“How did you know Alex was here?” I asked. He hadn’t seemed surprised in the least.
“His Land Rover is out front.” He shook his head and looked at Alex. “And Ned called me. I told him that I thought you had come over early to make sure Samantha was settled.”
“Thank you.” Alex nodded his head.
“Of course, I didn’t tell him that you were the one doing all the settling.”
“I’ve created a monster.” I groaned. Chadwick winked at me.
“I should have turned my phone on this morning, but didn’t want to deal with it yet.” Alex polished off his food.
“Why do you have to go to Paris?” I hadn’t asked him earlier. There had been more pressing things at hand.
“One of the head chairs was hospitalized last night and he was scheduled for a large appearance. They need me to cover for him this week.” He leaned back in his chair. “It’s mostly promotion.”
“Parties and fund-raisers?” I pushed the food around on my plate.
“There’s a gala and a few plaque unveilings.” He sighed. “Get used to the idea of unveiling plaques. You will lose count of how many you’ve done before this year is over.”
“Plaques?”
“To commemorate one thing or another.” He scratched at his chin. “For some people the monarchy is an outdated institution. We hold a little more sway than some of the other remaining royal households because we have retained ownership of the lands that made our country what it is. However, we do so much more than some people notice. We’re the ones sent to rally people for events, to congratulate someone on a job well done. In a time where real, honest successes often go unnoticed, we are the ones who make sure they don’t. If someone has spent fifty years of their life dedicating work to a charity or an important cause, we honor them. If the people feel they are being neglected by the government, they can petition us to bring their troubles to parliament.”
“Did you know that Lilaria is considered one of the happiest countries?” Chadwick asked me.
“I didn’t.” I finished my coffee. I hadn’t really thought of the monarchy as offering support and guidance. Then again, as an American I hadn’t really spent a lot of time thinking about what a monarchy did. “It’s almost like you guys are the parents and the country is your child.”
“You’re part of that too.” Alex leaned forward.
“And you know how you can tell if there are good parents?” Chadwick asked.
“Happy children,” Margie said.
“Exactly.” Chadwick smiled.
Alex stood up and put his plate in the sink. I could tell from his face that it was time for him to leave but he didn’t want to. He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms over his chest, watching me as I finished my food.
“Have to go?”
“Unfortunately.” He pushed away from the counter and walked around the island. I stood up, intending to walk him out, but he pulled me into his arms and kissed me right there. It was a tender kiss that left me feeling breathless. So much for keeping things quiet. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay.” I looked up at him and couldn’t help the smile pulling at the corners of my mouth. So far I was kicking myself for having not given in sooner.
He pressed a kissed to the charm on my necklace before letting me go, then turned to smile at the cook. “Thank you for breakfast, Margie.”
“My pleasure, sir.”
“Chadwick, always good to see you.” Alex shook his hand.
“Have a safe trip.”
He pulled on his jacket as he left and my knees felt weak as I watched him go. I slid into my seat and sighed.
“You’re welcome.” Chadwick bit off a piece of toast and smiled at me.
“For what?”
“My pep talk. Maybe I should become a life coach.”
“Oh, good idea since you’re about to lose your current job.”
“Apparently your pleasant morning attitude left with Alex.” He shook his head.
“What are we doing today?” I sipped my coffee, ignoring him. “I’d like to see more of the property.”
“I’ve kept the next few days clear so you can take your time learning the area.”
“Great. I want to see the lake.”
After breakfast I headed out with Stanley to see the property. The lake was a short walk from the house, but long enough that I worried my dad might not make it.
“Do we have anything that would be able to carry my father here?” I stared out over the water. It was beautiful.
“Yes, we have a golf cart that can make the drive as long as there hasn’t been any bad weather.” Stanley put his hands on his hips. “We also have furniture that we can put up and leave once spring sets in.”
“That sounds good.” I walked along the edge of the water. The call of a hawk drew my attention up to the sky. The weather had cleared up a great deal and standing there in the sun with the birds flying overhead, I felt like I could finally breathe.
“The lake also runs along the prince’s estate.” Stanley pointed off in the distance. “I’m sure the land was divided in such a way that the original landowners could both have access to the water.”
I nodded my head. That made perfect sense. “What else is out here? Tell me about the land.”
“There are a few hiking trails and a running trail that circle the lake.” Stanley pointed out the entrance. “Jeanette runs in the early mornings and I walk the trails from time to time to make sure there haven’t been any problems.”