“There’s only room for two of us. Many people will be part of our lives. They’ll have opinions, and pull at us, but at the heart of our relationship, it’s just me and you. Remember that. I’ll always be with you.”
She smiles, settling back against me. I need to remember that too when the time comes.
My ringing phone jolts me from sleep as both Delaney and I sit up straight. I grab it quickly and answer.
“Hello?”
“Lathan, son…”
“Mother.” I flip on the beside lamp. “Are you alright?”
“I am, but your father… you must return.”
“Return? What happened?” I glance at Delaney who watches me intently.
“He’s had a heart attack.”
“Oh my god. Is he—”
“Alive still, but in very serious condition. Lathan, you must come home. I need your support, especially if… I dare not say.”
“Of course, Mother. I’ll make arrangements immediately.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s the middle of the night here. I’ll call later when it’s morning.”
“Yes, of course.”
I hang up and turn to Delaney nearly in shock. “My father’s had a heart attack.”
“Oh no. Is he okay?”
“No. Alive, but in serious condition. I have to go back.”
“I understand.” She pulls the blanket around her nakedness. “Do you know when you’ll be back?”
I wish I could answer her. I wish I was just a regular man with a normal life and I could bring her with me. I wish…
“No?” she questions.
“As soon as I’m able, I will swim oceans to see you again.”
She nods, but I see the worry settling in her eyes. “Okay.”
“I hope I won’t be long. He’s a strong man, so I have faith he can recover and I can go on living as I do.”
“But maybe not, right? Maybe this is the moment you warned me about, the moment I’ve feared since you first kissed me.”
“I cannot lie to you. If he dies, coming back right away will be difficult.” I can feel the cracks start to tear into my heart as tears fall from her eyes.
“I’m being selfish. Your father is sick, and I’m worried about myself.”
“You’re not selfish. I didn’t imagine this day would come so soon.”
“If fate brought you to me, and now takes you from me, then she’s a bitch.”
“If my departure is as temporary as I hope it is, then fate will deliver me to you once more.” I brush my fingers across her cheek and then lift her right hand. “I gave you this ring and made a promise to you that I would do everything I can to keep you in my life. I am committed to that promise. Don’t you forget that.”
“I know, but it’s not a hundred percent in your power, right?”
“Not entirely, but I will be back for you.” Leaning forward, I kiss her softly. “For now, we have a few more hours together. Let’s enjoy them.” Pulling her close, I squeeze my eyes shut. I had hoped I had time to figure everything out before I had to go back. Now… I just don’t know what will happen.
A few hours pass, and as the sun starts to rise, I look down at my sweet Delaney. She appears asleep, but I know she’s not. How could either of us rest peacefully knowing we’re on the edge of being torn apart?
“Delaney?” I whisper.
“Hmm?”
“I need to make love to you again.”
She looks up at me with her pretty brown eyes, and nods, as a tear slides down her cheek. “I already miss you and you haven’t even left.”
I nod. “No matter what happens after this, just know that you are so special. I couldn’t want…” I pause, fighting back emotion. “I couldn’t want for more.”
“For the first time in my life, I wish I’d been born somewhere else.”
I brush my fingers over her cheek. “No, this place, this wonderfully free and diverse nation made you as you are. This city molded you and created the stunning woman I hold in my arms. I do not wish you were born somewhere else. I just wish…” I shake my head.
“What do you wish, Lathan? Tell me.”
“I wish my father wasn’t sick. I wish I had more time with you.” I kiss her softly. “I wish I had it all figured out.” I wish I could tell her that what I really want is to bring her with me, but I’m not man enough to do it. Not in this situation.
“Will you call?”
I nod. “I will. In my eyes, we are a couple. You are my girlfriend. That isn’t changing because I have to go right now. I hope you feel the same.”
She nods, offering a slight smile. “I do.”
“Good. That makes me happy.” I roll over so that I’m above her and push her legs open. As I enter her, she closes her eyes and sighs. “I don’t know that I could ever get enough of you.”
She opens her eyes, searching mine. “I hope not.”
“Your body is so… perfect for me. I feel so good in your arms. I feel…” I exhale absorbing the sensation of her body. Watching her breasts bounce slowly up and down as I move deep within her, memorizing her scent, her softness, her warmth. I never want to touch another woman again after her. Anyone else will always fall short.
When I reach my climax, I moan her name softly, praying this isn’t the last time I enjoy such pleasure. Lying against her, I pull her into my arms, cradling her as she lays her head on my chest.
“You never finished your sentence,” she says softly.
“When I make love to you, Delaney, when you share your body with me, it makes me feel like a man.”
“Like a man? You don’t always feel that way?” she asks.
“Before I met you, I felt like I was still growing up, still deciding who I wanted to be, but with you I know who I am. I’ve met my potential. I am complete.”
“I think that might be the most amazing thing anyone has ever said to me.”
“You’ve had an immeasurable impact on me. I am changed through knowing you.”
Delaney starts to weep, burying her face in my chest. I stroke her hair, understanding her pain. Leaving her will be the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life.
Lying in Lathan’s arms, I can’t stop the flood of tears. I finally found my spectacular and he’s leaving. I thought I had years, but I only had months.
“Darling, please stop crying. You’re breaking my heart.”
Sniffling, I nod. “I’m sorry. I’m just so sad. I’m so afraid I’ll never see you again.”
Lathan looks down at me, cupping my face. “You will. You will see me again. I don’t know when. I’ll need time to handle the situation at home, but please, believe me. I will see you again.”
I nod. “I believe you. I have to.”
He kisses me. “Do you remember when you told me that you wouldn’t give up any of this between us? No matter the consequences?”
“I do.”
“Do you still feel that way? Have I been worth it?”
“A thousand times yes.”
“For me too, Delaney. Every moment with you is worth a million in heaven. Do you think I could just go away and never think of you again? Never desire you? Never hear your sweet voice again? Do you think that anything, distance, time, responsibilities, could keep us apart?”
I shake my head. “No, I guess not.”
“Right. This is a setback, yes, but one we can overcome, and we will. I don’t know how yet, but I know that it is a priority for me to be back in your embrace. Until then, the memory of it will keep me alive.”
I smile. “I love the way you express yourself. Sometimes I feel like I’m in a nineteenth-century romance novel. You are beyond poetry. I treasure every word that tumbles from your lips because I know they came straight from your heart.”
“You have a direct passage to it, my princess.”
“And you to mine.”
He exhales slowly. “I have to make arrangements.”
“Of course. I’ll make co
ffee.”
He smiles. “That would be lovely.” I climb out of bed. “If you want, you can stay here while I’m away.”
I smile. “Here? In this beautiful place without you? I couldn’t. It would be too painful.”
Lathan nods. “Will you take something of mine? Something very important so you know I’ll be back.”
“Okay.”
He climbs out of bed and walks into his closet, coming back moments later. “Open your hand.” I do and look down as he places two diamond encrusted cufflinks in my palm. “These belonged to my great-grandfather whose mother’s maiden name is my first name. They were passed down to the first born son of every new generation and presented on his twenty-fifth birthday. I wear them for special events, and I will one day give them to my son.”
My eyes tear up as I look up at him. “You want me to hold them?”
“Yes. I want you to hold them for me.” Lathan smiles, closing my hand around them. “Perhaps, you will help me give them to my son for he will also be your son.”
God, I hope so. “I’ll protect them.”
“I know. If I could take my heart out of my chest and give it to you, I would.”
I should tell him that I think I’m in love, but I’m afraid. What if he has a custom about the man saying it first, or what if it’s too soon, or what if he’s not ready? I don’t want to add any stress to this already terrible situation. I’ll wait until he comes back for the cufflinks. Then I’ll tell him.
I wipe away my tears and smile. “I’ll be waiting.”
Sitting on the plane for home, I stare down at my phone at the picture I took with Delaney before I left. Straight out of bed with no makeup, she’s still absolutely stunning. Like no other. Sighing, I close the photo and dial my mother.
“Lathan,” she answers. “Are you on your way?”
“I am, Mother. How is his condition?”
“The same. He is coherent, but very weak.”
I nod. “I’m not ready for this, Mother. I assumed I had years.”
“Oh, son, none of us expected this, certainly not your father, but you are ready. You must be.”
“I know.” I look down at my watch. “I’ll be there in about another five hours.”
“We’ll be ready. I’ve had your room prepared and everyone is so excited to see you again, but none as much as I.”
“I look forward to seeing you too. Have you reached Arlan?”
“No. I have called with no response.”
I shake my head. Why he tortures the woman I’ll never know. “He’ll come around.”
“I hope he can see his father before…”
I hear her voice crack and it tears at my heart. “As do I, Mother. I’ll see you soon.”
After hanging up, I lean back in my seat. My entire life is about to shift outside of my control. I’ve struggled for years to find my own footing, my own path, only to find it in the eyes of a woman in Boston. Looking outside, I focus on the ground below as though I could see her from here. I should have told her I was falling in love, but I feared her reaction. Is it too soon? Too much? Would it only intensify the pain of our parting? Fate is a bitch if she keeps me from Delaney’s arms. I couldn’t possibly be happy without her in my life, but how… I sigh. How can it be? As soon as I know the answer, I’ll be on the first plane back to her.
Stepping off the plane, I take a deep breath, inhaling the air of Havendon. I’m home. I walk down the stairs to the waiting car, smiling when I see my driver, Harold. He’s aged in the two years since I left, his once black hair now spattered with gray.
“Harold, dear man, so good to see you.”
Harold bows slightly. “Your Highness. Welcome home. You have been missed.”
“As have all of you and this place. Are you well?”
“Quite, sir.” He opens my door. “Do you have luggage?”
“I just have my bag here. I packed quickly.”
“Yes, of course, sir. The Queen requests your presence right away.”
“Take me to her.”
I climb in the back of the limousine, straightening my suit jacket and buttoning my shirt to the top. I must remember that I am no longer in America.
“Does anyone know I’m coming?”
Harold shakes his head as he sits in the driver’s seat. “No, sir. No one is aware of the King’s condition as of yet. The palace has not made an announcement.”
“I see.” Well at least I can operate in relative privacy. I lean back against my seat and fire off a brief text to Delaney.
Just landed. On my way home to see my parents. Miss you already. I will call when I can. Sleep well, sweet princess.
A moment later her response comes.
Your absence is felt. I hope all goes well. Good night, sweet prince.
Ah, if she only knew the truth of her statement. I haven’t even considered how she’ll react to this revelation. If she is the woman I believe her to be, she will handle it with grace and understanding.
The car pulls up in front of my family home. After Harold opens my door, I hurry inside where my mother paces in the sitting room.
“Mother.”
She turns around, clutching her chest. “My son.” She rushes over to me and pulls me into an embrace. I hug her close. “It’s so good to see you.”
“Also you, Mother.” I stand back, taking her in. “I missed you so.”
“How was your flight?”
“Just fine. Where is Father?”
“In his chambers. He is resting.”
“May I see him?”
She frowns. “In the morning, perhaps. He’s very weak.”
“Does he still not want to see me? After all this time?”
“The doctor warned against added stress.”
“I am added stress? I am his son, am I not?”
“You are his vibrant wonderful son. He will see you soon. He will have to.”
Shaking my head slightly, I reply. “Fine. May I retire to my room? I’m very tired from traveling.”
“Of course. Do you need food?”
“Yes.”
“I will have something delivered.”
“Thank you, Mother.” I kiss her cheek. “I am happy to be with you again.”
“Not as happy as I. My heart overflows.”
I smile as I turn to walk up the massive stone stairwell. As I do, I run my hands along the railing, letting it sink in that I’m back in my family home. Tomorrow the hard work begins.
The day after Lathan’s departure, I’m standing in my kitchen making drinks when the doorbell rings. I hurry over and open it.
“Hey, sister,” I say.
“Hey, girl.” Fallyn throws her arms around my neck. “You okay?”
I shrug. “Been better. I miss him.”
“Of course you do.” She pats my back. “I brought popcorn. I can try and distract you with alcohol and food.”
I laugh. “I was actually trying my hand at your famous caramel apple martinis. Want to try one?”
“Uh, fuck yeah.” She scrunches her nose. “Ugh. I’ve been a mess today.” She looks down at her counter. “That was number twenty-four.”
“Dang, girl. Bad day?”
“Yeah, there were just so many fuckers being fucktards today. I couldn’t get a fucking break.”
“Annnnd twenty-seven.”
“Fuck.”
Laughing, I motion toward the kitchen. “Come on.” Pouring each of us a glass, I hand Fallyn one and wait for her to taste it.
“Hey,” she says after taking a sip. “Not bad, Del. Not bad at all. You made something.”
“I did. I followed a recipe carefully. It’s just a drink, but it’s a start.”
“A damn good one. Want to go watch a movie and get drunk and cry about boys?”
“Yeah, let’s do that.”
Back in the living room, Fallyn flips channels looking for something good to watch. We won’t pay attention anyway, just talking all the way through like we usually d
o. Realizing we quickly finished our first drinks, I stand up for a refill.
“Want another drink?”
“Yes, please,” Fallyn answers lifting her empty glass. “And popcorn.”
“Coming right up. Find a good movie to watch.”
“On it.”
In the kitchen, I throw a package of popcorn in the microwave and refill our glasses with the caramel apple martinis. Leaning against the counter, I wait for the popcorn to finish.
“Delaney!” Fallyn calls. “Get out here.”
Hurrying back, I stop next to her. “What is it?”
“Uh, you might want to sit down.” She points at the TV. “I found a documentary about Havendon.”
“Really?” I smile. “How cool.”
“Yeah, cool. Are you seeing what I’m seeing?”
I peer at the screen. “Is that…” I look at my friend then back at the screen. “Is that Lathan?”
Picking up the remote, Fallyn increases the volume as the narrator speaks.
“Here, the Royal Family of Havendon celebrates the thirtieth anniversary of its becoming an independent nation. Princes Lathan and Arlan—”
“Princes!” I exclaim, as Fallyn bursts into a fit of giggles. I try to shush her as the man continues.
“As the eldest son, His Royal Highness Prince Lathan is—”
“His Royal Highness!” Fallyn gushes.
“Shh.” I wave my hands at her, rewinding the program so I can hear.
“Prince Lathan is next in line for the throne,” the man continues. “A heavy responsibility for the young prince to carry on his shoulders.”
Sinking down in my couch, I listen intently to Lathan and his family’s life, seeing images of his country, his parents, his brother. The documentary was made years ago, so he looks much younger than he is now.
“Next in line,” I say softly. “If his father dies.”
“He’s a freaking prince. How do you like them apples?”
“I can’t believe it.”
Fallyn nods, not understanding the impact of this information on me. We watch quietly, listening to every detail. After the program is over, I lean back against the couch, completely stunned.
“Did you have any idea?”
Unexpectedly Royal Page 17
