by Kate Hardy
‘Go back on script,’ she said softly. Because she needed to hear what he had to say.
His face brightened, and he looked at the paper again. ‘“I know you’re strong enough to cope with just about anything on your own, and I admire your strength, but you don’t have to be on your own. If you’ll let me, I’ll be right by your side, supporting you all the way. You might have to yell at me from time to time, and remind me to tell you what’s in my head instead of assuming that you already know by some weird kind of osmosis, but I’ll be there with you all the way. I’ll be the best husband I can possibly be to you, and the most loving dad I can possibly be to our baby—and, if we’re lucky, to our future babies.”’ He lifted his chin and put the paper down. ‘I’m going to do it without the script now. I love you.’
‘You love me.’ She still couldn’t quite take that in he was actually saying it to her.
‘If I’m really honest with you, I fell in love with you before I’d even met you,’ Antonio said. ‘The way Nathan described you, so full of courage and strength, I knew you were the kind of woman I wanted to be with. But when I finally met you everything had just gone horribly wrong. I felt guilty that Nathan died.’
‘It wasn’t your fault.’
‘I still felt guilty,’ Antonio said. ‘Survivor guilt, maybe, but guilty all the same. Plus you were his little sister. You were off limits. I was all mixed up, wanting you and feeling guilty about that, too. I’d wanted to tell you and your mum how much Nathan was loved, how much everyone thought of him—and instead I just closed off and made a mess of it.’ He grimaced. ‘When I saw you again at the charity gala, I felt so bad that I hadn’t stayed in touch.’
‘Don’t be so hard on yourself. Your father died, and you were needed at the palace,’ she said gently. ‘I understand.’
He took her hands. ‘I still should’ve done more, and I’m sorry I let you down.’
‘It’s OK. You’re here now—and you’re not the only one who shut your emotions away,’ she told him. ‘I couldn’t cry for Nathan because I thought I had to be strong for Mum, and I was wrong, too.’
‘You’ve been crying now.’ He lifted one hand to stroke her face.
She nodded. ‘For everything. For you, for Nathan, for both our dads, for my mum, for the baby...’
Antonio leaned over the table and kissed her lightly. ‘You don’t have to be strong all the time—just as I don’t have to be strong and silent, either. We’ll have each other’s backs. And we can be ourselves with each other and with our baby.’
‘I love you, too.’ She swallowed hard. ‘And I knew before you told me that you love me, because you bought me the snow globe. You noticed I liked it and guessed that I didn’t want to spend the money on myself. It’s the thought that counts more than the gift.’
‘True. You’ve taught me that, too.’ He looked at her. ‘So, what now?’
‘I told you about my mum—how my dad’s family didn’t like her.’
‘And you worry that my family will feel that way about you?’
‘I don’t have a drop of blue blood in my veins. How am I going to fit in?’
‘By being yourself,’ he said. ‘Just so you know, my mother told me to come and see you and tell you how I really felt. She said those photographs on the news made her feel better, made her feel that I’d found someone to love and who loved me all the way back. And she’s thrilled about becoming a grandmother.’
‘Really?’
‘Really,’ he confirmed. ‘Luca told me to go after you and tell you how I feel about you. So did Gabriella. You’ll be more than welcome in Casavalle, and so will your mother. I want to... I want to be a family with you, Tia. You come as a package, and that’s fine by me—because I come as a package, too.’
Then, to her surprise, he slid off his chair and got down on one knee. ‘I know I’m rushing you and you don’t have to answer me now, but will you marry me? I’m not asking you because I think it’s my duty or yours, but because I hope we both feel the same way about each other,’ he clarified. ‘Because we both love each other, and we want to make a family together.’
She knew that speech had been tough for him. Telling her how he really felt. Particularly as he’d done it without working out the words and writing them down first.
But it was how she felt about him, too.
‘Because we both love each other, and we want to make a family together,’ she repeated. ‘Yes.’
He got to his feet in what looked like a nanosecond, and wrapped his arms round her. ‘I love you, Tia. It feels weird saying it, but I’m hoping the more I tell you, the easier it’ll be, and that you’ll come to believe me.’
‘I believe you now,’ she said. ‘I love you, too.’
He kissed her lingeringly, and there was a volley of kicks in her stomach.
He broke the kiss. ‘Is that baby-speak for “Get a room”?’ he asked wryly.
‘No. I think it’s baby-speak for “I approve”,’ she said with a smile.
‘Good. Let’s go and tell your mother the news. And then I’d like to take you, your mother and the baby home with me to Casavalle. Home to our future.’
‘Our future,’ she echoed.
EPILOGUE
Valentine’s Day
TIA PEERED OVER the edge of the cot at the sleeping week-old baby. ‘I can’t believe we made someone so perfect,’ she whispered.
‘Nathan Vincenzo Valenti. The most beautiful baby in the world.’ Antonio slid his arm round her shoulders. ‘It doesn’t get better than this, does it?’
‘I didn’t think I’d ever be this happy,’ Tia said. ‘But your family’s wonderful and they’ve all made me feel so welcome—Mum, too.’
‘Because you’re part of us,’ Antonio said simply. ‘You have been, since the first moment you walked into the palace and gave my mother a hug. And definitely since you stood in our private chapel and said your wedding vows. You’ve got the Valenti name now. No escape for you.’
She twisted round and kissed him. ‘I don’t want to escape. I love you, Antonio.’
‘Good. Because I love you, too.’
They were still gazing besottedly at their sleeping son when Grace walked into the room.
‘Is he asleep?’ she whispered.
‘Yes,’ Antonio said.
‘Then I’ll come back for a cuddle later,’ Grace said.
They followed her out into the living room. ‘Are you having lunch with us today, Mum?’ Tia asked.
‘It’s lovely of you to ask, but I’m afraid I can’t—I’m already going out,’ Grace said.
‘Anywhere nice?’ Tia asked.
Grace blushed. ‘Miles says it’s a mystery tour.’
Tia exchanged a glance with Antonio. They’d both noticed that the palace secretary was spending a lot of time in Grace’s company. Miles and Grace seemed to have bonded over organising Tia and Antonio’s wedding in a private ceremony in the middle of December, and that blush just now made Tia pretty sure that her mother was going out on a date rather than simply doing a bit of sight-seeing.
‘Have a wonderful time, Mum,’ she said, hugging her mother. ‘And don’t overdo it.’
Grace smiled. ‘I know better than to do that, love. Besides, Miles won’t let me. I’ll see you both later and I’ll be back to cuddle my grandson.’
Antonio smiled at Tia as his mother-in-law left their apartment. ‘I have a feeling there might be a little bit of romance in the air.’
‘Me, too, and I’m glad,’ Tia said. ‘Mum’s been on her own for much too long. And I like Miles. He’s a nice guy. Kind.’ She smiled back at him. ‘Even if he did refuse to let me talk to you for weeks.’
‘He was doing his job. Being diligent. And he’ll look after Grace the same way,’ Antonio said. ‘And now it’s my turn to look after you. Sit on that sofa and put your feet up,
because a cheese toastie and a cup of tea are in your very near future.’
She grinned. ‘Are you ordering me about, Your Royal Highness?’
‘I can try,’ Antonio said, laughing. ‘But no. We’re a team. And I only made that suggestion because I know it’s your favourite. You can have anything you like.’ He kissed her lightly. ‘If anything, I’m yours to command.’
She scoffed. ‘I’m no general.’
‘No. You’re just gorgeous,’ he said. ‘I love you, Tia. I never thought I’d ever be this happy in Casavalle. But things have changed in the palace. Everywhere feels lighter and happier and less formal. You, Imogen, Gabi and Grace have kind of taken over the palace, and my mother’s just blossomed, having daughters and a new best friend. And with you and our baby here with me... My world’s complete.’
‘Mine, too. I love you,’ Tia said, kissing him. ‘We don’t have to have lunch, you know. We could just go and snuggle up under the covers.’
‘That,’ Antonio said, ‘is an excellent idea.’ He scooped her up and carried her into their bedroom.
But just as he was about to deposit Tia on the bed, they heard a wail.
‘We,’ he said, ‘are going to have to wait. Because it sounds as if someone’s hungry.’ He settled Tia back against the pillows. ‘I’ll go and get him. And then I’ll make you that cup of tea.’
‘And join us, I hope,’ Tia said. ‘Because there’s nothing more perfect than snuggling up with my gorgeous son and even more gorgeous husband.’
Antonio kissed her again. ‘I agree. You’re the wisest of women, Tia Valenti.’
Tia made herself comfortable, ready to feed the baby. The newest Valenti Prince had stolen everyone’s heart, and he’d made a huge difference to life at the palace. Their baby was an unexpected gift who’d brought Antonio’s family closer together, cracking the reserve and formality at the palace to let the warmth of love radiate through.
Love and tenderness that weren’t kept just for private moments: Antonio was openly affectionate, holding her hand and sliding his arm round her and stealing kisses. He’d lost his cold, remote shell for good, and the real Antonio was definitely the man of her dreams.
‘Penny for them?’ he asked, walking in while rocking the baby on his shoulder.
‘Just thinking how lucky I am,’ she said.
‘How lucky we are,’ he corrected. ‘And this is something I’ll never take for granted. A happiness I always want to share with the world. Because love is the best gift of all.’
* * *
Welcome to the A Crown by Christmas trilogy!
If you enjoyed this story, look out for the previous book Cinderella’s Prince Under the Mistletoe by Cara Colter
And look out for the next story Their Christmas Royal Wedding by Nina Milne
Coming soon!
If you enjoyed this story, check out these other great reads from Kate Hardy
Finding Mr. Right in Florence
A Diamond in the Snow
Reunited at the Altar
All available now!
Keep reading for an excerpt from Her Christmas Pregnancy Surprise by Jennifer Faye.
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Her Christmas Pregnancy Surprise
by Jennifer Faye
PROLOGUE
October... Ross Tower, New York City
WAS THIS REALLY HAPPENING?
An invitation to one of the most exclusive parties in New York City. It didn’t get much better than this.
Okay, it wasn’t quite an invitation. Still, she was here among the crème de la crème of New York society—actresses, models, politicians, and the list went on. How she got here shouldn’t matter, right?
And, okay, she just happened to be one of the waitstaff. Not an actual guest. But still, this wasn’t just any party. This was Simon Ross’s party at the top of the tower. She stifled a squeal of delight as she considered pinching herself just to make sure this was real.
Pepper M. Kane resisted the urge, but barely. After all, she had landed—correction, her bakery had landed—this prime opportunity, and she wasn’t going to do anything to ruin it or her reputation. If she could make a good impression here, the connections and possibilities were endless.
By the end of the party, she’d handed out countless business cards. Her cheeks were sore from smiling so much. And her feet ached from the heels she’d decided to wear instead of her usual flats. She couldn’t wait to get home, curl up on the couch and put on an old black-and-white movie from her ever-growing collection.
There were still a few lingering guests, not to mention the host—the very sexy host. Her gaze moved across the spacious conference hall. There stood the man himself. More than six feet of tall dark sexy goodness.
She clearly remembered their first meeting this past summer. It had been very early one morning when Simon had strolled into the Polka Dotted Bakery. It had been just like any other day when her life started to change. There had been no lightning strikes and no earthquakes, but his entrance into her life had caused ripples through her heart.
At the time, she’d thought he was just another customer. Well, not just any customer—he’d been the only customer at that early hour. Even the sun hadn’t risen yet.
Pepper remembered quite clearly that particular morning. She’d been working the front counter when he’d stepped up to the glass display case to peruse the baked goods, from croissants to donuts to cookies and everything else in between. He’d chatted with her about her selection of donuts. And then he’d ordered two coffees, plus two cherry turnovers. After he paid for them, he’d handed her the second coffee and the extra turnover. No one had ever done something like that for her before. She was truly touched.
He had a billion-dollar smile that could melt the frosting right off Pepper’s triple-chocolate cupcakes. And he had these dreamy espresso brown eyes that she could stare into the entire day. With his short-styled hair and designer suit, he could easily grace the cover of any magazine or romance book.
The longer she talked to him, the more she’d noticed that he had something weighing on his mind. Pain flared in his eyes. It touched her, and though they were strangers, with her staff handling things in the kitchen, she’d invited him to sit and drink his coffee with her.
He hadn’t said much at first, but as one thing led to another, their conversation deepened. And then he’d revealed that he’d just received news that a childhood friend had died. Pepper never thought anything good would come from losing her mother and grandmother, but she was able to draw upon that experience to give some sort of comfort to Simon. It was as though that morning they’d formed a bond—a bond forged in loss and wrapped in hope.
And so for the past five months, Simon had been stopping by the bakery at least once a week early in the morning for two large black coffees and two cherry turnovers. Pepper looked forward to those mornings as they chatted about current events, the bakery or whatever was on their minds. She had made a new friend—a good friend.
And then out of the blue, he’d offered her the opportunity to cater for the Ross Toys expansion party. At first, he’d caught her off guard, as they hadn’t exchanged last names. But when she found out he was Simon Ross of Ross Toys she was left
speechless. For Pepper, it was a crowning achievement. Ross Toys was one of the biggest businesses in the country.
Today Mr. Ross, as she insisted on calling him at the party, was the host and she was the baker. Today they were not coffee mates or friends. They each had a job to do—expectations to be met. The announcement of a new chain of stores had been made to the world—Ross Pet Playground. Speeches had been made. Thank-you’s had been issued. And predictions were bandied about while Pepper and her staff kept the trays on the buffet table filled.
Pepper had just returned from helping her staff load the empty trays into the delivery van. With both employees and the carts, the van was full. She’d sent her staff back to the bakery to unload and then head home. She’d driven separately, but before leaving, she had to finish cleaning up.
She rushed in the back door and came to an abrupt halt. There stood Simon Ross not more than ten feet from her. He wasn’t just another New York City businessman. He had been voted the city’s sexiest bachelor, as well as Business Person of the Year, in addition to being CEO and founder of Ross Toys. He was quite a package for some lucky lady.
At the moment, he was deep in conversation with another man in a similar dark suit and tie. Before she could discreetly make it past the men, Simon’s gaze met hers. It was only for the briefest of moments, but it was long enough for her heart to start racing. Heat rushed to her face. What was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she treat him like any other client?
A mocking voice inside her head said it was because he wasn’t like any other client. He’d started off as her friend. And then there was the part about him being smoking hot. She didn’t know a man could look that good in a suit.
She moved to the buffet tables, finding them still covered with fine white table linens and a cake platter. She lifted the end of a long white linen—
“Would you like a hand?”
She didn’t have to turn around to know that deep, smooth voice belonged to none other than Simon. Her stomach shivered with nerves. She glanced over her shoulder as he moved next to her. “Thanks. But I’ve got this. Don’t you have to tell your guests good-night?”
