Unexpectedly Royal

by Jennifer Domenico

  The next morning, I crawl out of my empty bed to see Fallyn and Lathan in my kitchen talking over coffee, and the sight brings a smile to my face. Lathan sees me and smiles.

  “Good morning, my darling. Coffee?”

  “Yes, please.”

  He pours me a cup while Fallyn grins. “Hey you.”

  “Feeling better?”

  “Tons. It’s good to get a male point of view.”

  “I imagine it is.”

  After handing me my cup, Lathan kisses my cheek. “I’m going to head out and let you two talk alone. I’ll call you later.”

  “Okay.”

  “Dinner tonight?”

  “I’d like that.”

  “Me too.”

  Lathan walks into my bathroom and closes the door behind him.

  “He’s amazing, Del. He’s so smart and nice, and…” She smiles. “I’m so happy for you.”

  “Thank you. It’s because of you that we met.”

  “Worked out pretty great.”

  “Yeah.” I glance back at the bathroom. “I’m going to take the advice he gave you and just believe that I’m worthy of him and that somehow it’ll all work out.”

  “Good. I’m gonna work on believing it too.” She grins. “I did ask if I could see the piercing though.”

  My eyes open wide. “You did not.”

  She laughs. “No, but I really wanted to.”

  “What’s so funny?” Lathan asks, walking up behind us, now fully dressed.

  Fallyn and I look at each other and laugh some more.

  “You won’t tell me?”

  “I will,” Fallyn says. “I told her I wanted to see your piercing.”

  Lathan nods, hardly reacting and then I remember he’s used to this question. “I’d show you, but as long as Delaney is in my life, another woman will never lay eyes on it. Out of respect for her, even if we are friends.” He walks closer. “That’s how real men behave, Fallyn. Don’t forget that.”

  She nods slowly. “I won’t.”

  “Walk me to the door?” Lathan asks me.

  “Of course.”

  We walk over to my door where Lathan pulls me into his arms. “Have a good day, think of me often, and expect a call later.”

  “Yes to all of it.”

  He kisses me softly. “Until later, my darling.”

  “Bye.”

  After closing the door, I walk back to Fallyn and lean against the counter.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. He’s awesome.”

  “Yeah. You deserve it.”

  I nod. “I’m definitely falling for him. Is that crazy?”

  “Not based on what I’ve seen.” She smiles. “I guess you’ll just have to be spontaneous and reckless and see where it goes.”

  A grin spreads across my lips. “That’s exactly what I plan to do.”

  “What’s next?”

  “I don’t know. He said dinner tonight then we have our last cooking class on Thursday. Oh, I forgot to tell you. Guess when his birthday is?”

  “Tell me.”

  “February seventeenth.”

  Her eyes open wide. “No way?”

  “Way.”

  “That’s cool. Are you gonna get him something?”

  “Hmm.” I sip my coffee. “Should I?”

  “Yeah, like nothing over the top, just something that shows him you like him. Ooh, I know. Does he like to read?”

  “Yes.”

  “Why don’t you get him a copy of your favorite book? It will tell him a lot about you.”

  I smile. “That’s a great idea. Now to decide which is my favorite.”

  “Sense and Sensibility? You talk about that one a lot.”

  “Yes, maybe that one. Oh, I know.” I stand and walk over to my crammed bookcase, searching the shelves for what I’m looking for. “Here it is.” I pick it up and take it back to Fallyn.

  “The Book of Love,” she reads. “What’s it about?”

  “It’s just a bunch of poems, sonnets, and passages from literature all about love. I’ve read it so many times wishing I could find a guy like the ones in these books.”

  Fallyn smiles. “And you did.”

  “Seems like it. I’ll give him this copy instead of a new one.”

  “Perfect. I think he’ll get it.”

  “Me too.”

  “Are you gonna cook dinner for him?”

  I laugh. “I’m not trying to kill him.”

  “So the cooking classes haven’t done any good at all?”

  “I can dice a mean onion now. I think our cake would’ve been good if it wasn’t for that bitch Janice.”

  “Ugh.” She looks down at her watch. “I guess I should go so we can both get ready for work.”

  “Yeah.” I put my arms around her neck. “I believe that someone spectacular is out there for you, Fallyn.”

  She nods. “You never know, right?”

  “Right.”

  She pats my arm. “See you later. Thanks for letting me crash here.”

  “You always can, you know that. I’m glad you came.”

  “Me too. Lathan helped, plus I got to meet him.”

  “Yeah, that’s cool. I talk about you all the time so now he has a face with a name. I told him about that time we were followed by that loser down by the pier.”

  She laughs. “Why?”

  “He wanted to hear me do a Boston accent, so I pulled a Fallyn and went balls to the walls.”

  “F bomb included?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  She laughs, offering her hand for a high five. I slap her hand back. “That’s what I’m talking about.”

  “He likes seeing a different side of me.”

  She wiggles her eyebrows. “I bet he does.”

  “You’re a nut.”

  “Yeah, I already know that.” She kisses my cheek. “I’ll get out of here. Have a good day.”

  “You too, sweetie.”

  After Fallyn leaves, I walk into the bathroom for a shower. After starting the water, I strip out of my t-shirt and brush my teeth, thinking of Lathan. After rinsing my mouth, I look up at my reflection, grinning. He’s wicked awesome.

  Back at home, I sit on my sofa and decide to check in with Tristan. After dialing his number, I wait a few rings until he answers.

  “Lathan, how are you, my friend?”

  “Doing well. I have news.”

  “Tell me.”

  “I met a woman.”

  “Did you? What is she like?”

  “Incredible. She’s stunning, but even better, she’s a wonderful person. Smart, independent, kind. We can talk and talk and never run out of things to say.”

  “Really? She matches your intellect?”

  “Definitely. She speaks three languages, which before you say anything is very impressive in America, especially because she learned none of them at home.”

  “Interesting. What is this stunning woman’s name?”

  “Delaney. I met at the cookery class.”

  “Have you made the conversion?”

  I chuckle. “Yes. We’re a match in that area as well.”

  “Excellent. Did the piercing shock her?”

  I think back to that moment and finding her own. “Not at all. She enjoyed it.”

  “So I just have to comment, she must be special. In the two years you’ve been there I’ve never been told of a specific woman.”

  “She’s very special to me. Tristan, what do you think would happen if I brought home an American girl?”

  “Utter mayhem, of course. Are you considering it?”

  “No. Yes. Perhaps.”

  Tristan laughs. “Are you in love?”

  “No.” I pause to reflect on my answer. “How would I know?”

  “Do you think about her when you aren’t together?”

  “Constantly.”

  “Have you told her things about yourself that you typically don’t share?”

  “To some exten
t besides the obvious.”

  “Can you envision her by your side here in Havendon?”

  I close my eyes for a moment as the image crosses my mind. “Definitely.”

  “I’d say, if you aren’t in love yet, you’re damn near it.”

  I nod, even though he can’t see me. “And then what the bloody hell do I do?”

  “What do you mean? Something like this is a minor blip to you.”

  “You yourself just said it would cause utter mayhem?”

  “And? You’re the king of mayhem. Why stop now?”

  I laugh. “A fair point, but I was trying to turn over a new leaf.”

  “Boring. We could use a bit of a shake up. A beautiful woman from a foreign land in love with our dear Lathan would do exactly that.”

  “True.” I sigh, running my fingers through my hair. “We aren’t there yet though. I’ve only just starting spending serious time with her. I’m just very excited about seeing her again and getting to know her more. I could honestly see myself falling for her.”

  “What’s her best feature?”

  “Hands down her smile. It would light up the darkest night, but second to that are her eyes and how I feel so safe and comforted when she gazes at me. She has many other excellent qualities, but those are private.”

  “Private? You won’t tell me?”

  “About her body? No, I want to keep that to myself.”

  “Oh my.”

  “What?”

  “You are falling for her. You’re protecting her honor even from your best friend.”

  I consider his words for a moment. “I suppose I am.”

  “Well my advice is just to see what happens. If you fall in love and want to spend your life with her, well, I’ll certainly enjoy sitting back and watching the show.”

  “Well, thank you,” I say, laughing.

  “I’ll still have your back as I always do. I’ll support whichever woman you choose. If you love her, then she must be quite spectacular to catch your heart.”

  “She is spectacular.”

  “I do hope to meet her one day then.”

  “Maybe. How is everything else?”

  “Wonderful. Abigail is out walking in the garden with the baby. I am a happy man.”

  “You deserve to be.”

  “So do you. I want you to have what I do, Lathan. A beautiful wife that adores you, a child, and more to come someday. It’s like nothing else.”

  I can only imagine. “My time will come.”

  “Yes, it will. Maybe you’re on the very brink of it now.”

  “I don’t know. It would be so difficult.”

  “Yes, but when have you ever backed down from something you wanted just because it wasn’t easy to get? Not since I’ve known you, and I’ve always known you.”

  “Excellent reminder, dear friend.”

  “Glad I could help.”

  “We’ll talk again soon.”

  “Take care.”

  “You too.” I hang up and replay the conversation in my mind. What’s a little mayhem to me?

  A little while later, I decide to research gift ideas for Delaney since not only is Valentine’s Day coming, but our shared birthday. I want to go huge, a grand display to show her how much I like her. So far, I know that she likes cookies, chocolate, reading, and traveling. I smile as the idea hits me. I tap rapidly on my computer keyboard and find exactly what I’m looking for. Perfect.

  Two days later, I show up in the lobby where Delaney works, carrying a single red rose. When the elevators open and she sees me, her face breaks into a smile.

  “Hi, handsome.”

  “Hello, my darling.” I kiss her cheek. “For you.”

  “Thank you.” She takes it and sniffs it. “What’s it for?”

  “I met you four weeks ago tonight. Worthy of a small celebration.”

  “It is.”

  I pull her close, kissing her softly. “Happy Anniversary.”

  She laughs softly. “You too. You’re so sweet, Lathan. All the time. I feel so spoiled.”

  “That’s my job. So, we’re ready to do this cooking class business one more time?”

  “I’m ready.”

  Taking her hand in mine, I swing it as we walk outside and down the sidewalk the three blocks to the cooking class.

  “What do you think we’ll make tonight?” I ask.

  “No idea. I hope it’s easy and tomato free.”

  I laugh as we walk. “I agree. I love tomatoes normally, but not in any method I’ve managed to prepare them.”

  Delaney laughs. “I might need to retake this class, or maybe there’s something even more remedial.” She shakes her head. “It’s so funny. My mom is a great cook. She can open the fridge or the pantry, take a bunch of nothing, and turn it into a fabulous meal. I can’t even manage macaroni and cheese from the box without messing up at least one step.”

  “You have many other gifts and talents to offer.”

  “Thank God. I bet you kind of hoped you’d meet a woman that could cook though?”

  “No, actually. It’s not important to me on any level. I know how to order out, how to make restaurant reservations, and barring that, I can always hire someone to cook.”

  “A luxury most people can’t afford.”

  “Ah, well, a privilege I can afford.” I stop her from walking and pull her out of the stream of pedestrians. “Delaney, obviously, I have financial resources that are above average.”

  “Obviously.”

  “I want to share it with you. I want to spoil you and buy you things and treat you to trips or jewelry or whatever your heart desires, but I want you to understand why.”

  “Okay.”

  “I don’t wish to show off or buy your affection. I don’t think I even could if that was my goal.”

  She shakes her head. “No.”

  “I want to because it’s fun for me. I love watching your face when you get a tiny square of chocolate or a single red rose. It pleases me greatly to please you.”

  Delaney smiles. “I get it. If I had a ton of money, I would do the same for the people I care about. I think it’s sweet, the things you do.”

  “Good. I hope you understand my intention is good when I ask this. Do you need anything? Are you struggling at all?”

  “No. I have a good job, and I live within my means. I chose a studio instead of a one bed so I didn’t have to be stretched every month. Once a year I get a bonus, and I usually treat myself to something extra with it. Sometimes it’s a spa day, one time it was a weekend trip to Vegas with Fallyn, another time it was a shopping spree, but the rest of the time, my bills are covered, and I’m good.”

  “Would you tell me if you needed help financially?”

  She shrugs. “I don’t know. I’d probably go to my parents first.”

  I kiss her softly. “You have me now. Money means absolutely nothing to me, but you mean everything. It’s so important to me that you, your parents, everyone important to me is taken care of, so please, my darling, if you ever need anything at all, consider talking to me.”

  “Okay.” She smiles. “I’m good though.”

  “Do you object to gifts?”

  “No. Do you?”

  “No. I would treasure anything you gave me.”

  “Good. We should get to class.”

  “You’re right.” We start to walk again, glancing at each other as we do. A few minutes later, we arrive and walk into class. I notice how Delaney looks back at the station where Janice was, relaxing when it’s still empty.

  Chef Robert enters and walks up to the front of the class room. “Well, you made it. Tonight, we’re making something every good Bostonian should know how to make. New England Clam Chowder.”

  I glance at Delaney, who has pure fear in her eyes. I kiss her cheek.

  “Just remember, if it’s awful, we’ll find ourselves a nice place to eat afterward.”

  She chuckles. “Okay.”

  “We’ll share some cake
, and I’ll make love to you just long enough to make sure you get eight hours of sleep.”

  Shaking her head, she grins. “Perfect.”

  After listening to the instructions and looking at the recipe card, I look up to see Lathan holding an onion.

  “Your job.”

  “Why don’t you try again? I’ll dice the potatoes.”

  “Alright,” he sighs. “For you, I’ll give it another try.” He leans close and kisses me softly. “Do I embarrass you when I kiss you in public?”

  “Nope. Bring it on.”

  He laughs. “I can’t seem to help myself at times.”

  “I don’t mind at all.” I smile. “Ready to start?”

  “Yes.”

  We both start our tasks, falling into a comfortable rhythm we didn’t have before, and pausing when Chef Robert appears in front of us. He smiles, something we rarely see.

  “May I ask a personal question?”

  Lathan and I exchange glances. “You may,” Lathan replies.

  “If I recall, the two of you didn’t know each other at the start of class. Is that correct?”

  “Yes, that’s right.”

  “Tonight, based in your body language, it seems as though you might be a couple.”

  Lathan nods. “We are.”

  The chef nods and smiles. “That’s wonderful. I suppose it’s the romantic in me, but I’ve always hoped that would happen in one of my classes. Congratulations. I wish you both a long and happy relationship.”

  Lathan smiles. “Thank you, Chef. I wish the same.”

  He walks away and I laugh softly. “That was sweet.”

  “Very. I guess our affection for each other shows.”

  “Yeah.”

  We finish the steps of our chowder, each taking turns to stir. It’s going well, and I’m actually excited to taste our soup.

  “Thank you for insisting I come back to class,” I say.

  Lathan nods. “I’m glad you came. I’m having a wonderful time.”

  “Me too.”

  As the soup simmers, we clean up our station and chat with the other students, until it’s time to taste. Lathan ladles the chowder into two bowls, and I put a pat of butter and some chopped green onions on top. Leaning forward, I inhale the aroma.

  “It smells like chowder.”

  “It does.” He lifts his spoon, and I clink it with mine. “Here we go.”