Unexpectedly Royal

by Jennifer Domenico

  I take a tiny taste, then grin, taking a bigger bite. “Lathan, it’s good.”

  He swallows his bite. “It’s amazing.” He flashes a wide smile. “We made something amazing.”

  “We did.”

  He puts his spoon down and pulls me into his arms. “This just proves that together, you and I can overcome any hurdle. Even cooking.”

  I smile, brushing my fingers over his cheek. I hope he’s right, because right now, I never want to be without him.

  Finishing my hair, I gaze at my reflection. Today marks six weeks—officially my longest relationship with a woman. Tonight, the first Valentine’s Day I’ll spend with someone special. I hope she likes what I’ve designed for the evening.

  Before things get started, I call Tristan for a check in. It rings a few times until he answers.

  “Hello?”

  “It’s me. How are you, friend?”

  “Fantastic. Yourself?”

  “Oh, you know, just causing a little mayhem.”

  He chuckles. “You don’t say. What are you up to?”

  “Remember the woman I told you about?”

  “I do.”

  “Well, it’s been six weeks, and tonight is Valentine’s Day in the U.S.”

  “How is it celebrated there?”

  “It seems the man is supposed to take the lead and plan very romantic things, dinner and gifts, and such. Not at all the way we do it.”

  “No parades or pageantry?”

  “None, at least not that I’m aware of.”

  “I see. So what have you done?”

  “I have a nice evening planned. Dinner and romance.”

  “Ah, so where’s the mayhem?”

  “I’m giving her something to symbolize my commitment to her.”

  I hear a small gasp. “No shit?”

  “No shit.”

  “She’s the one?”

  I crinkle my brow, pacing in front of the French doors leading to the patio. “She could be.”

  It’s silent for several minutes until Tristan explodes with laughter, creating confusion on my part.

  “How is this funny, Tristan? Please enlighten me.”

  “You don’t know? This is epically funny. How could I have ever expected any less than you falling in love with an American woman.”

  “I didn’t say I was in love,” I state, plainly.

  “But you are making a gesture of commitment. So if it’s not love, what is it?”

  I sigh. “I just want her to know that she’s special, and I want to keep seeing her.”

  “Is that some sort of American translation of our custom? You know as well as I that the commitment discussion is a prelude to marriage.”

  “I know, but…” I shake my head. “Marriage and love is not something we’re discussing right now. Perhaps in a few more months when I’m ready to tell her about who I really am then—”

  “Wait a minute! You haven’t told her?”

  “No.”

  “Lathan, aren’t you doing this in the wrong order? She deserves to know what she’s getting into with you.”

  “I know, but I’m enjoying our relationship just like it is. I don’t want to change anything. There’s no way that won’t happen if I tell her. I need more time.”

  “I don’t understand. I know it’s monumental, but if she’s as great as you say she is, then she’ll be able to handle it.”

  “I’ll tell her if and when we ever move to the next stage. I’ll have to.”

  “Fine. I guess you know what you’re doing, but I don’t understand your hesitation.”

  “I don’t either entirely. It’s just a gut feeling. I’ll know when the time is right, and when it is…” I pause, grinning. “Mayhem.”

  Tristan laughs. “Well, I’ll wait for a status update.”

  “You’ll get one. How was the parade on Saturday?”

  “Well done as usual. We dressed the baby up like a big heart. It was truly hilarious. I’ll email you a picture.”

  “Excellent. Talk to you soon.”

  “You will. Bye.”

  After hanging up, I busy myself straightening up my apartment, then turn when the doorbell rings. Glancing at my watch, I smile. Perfectly on time. Opening the door, I smile at the two women carrying several bags.

  “Please come in.”

  “Thank you,” the first woman says. “I’m Greta and this is Natalie.”

  “Pleased to meet you both. I’m Lathan.”

  Greta nods. “Want to lead us to the kitchen?”

  “Yes, right this way.”

  I take some of their bags and help carry them to the kitchen, setting them on the counter. Greta hands me a sheet of paper.

  “This is what we have planned. Is that still good?”

  I look it over. “Yes, perfect. What do you need from me?”

  Greta smiles. “Just stay out of our way.”

  “I can do that.” I nod. “I’ll be in the bedroom setting up something if you need me.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  I exit the kitchen and go into my bedroom where I start to set the scene for a romantic evening. Rose petals on the bed, candles on the nightstand, music ready to play. In the bathroom, I set out a tray with more of the same, planning a romantic bubble bath later. Then I go into my closet and pull the tiny velvet box out of my drawer. I hope she likes it, and it doesn’t overwhelm her. I just want everything to be perfect tonight. As I stare at her gift, I think back to Tristan’s comments. I know he’s right, and I need to tell her, but on some level, I’m so afraid it will change things. Change her. What if she can’t separate me from my background anymore? It would kill me to let her go over that.

  Closing the velvet box, I shake my head. I have to believe in my heart she’s the amazing woman she’s shown herself to be, but I just need a little more time.

  Standing in front of the mirror, I survey my reflection in the red dress I chose to wear tonight. I feel like a vixen with my hair down and matching red lipstick. I want to look super sexy for him tonight. For the first time in my life, I’m finally in a relationship on Valentine’s Day. Grabbing my phone, I decide to call Fallyn. We always spend this night together, and I hope she’s not feeling too down.

  The phone rings a few times then she answers. “Hey.”

  “Hi, sweetie. Whatcha doing?”

  “Waiting for my mom to come over. We’re gonna watch romantic comedies all night and eat junk food.”

  I laugh. “That sounds awesome. I wish I was coming.”

  “No you don’t,” she replies, laughing. “But thanks for saying that.”

  “No, I do. I miss hanging out with you.”

  “I miss you too, Del, but this is an exciting time for you. It’s your first Valentine’s Day. That’s a milestone.”

  “Yeah, it is. I wonder what he has planned. All I know is to show up at seven.”

  “I’m sure with Lathan it’ll be awesome.”

  “Probably. You sure you’re okay?”

  “Honestly?”

  “Always,” I reply

  “I’m really bummed out. I want more out of life, but I’m not sure how to get it. I’m just in my head a lot lately trying to figure out what I need to change.”

  “I understand that.”

  “I want an adventure you know? I need a Lathan to show up. A knight in shining armor to carry me off on his white horse. That sounds dumb as fuck, but you know what I mean.”

  “I do. I hope he shows up soon. You deserve a great guy.”

  “Maybe I don’t. Maybe I haven’t earned it yet.”

  “Don’t be silly. You remember what Lathan said.” I sit on the edge of my bed. “You have to believe that you do so that you put that vibe out there. You’re an incredible woman, and I know you know that. Don’t sell yourself short just because the right guy hasn’t come around yet.”

  “That’s easy for you to say.”

  “Yeah, it is, but come on, Fallyn, this is me. Six weeks ago, was I any bett
er off in the romance department than you?”

  “No.”

  “Right. So look how quickly things can change. Maybe you should do what you did for me. Take a class, do something outside the box. Change your environment.”

  “Good point. I’m just going to work and home.”

  “Why don’t Saturday, you and I go shopping and spend some girl time together. I need my Fallyn fix, and you need a swift kick in the ass Delaney style.”

  She finally laughs. “I would love that.”

  “We could have dinner Friday night too. I know most of my free time I’ve been hanging with Lathan, and I’m sorry for neglecting you. Sisters before misters.”

  “Listen to me, Del. I would be doing the same exact thing as you if I had a Lathan. I would give him every free moment I had. I don’t feel neglected by you at all. Yes, I miss you, and sometimes I wish I had more of you, but let’s be real. You met a guy that’s amazing and wants to spend time with you and you should. I would if I were you. So please, just focus on him and your relationship. I’m fine.”

  “Thanks, sweetie, but I still want to hang out Saturday afternoon.”

  “I’m there.”

  “Awesome. You know I love you like the sister I never had. I only want the best for you. I want you to find your spectacular too.”

  “I know, Del, and I love you too. I’m honestly so fucking happy for you it’s ridiculous. I’ve told my mom and my work friends about you and Lathan. It’s inspirational. Something all of us single gals can aspire to.”

  “Thank you, but I didn’t do anything except show up.”

  “That’s the lesson. If you want life to be amazing, you have to fucking show up for it. It’s that simple and that hard.”

  “Well said.”

  “Alright, go be with your knight. I’ll look forward to the play by play when we get together on Saturday.”

  I laugh softly. “You got it. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

  “You too, sweetie.”

  After hanging up, I take a minute to think about our conversation. Fallyn is so amazing, there just has to be a guy worthy of her energy and personality. He’s out there somewhere. I just hope she finds him sooner rather than later. Fallyn deserves a knight in shining armor too.

  A few minutes to seven, I arrive at Lathan’s and knock on the door. When he swings the door open, a wide smile spreads across his lips.

  “Hello, my darling Delaney. You look incredible. That dress… incredible,” he repeats. “Come in. It’s so cold tonight.”

  “Thank you.” I step inside into his waiting embrace and sensual kiss. “Mmm, I’m not cold at all anymore.”

  Lathan brushes his warm fingers across my cheek. “That’s my job.”

  “You’re killing it.”

  “Killing it?”

  “Acing it. Nailing it.” Lathan tilts his head at me, and I realize I’m using slang to define slang. “Doing an excellent job at it.”

  “Ah.” He chuckles. “I’m killing it. I like that.”

  “Yeah, like a boss.”

  He laughs again. “Like a boss. Ophelia will enjoy that.”

  “Ophelia?”

  “My cousin. She loves Americanisms. Every time we chat, she asks me to teach her American, as she calls the English spoken in this country.”

  “That’s cute.” I pull off my coat and gloves. “What have you taught her?”

  “Well,” he says, pulling me close again. “I taught her true story and wicked nice.”

  I laugh softly. “Those are good choices.”

  “She used them in a sentence quite well.”

  “So now you can teach her like a boss.”

  “She’ll find it very amusing once I explain what a boss is.”

  “She doesn’t know?”

  “That isn’t the term we would use.”

  “What would you say?” I ask, tapping his nose with my finger.

  “Depends on who we were discussing, but usually we use the person’s title. Attorney, manager, store owner. We don’t have a general term like boss.”

  “Makes sense. So does she walk around Havendon using all kinds of American terms?”

  “Knowing Ophelia, yes she does and then properly enlightens anyone who questions her word choices.”

  “She sounds fun.”

  “She is.” He leans closer. “But enough about her. Let’s talk about us.”

  “What do you want to talk about?”

  “You. Me. Us.”

  I smile. “Yeah?”

  “Happy Valentine’s Day, my lovely Delaney. I’ve never once celebrated this holiday with a lover, but I’m so excited to do so with you.”

  “I’m excited too.”

  “Good.” He kisses me softly. “I’ve had dinner prepared, dessert, and then the rest of the night, I’ll be spending between your legs. How does that sound?”

  “Like a perfect way to spend an evening.”

  “Then let’s get started.” Taking my hand, he leads me to the dining room, and I let out a small gasp when I see the table beautifully set with candlelight creating a romantic setting.

  “Tonight, my beautiful princess, is all about you.”

  “It’s incredible.”

  “I just want to show you how much you mean to me. How happy I am. How special you are.” He cups my cheek, gazing into my eyes. “Meeting you has literally changed how I see myself, my world, my life. I don’t know what the future holds any more than you do, but I know that every moment we’re together is a perfect one.” He reaches into his pocket. “So, I hope this isn’t too much too soon, but…”

  I gasp when I see the small box in his hand. He won’t. He can’t, right? He’s not proposing.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Um, nothing. I just, um, I didn’t get you anything because your birthday—”

  “Delaney,” he interrupts. “I’m glad. This is your night, so the gift is for you. I hope…” he pauses and smiles. “I’ll just stop talking and give it to you.”

  He hands me the small velvet box, and as I take it, my hands are shaking.

  “Open it,” he says, softly, after taking a deep breath.

  Nodding, I crack the small box open. My breath catches when I see what’s inside.

  “Oh, Lathan. I’ve never seen anything this beautiful in my life.”

  He smiles. “Can I put it on you?”

  “Yes.”

  He removes the ring from the box, takes my right hand, and slides it on my ring finger. I shift my hand back and forth letting the light from the candle catch the stone.

  “Do you really love it?”

  “How could I not? It’s so pretty.”

  “I thought about saving it for your birthday, but I just couldn’t wait three more days to give it to you.”

  “Thank you so much.”

  “It means something.”

  “Okay.”

  He takes my hand in his. “Obviously, the amethyst is your birthstone.”

  “Right.”

  “I picked one with diamonds on the side because in my country, diamonds on the right hand symbolize friendship.”

  “Oh, that’s interesting.” He’s giving me a friendship ring? We’re friends? Seriously?

  “So, I wanted to give you something that represented you, our friendship, and the final piece. The finger placement.” He rubs my hand. “A ring on the right hand on that finger means we are committed to each other. Not as formal as an engagement, but not as casual as mere dating.” I look up into his eyes. “Delaney, my darling, it’s hard to say this to you, but it’s impossible not to.”

  Oh, god. Is he gonna say he loves me? We’re not just friends. My heart beats so fast in my chest, I wonder if he can hear it.

  “It’s hard because I don’t know exactly how things will work out long term, but I know that I want them to. I want you in my life for a very long time. So, with this ring, I’m making sure you know that I will now and always do my best for you, and I will do everything w
ithin my power to keep you in my life.”

  My eyes tear up as he speaks.

  “Will you accept my ring?”

  “Of course, Lathan. I’m honored to wear it.”

  He smiles. “So now, if anyone asks you if you have a man, you will say yes, you are taken. If anyone asks me, I am taken.”

  “We call that being exclusive.”

  “We are exclusive then, although, to be accurate I have been exclusive with you since the moment I laid eyes on you.”

  “Same here.”

  “A formality, but I wanted to voice it, and make sure you understand my intent.”

  “It’s lovely to hear.” I look down at the ring for a moment then back up again. “I don’t want to ruin things tonight, but…” I shake my head. “No. I’m not saying it. Let’s just enjoy our time together.”

  “You’re scared, right? Scared I’ll leave.”

  I nod, blinking away tears. “I am.”

  “You’re afraid of something that isn’t going to happen for a very long time. It’s like worrying about the weather next December. It’s not relevant right now. Look at me.” I look up, gazing into his eyes. “Now.” He motions between us. “This is what’s relevant. Us, in this very moment, about to have a great evening. Stay with me in the present, Delaney. We’ll take each day together, and if the day comes that I have to go, we’ll figure out how to handle that too. Can you stay in this moment with me?”

  I nod, and smile. “Yes, Lathan. I can stay with you.”

  “Perfect.”

  “Thank you for the ring.” He hands me a glass of wine. “It’s so beautiful, and I’ll treasure it forever.”

  “Perhaps someday I’ll put diamonds on your left ring finger.” He smiles. “What do you think about that?”

  “I think that’s a huge tease I don’t even want to think about yet.” I laugh softly. “Diamonds on the left hand mean love?”

  “Yes, exactly the same as here. We typically don’t give engagement rings like you do here though. We have custom made wedding bands that have diamonds and other gemstones in them. Well, that’s what the affluent do. Other people give simple bands of gold or platinum.”

  “Ah, so how does everyone know when a woman is engaged?”

  He smiles softly, stepping closer, and flashing that seductive look of his at me. “Trust me, Delaney, if you and I are ever engaged, everyone will know.”