Heart Captivated

by Lindsay Bergman

  I sighed, knowing that I should probably climb down and head up to the house to greet the family, but I was lacking in motivation today. Ironic, considering it was a day to celebrate gratitude. So instead, I crossed my ankles and swung my legs back and forth through the open air, while letting my gaze and mind wander. At the creak behind me, I shifted to look over my shoulder. A light-colored stetson appeared mere moments before my brother’s familiar face. He joined me at the opening, and seemed content to sit in silence for a while.

  Eventually he spoke. “Are you planning to stay up here all night, or can we expect you for dinner?”

  “That depends on what we’re having,” I joked, shooting him a sidelong glance. Tracy was sometimes a more … eccentric cook.

  Logan suppressed a smile. “Tracy’s making the traditional turkey and fixings. It’s not the delicacy of snails’ eggs, but it’ll do for us simple country folk.”

  I couldn’t help but snicker. Logan had found that story particularly entertaining and enjoyed bringing it up whenever possible.

  “Speaking of Ashton,” Logan began, “have you heard from him recently?”

  “I got a letter this morning.” I shrugged. A letter was nowhere near as good as the real thing.

  “Then where’s that sappy smile of yours? I haven’t seen it for a few weeks now.” He leaned over to nudge my arm, clearly hoping to bring out a smile.

  I stared out across the pasture dotted with black cattle, and said in a sullen voice, “I haven’t really felt like smiling lately.”

  “Well, I have some news that I hope will bring that smile back.” Logan nudged me again. “I enrolled you at the University of Coradova for next semester.”

  “You did what?” My head snapped up as I looked at him.

  “I know how much you’ve always wanted to travel. Now that you’ve gotten a taste for it, I can tell that Hidden Creek Ranch doesn’t hold your heart anymore. And I knew you’d love the chance to be near Ashton.”

  I was utterly speechless, and blown away by my brother’s thoughtful gesture.

  Logan rubbed the back of his neck and chuckled, “And here I thought you’d be thrilled over the chance to study abroad. But you still haven’t cracked a smile.”

  “Logan,” I began hesitantly, “I’m so grateful that you thought to do this for me … but how can I possibly go? If I leave, who will be here to help you around the ranch? You can’t afford to hire anyone to replace me, and—”

  “Bree, it’s all been taken care of,” Logan explained. “We’re going to use some of that money from the savings account to hire help, and Sophie has agreed to pitch in more. You’ve given up enough of your life for this ranch—and for our family. It’s time for you to do something for yourself, to find that adventure you’ve always wanted.”

  As I listened to Logan go over the pertinent details about a dorm and tuition, all paid for, I thought to myself that it seemed too good to be true.

  “But what about Sophie? I can’t up and move across the country without finding out how she feels first.” I stared at the tips of my boots. “What if she’s still not over Ashton? How can I attend college in Coradova and be expected to stay away from him? I just don’t see how this can all work out without someone being hurt.”

  “I think you’d be surprised.” Logan angled his head in the direction of the ladder.

  Behind us, Sophie stood at the edge of the hayloft, waiting in silence.

  “I’ll let you two talk this out.” Logan patted my shoulder, then rose to his feet and climbed swiftly down the ladder, leaving me alone with my twin.

  Sophie took his vacant spot beside me. “You don’t look as happy as I expected.”

  “Well, I’m not sure if I can go.”

  “What’s stopping you?” she asked, searching my face. “Didn’t Logan explain that we’re going to hire help to replace you, and that your dorm and tuition have already been paid for?” I nodded, so she continued her sales pitch. “Both Uncle Cameron and Dad think it’s a great opportunity—and I know Ashton would be over the moon to have you in Coradova.”

  “But what about you, Sophie?” I asked gently. “How do you feel about this?”

  She took hold of my hand and smiled ruefully. “I will miss you like crazy, and I expect you to call me every single day, no exceptions.” A smile tugged at my lips, making Sophie smile in response. She continued, “It will be hard not having you here with me, but I know how happy it will make you to be with Ashton. And I want you to be happy, Brielle. Let’s face it, you haven’t really been happy since we left Coradova.”

  I shrugged, unwilling to admit it. “But what about your feelings for Ashton?”

  She sighed. “It took some time, but I’ve finally realized that I was more in love with the idea of Ashton, than Ashton himself.”

  Hope sprang eagerly to life within my chest. “Are you saying that you would be okay with seeing us together?”

  Sophie smiled tenderly and squeezed my hand for added emphasis. “More than okay. In fact, I hope to receive my royal invite to your wedding before Christmas.”

  I launched myself into her arms. “Oh, Sophie, thank you! You have no idea how much this means to me.”

  “Maybe a little,” Sophie laughed, watching me literally jump for joy.

  “I can’t wait to tell Ashton!” I stopped bouncing and swung toward the ladder, my heart and thoughts racing. “I should write him a letter right now.”

  “Wait a minute, I have a better idea.” Sophie stood silhouetted in the open hayloft door, the snow-capped mountains forming a beautiful display behind her. “Ashton’s coming home in two weeks, right?” she verified, arching a brow.

  I nodded, wondering what she was plotting.

  “Why don’t you fly out to Coradova to surprise him when he docks?” Her brown eyes took on a wicked glint. “You can even wear a bright red bow.”

  Our wide, playful smiles were absolutely identical.

  The eager crowd of military family and friends surrounded us in a half-circle, their excited voices rising in pitch as we watched the ship dock in her place. Before us, the base for Coradova’s Royal Navy stretched out along the harbor in clusters of buildings and rows of impressive ships. Sailors and officers lined the platform, waiting in their crisp white naval uniforms to proudly welcome home the crew of the Indépendance Royale.

  Standing in the section of crowd closest to the ship, I waited with the Royal Family for Prince Ashton to make his long awaited appearance. In my excitement, I was practically bouncing on my toes.

  Leaning in close to whisper in my ear, Madison asked, “Are you ready for this?”

  “Yes.” I pressed a nervous hand to my fluttering stomach, and added, “As long as I don’t throw up first.”

  From my left, Arianna patted my arm and encouraged, “You’ll be fine. You think you’re nervous now, just wait until you actually see him.”

  Our attention was drawn to the podium, where Crown Prince Alexander stood ready to give his welcoming speech. After he thanked the crew for their service and dedication to their country, the crowd erupted in applause and turned to watch the disembarking procession.

  My breath caught in my chest when I recognized Ashton at the top of the gangplank. Even though his naval uniform was identical to the others, there was no mistaking him. Rich, raven-black hair peeked out from underneath his cap, and that dimpled smile was noticeable from a mile away. Not to mention, a two-guard escort accompanied him down the ramp.

  Following his downward progress, I whispered, “No one told him I would be here, right?”

  “No, it will be a complete surprise,” Madison answered.

  “How long do you think it will take him to notice me?” I asked, then forgot everything except the man who’s intense blue gaze locked onto mine with the force of a magnet. Stunned at the sight of me, Ashton paused halfway down the gangplank and stared as if I were a vision.

  “I’d say immediately,” Arianna murmured, a note of amusement in her v
oice.

  The buzzing of the surrounding crowd faded as my sole attention zeroed in on Ashton. Every heartbeat echoed thickly in my ears, and my chest heaved in gasping breaths. This was it. The moment for my grand romantic gesture. I smoothed a hand down my black lace dress, with the red bow sash I’d added just for Ashton. “It’s now, or never,” I breathed. Gathering my courage, I broke free from the crowd. As the chains that had bound my heart for over a decade fell away, I strode straight for the prince who had set me free.

  With his eyes still locked on mine, Ashton moved swiftly down the gangplank and met me halfway. Grinning broadly, he scooped me up into a fierce hug that lifted me up off my feet. “Brielle! What are you doing here, mon coeur?” After setting me back down, he eased back enough to look at me, his gaze exploring every inch of my face.

  Brimming with happiness, I smiled and said, “I came to tell you that you’ve won the bet.”

  Ashton frowned in momentary confusion. “What bet?”

  I chuckled over his bemused expression. Clearly, my unexpected appearance had left him dazed. “The bet about winning my love.”

  Understanding dawned in his beautiful blue eyes, and a slow smile spread across his face. “Are you saying that Sophie—”

  “—finally gave us her blessing,” I finished, smiling up at him. “And Logan enrolled me in the University of Coradova for next semester.”

  “You’re moving here?”

  “Well …” I tapped my fingers against his chest and tilted my head in mock thought. “It doesn’t really make sense for me to live in Montana when my heart is here in Coradova.” I sent him a teasing smile. “You did say I would be yours one day.”

  Ashton laughed, the sound exuberant and freeing. “Yes, you are mine, bien-aimée. Finally.” He pulled me in for another crushing hug and pressed his lips to my temple in a sweet, loving kiss. “I can’t believe you’re really here,” Ashton murmured, his breath fanning out over my cheek. He shifted back to look me over, and his gaze paused on my waist as an amused smile spread over his face. “You’re wearing a red bow. This is the best care package yet.” Ashton grinned and sent me a simmering, sultry look. “You’re even more beautiful than I remembered.”

  I blushed, loving the warm, adoring look in his eyes. “So, Ashton …” I began, sliding my hands up his white uniform, admiring the clean and sharp lines. “Now that you’ve won your bet, are you ready to claim your prize?”

  His gaze darkened with heat. “Absolutely.”

  I brought our faces closer, savoring the anticipation before the kiss. “Then why don’t you show me how true victory tastes, Your Highness.”

  Ashton grinned and drew me in snug against his chest, his arms wrapping tightly around my waist. “It would be my pleasure, bien-aimée,” he murmured warmly. His voice dropped into a low, seductive whisper as he added, “And yours.”

  Then he swept me up into a kiss that burned with passion. Every emotion and tender feeling of love came blazing to life, searing across my skin and through my heart. No longer holding himself back, Ashton's devouring kiss whisked me away into a haze of promises, both seductive and sweet. As longing crashed through me in waves, he gentled the kiss into a tender meeting of lips that left me weak in his arms.

  Slowly, he raised his head to smile arrogantly. “Have I swept you off your feet, mon amour?”

  “Knocked me off them is more like it,” I teased, breathless. As my galloping heart rate finally began to slow, I noticed the voices of the surrounding crowd. “Are they cheering?” I peeked around his shoulder and caught sight of Ashton’s delighted family, who stood watching us with matching smiles.

  “Why don’t we give them something else to cheer about?” Ashton suggested with a wink. He kissed me again and dipped me low into a flourished, over-the-arm pose. The clapping and cheers grew louder, accompanied by the frenzied clicking of photos. Straightening, but keeping me cradled close in his arms, Ashton smiled lovingly into my eyes. “You might not believe it, but you will be a princess that all of Coradova will love, mon coeur.”

  I caressed his cheek, and smiled fondly into his loving gaze. “All I need is your love, Ashton. As long as I have you, I have everything.”

  Ashton’s warm, dimpled smile made my heart sigh. “Je t'aimerai pour toujours, my captivating Brielle. I’ll love you for always.”

  Then he kissed me once more in an ardent gesture of love that promised us forever.

  Epilogue

  Three months later …

  Ashton held my hand and led me through the narrow growth of trees. Finally, we emerged into a beautiful, open clearing that stretched out over one-thousand acres. It was enclosed on one side by the trees, while to the right it opened into a stunning view of the sea. Tugging me along through the tall grass and sprinkle of white, gold and lilac wildflowers, Ashton drew me over to the edge overlooking the sea.

  With an eager smile, he waved a hand over the landscape. “Well, what do you think?”

  “Ash,” I breathed, “It’s beautiful here.”

  “That’s what I was hoping you’d say.” Ashton grinned and turned me to face the clearing, then moved to stand at my back. He was so close that I could feel the brush of his body against mine. When he circled his arms around my waist and pulled me to his chest, I melted into him with a sigh.

  Even after three months together, I could never get enough of these sweet, private moments with him. Since I lived in the university dorms, we mostly spent our days together secluded away in the palace or exploring the breathtaking landscape of my new Mediterranean home. Ashton devoted the majority of his time to serving in the Coradovan Royal Navy, or assisting his family with royal obligations. It didn’t leave a whole lot of free time for us, but I didn’t mind. We had our whole lives to be together—even though we hadn’t officially made any plans for marriage.

  Pointing one hand toward a spot to our right, Ashton lowered his head to speak gently in my ear. “Look over there, mon coeur. Do you see that flat piece of land along the tree line?”

  “Yes,” I said, trying to focus on the landscape, instead of his alluring closeness.

  “Don’t you think that would be the perfect place for a house? Maybe a little white farmhouse with a wide porch big enough for a porch swing, and the front facing toward this view of the sea. We can have a barn and stables over there,” he continued, indicating the space toward our left. “I thought you’d like to have horses, and we even have enough room for a small herd of cattle, if you want—”

  “Hold on just a minute,” I interrupted, feeling dazed. “What are you talking about? What is this place, Ashton?” I shifted in his arms in order to see his face, my heart pounding in anticipation. Did this mean what I thought? Was Ashton going to propose?

  Meeting my eyes, Ashton smiled broadly, his beloved dimple flashing. “Isn’t it obvious? This is where I plan to build our home, bien-aimée.”

  “Our home?” I whispered, too afraid to hope.

  “Yes, our home.” Ashton’s voice grew warm and tender, matching the warmth in his blue gaze. He splayed his hand over the flatness of my stomach. “Our home with the six or seven children I want to make with you.”

  “Seven children?” I rasped out. “You’ve got to be joking.”

  Ashton chuckled, his voice deep with amusement. “You do want children, right?”

  “Yes, of course,” I stammered in agreement. “But not an entire baseball team.”

  Ashton smiled widely, clearly enjoying his teasing. “How does three sound? I think three is a good, solid number.”

  “Three is a perfect number.” After all, we were both the youngest of three children.

  “Three it is, then.” Ashton turned me in his arms until we were face-to-face, all traces of his teasing now gone. Instead, his intense gaze was filled with promises. “Brielle, I want to have a family with you,” he said, gesturing toward the clearing again. “I want to make our home here. With a porch swing for long summer nights, and horses so I can wat
ch you ride bareback.” He winked, and continued. “I want space for our three kids to play, and a view of the sea to enjoy during romantic walks with my wife.” His gaze darkened into a deep, ardent blue. “The beautiful, captivating, American cowgirl who I hope will become my wife.”

  Holding my eyes for a moment longer, Ashton stepped back and pulled a small black box from his pocket. With his dimpled smile, he lowered down onto one knee, uncaring that he was kneeling in the grass in perfectly pressed slacks. He opened the box to reveal a stunning round diamond centered in a delicate, diamond-encrusted infinity band.

  The engagement ring was so beautiful that I was left speechless. My heart pounded against my chest in a wild rhythm of stampeding horses as I watched Ashton take hold of my left hand and carefully slip the diamond into place.

  “Brielle, mon coeur,” Ashton said, drawing my attention to his handsome, beloved face. “I don’t need you to be my princess, but I do need you to be my wife. Will you marry me, bien-aimée, and take a chance on finding your happily-ever-after?”

  His words resonated within my heart. I had long since stopped believing in fairytales with happy endings … but that was before I’d met Prince Ashton of Coradova.

  Looking into blue eyes filled with more love than I ever thought possible, I smiled and whispered wholeheartedly, “Yes, Ashton. I would love to marry you.”

  Ashton grinned and rose to his feet. With a laugh, he took me into his arms and spun me in dizzying circles around the land where we planned to build our home. Holding me close in his warm embrace, he kissed me long and deep, his every touch filled with promise. Our lips danced together in a loving, melting kiss that was rich with hope, passion and possibilities.

  It was the perfect start to our happily-ever-after.

  COMING EARLY 2019

  PRINCESS ARIANNA’S STORY