you’re dying to meet the man behind this project. As most of you know, Maxwell has not only launched the project for the community center, he and his company are primarily responsible for the road improvements on the north end of the island. If you’ve driven in that area, you know that driving on the roads could be extremely dangerous. My family and I are so grateful to Maxwell for all he has contributed for the good of Chantaine. It is my privilege to present to you, Maxwell Carter.”

  Another round of applause followed. “Thank you. I’m humbled by your enthusiasm and generosity.” Max spoke calmly and steadily. “I’m amazed by how quickly Princess Bridget can pull together an event like this. As I’ve said many times, if the party requires more than hamburgers and beer, I’m not the best guy to arrange it.”

  Laughter rippled through the crowd.

  “I appreciate your willingness to make this project happen. I’m beginning to understand why the Devereaux family is so committed to the people of Chantaine. You’re a very kind and generous people, and I’m pleased to have this opportunity to make your lives a little better. Thank you again.”

  More applause followed and tears filled Sophie’s eyes. Sophie was caught, as she often was, between her admiration and love for Max, and the fact that he was going to break her heart.

  Chapter Eleven

  “May I bum a ride home?” Sophie asked Terri as she saw the woman and her husband head toward the exit of the crowded ballroom.

  “Of course,” Terri said. “But why would you want to leave?”

  “Raging headache,” Sophie said, which was half-true. Mostly, however, her heart was hurting and she didn’t know how to handle the next step she would have to take.

  “You look pale,” Terri said, eyeing her in concern. “Are you sure nothing else is wrong?”

  “Of course not,” Sophie lied. “The noise level and crowds just got to me.”

  “If you say so,” Terri said, clearly not convinced. “What about Max?”

  “Give me a minute and I’ll tell him I’m leaving. I’ll meet you out front. Is that okay?”

  Terri nodded and Sophie scooted through the crowd. It took a bit of jostling, but she made it to his side and tapped his arm. Although a line of people were waiting to meet him, he turned to her. “What’s up?”

  “I’m hitching a ride with Terri. Raging headache from the crowd,” she said.

  “I know what you mean. I can take you home,” he said.

  She shook her head and smiled. “I don’t think that would go over well. Look at all the people who bought a ticket so they could meet you.”

  He shot her a dry look. “Hate to disappoint. I sure as hell don’t have Bridget’s charm.”

  “Do your duty,” she said. “Your people await.”

  “I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Sure,” she said before she escaped through the
crowd. The cool air on her face was a relief as she stepped outside the building. She spotted Terri and her husband’s car and ran toward it. Scooting inside the backseat, she sank against the seat and closed her eyes.

  Terri’s husband, Bob, pulled away from the curb. Sophie opened her eyes to find Terri staring at her from the front seat.

  “There’s something about this I don’t like,” Terri said. “I’ve got this weird feeling in my gut.”

  “Terri,” Bob said. “Sophie may not want to hear about your gut right now.”

  Terri frowned at her husband. “I’m worried about Sophie. What happened? Did Max step out on you?”

  “Oh, no,” Sophie said. “It’s not that.”

  “Then what is it?” Terri questioned. “Because I know it’s something.”

  The woman had the instincts of a bloodhound and the intuition of a detective.

  “Why are you so pale? Are you sick? Are you—”

  “No,” Sophie said before Terri could ask any more questions. “You know I’ve been burning the candle at both ends. I just need a good night’s sleep and some quiet.”

  “Humph,” Terri grunted. “I don’t know. Something just doesn’t feel right.”

  “Can we talk about this another time?”

  Terri sighed. “If you say so,” she said, shaking her finger at Sophie. “But you better call me if you’re sick or something. You know you can count on me, don’t you?” she asked.

  Sophie nodded and smiled, biting the inside of her cheek to keep from crying. “I do,” she said. “I do.”

  Blessedly, Terri turned around in her seat and Sophie took some deep breaths. The trip to her apartment only took ten minutes, but it felt like hours to Sophie. As Bob pulled alongside her apartment building, she felt a knot form in her throat. She felt so safe with Terri. She wished she could tell someone that she was pregnant, but she knew she couldn’t. Not yet.

  Sophie swallowed hard and forced a smile. “You two are the best. Thank you so much for the ride home,” she said and reached to give both Terri and her husband a kiss on the cheek.

  “Okay, sweet girl,” Terri said. “You call me tomorrow. If you don’t call me, I’ll call you.”

  “Terri, give the girl a break,” Bob chided. “She’s already got a headache. Don’t make it worse.”

  “Okay,” Terri said then lowered her voice. “But I’ll call you tomorrow.”

  “Good night and thanks again,” Sophie said as she climbed out of the car and walked to her building. She waved as she entered the door then climbed the steps to her apartment.

  Thank goodness this night was over, she thought as she collapsed on the sofa and kicked off her shoes. She just needed to catch her breath then she would drink some water, wash off her makeup and go to bed.

  Her mind whirled and her heart raced with fear. She was going to be just like her mother. She was going to have to raise this child alone and live paycheck to paycheck. Sophie told herself to stop thinking. Tonight wasn’t the night for it. She wasn’t at all rational. If she were rational, then she would remember she had a very nice chunk of savings and after her experience with her current firm, she could find a job anywhere.

  Taking a deep breath, she resolved not to think past the next moment. She was just borrowing trouble and worry, as Terri had often said. There was enough trouble today without getting upset about what might or might not happen tomorrow.

  She took another deep breath and felt a fraction of the panic leave her. She would think about it tomorrow, tomorrow and not until then.

  * * *

  Sophie slept through the night and hoped to awaken very late. Preferably, Monday or Tuesday. Instead, the clock read 8:00 a.m. when she got out of bed. She took a long shower and turned on the television to drown out her thoughts. Although she often talked to her mother via Skype on Sundays, she decided to put it off, fearing her mother would somehow know she was pregnant just by hearing her voice. Which was ridiculous.

  She ate a healthy breakfast of yogurt and berries and thought about how she would need to start eating more healthfully. After that, she pretended to do a little housework: cleaned the bathroom, ran the vacuum, dusted.

  Her cell rang as she was dusting. Her heart skipped over itself and she prayed it wasn’t Max. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw that it was Pippa. What a gift. “Your highness Pippa,” Sophie answered.

  “Oh, you must stop with the titles. I’m bored out of my mind and still stuck at the palace. I know you attended a wild party last night, but I thought I would take a chance that you would join me for lunch today,” Pippa said. “We can eat outside in the gardens if you like.”

  “It sounds wonderful. What time?” Sophie asked, thrilled at the chance to escape.

  “Will one o’clock work for you?” Pippa asked.

  “Perfect. I’ll see you then,” Sophie said. At that point, she turned off her cell phone and took a walk downtown. It seemed the appropriate thing to do. She picked up two bunches of flowers, one for her and one for Pippa.

  Pippa greeted her with open arms at the palace garden where a small table was set. “Look at you. You brought me flowers, you scoundrel. I just wanted your company,” she said and lifted them to her nose to inhale their scent. “Delicious.”

  “They were so beautiful and you’ve been so welcoming I couldn’t resist,” Sophie said.

  Pippa shot her a wicked smile. “Nic will be shamed when he returns tomorrow. Maybe he’ll slow down his traveling.”

  “I hope so for both of you.” Sophie peeked into the baby carrier to see the infant sleeping peacefully. “She’s so sweet.”

  “She’s almost perfect,” Pippa whispered. “I don’t want to say it too loud because poor Eve and Stefan’s baby is still suffering from colic, which means Eve and Stefan are suffering, too.” She paused a half beat. “I also don’t want to jinx anything.”

  “You’re doing a beautiful job,” Sophie said. “I’m so glad she’s a good baby.”

  “Well, I’m not sure I had much say over it. I’ve decided it’s all due to naming her after Amelie. The woman was a saint,” Pippa said. “Now sit down for our picnic before Amelie awakens.”

  Sophie sat at the table and munched on salad, roasted chicken, fruit and a slice of bread. The combination of the meal was perfect. “This is great. I would have been eating a peanut-butter sandwich.”

  “Trust me, I eat one of those every now and then, too,” Pippa said. “Some days are just too busy for anything else. Tell me about the wild party last night.”

  “Bridget did a fabulous job. I’m certain contributions exceeded all expectations. Big crowd. I think some were also curious to meet Max.”

  “Well, of course they were,” Pippa said. “He’s come in like a whirlwind, fixing the roads in the north and now establishing a center for the handicapped. Yet, at the same time, he shies away from the press. Everyone is curious. Who is this masked man?” Pippa joked.

  “Good point,” Sophie said. “It all turned out beautifully.”

  “I hear you attended with Max,” Pippa slyly added.

  Sophie’s stomach clenched but she managed a nod. “I told you before. He asked me to attend with him to show a united front from the company. They’re breathing down his neck for him to finish the job as soon as possible, but since Chantaine is an island, everything takes—”

  “Longer,” Pippa finished and frowned. “I hope he’s not being unduly pressured. Perhaps we should pressure the government to contribute more funds for—”

  “No, no,” Sophie said, regret filling her. “Please keep that confidential. I didn’t mean to say it. I’m so comfortable with you. It just came out.”

  Pippa paused. “Of course, I’ll keep it confidential. I’m honored that you feel safe with me. I feel the same with you.”

  Sophie
took a deep breath and sighed. “Thank you.”

  “Dessert is chocolate. Are you game?”

  Although her stomach was iffy, Sophie was determined not to show it. “It sounds delicious.” A staff member brought the warm chocolate soufflé to the table and Sophie took a bite. “Delicious,” she said. “I wish I wasn’t so full.”

  “Surely you can eat a few bites more,” Pippa insisted.

  “Only a few. Would it be gauche to ask for a take-home bag?” Sophie asked.

  Pippa laughed. “Not at all.”

  A muffled cry sounded from the carrier. Amelie had been quiet until now. “May I hold her?” Sophie asked.

  “Of course. How can I refuse when I have warm chocolate soufflé?”

  Sophie gingerly picked up the baby and held her close. Amelie made another sound.

  “You may have to jiggle her a bit. Or walk,” Pippa said, taking another biter of the soufflé. “That’s what the nanny and I do.”

  Sophie jiggled the baby and Amelie seemed to settle down. Sophie couldn’t help wondering if she would be a good mother. She wanted to be, but she had no clue how. “How is your husband with her?”

  “Pretty good until she’s hungry. Then he hands her over to me since I’m nursing. I’ve promised six months, but that’s all. She’ll get all the benefits against allergies by then.”

  Sophie stared down into the child’s navy eyes. “She seems very observant.”

  “When she’s awake,” Pippa said, “she takes in everything.”

  “Like her mama and daddy,” Sophie said with a smile.

  “You’re very good with her,” Pippa said. “I’m sure you’ll be a good mom when it’s your time.”

  Sophie doubted that. “We’ll see. Not to pry, but I don’t get the impression Amelie was planned. If you don’t want to answer that, then don’t.”

  “It’s no secret that everything was a horrible mess when I first learned I was pregnant,” Pippa said. “Nic’s mother had just died. He had to take his father back to the States, then his father nearly killed himself during his grief. Nic was determined not to cause a rift between me and my family. Stefan was ready to kill Nic for getting me pregnant. It was a nightmare.”