“Did you not enjoy the pampering?”
“It was wonderful, but they all caught me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting my own staff quite so soon. Your daring rescue last night still has my head spinning.”
Ryan laughed. “The whole jumping out of the helicopter nearly gave James a heart attack. But he’ll have to get used to a more relaxed and daring boss. You’ve awakened a sleeping giant in me, Megan, and I will be eternally grateful.”
“I’m starving. Where are we eating today?”
“On the south terrace where it all began. Unless you prefer the hysterics of my sisters who are beyond control knowing you are in the castle to stay; or my mothers not so easily restrained compliant spirit. She will need a couple days to register these changes and I suggest we give her the space. She will come around – I promise - and you will love her as we all do.”
“I have no doubt.”
“I’ve asked James and Suzanne to join us, I hope you don’t mind. There are discussions to be had amongst the new foursome in the palace. But I shall let them tell you the good news themselves.”
They’d no sooner seated themselves on the terrace, when Suzanne raced through the patio doors and flung the engagement ring into Megan’s face. “Look what I got last night. And of course, I said yes. Happiness has shone it’s favor on me at long last.” She snuggled up to James. “This man is a keeper.”
Megan rose and hugged her friend. “I am so happy for you. So, if we’re sharing good news,” she stuck her diamond in Suzanne’s face, “Ryan has asked me to marry him, and I accepted.”
Suzanne squealed. “A double wedding! How perfect is that?”
James took Suzanne by the arm and sat the bouncing girl down. “Already you have forgotten what I told you. The American friend from your childhood will soon be Queen and us, being the lowly help, must treat her and the King differently.”
“How so? Megan, surely you don’t want me to curtsy every time I see you?”
Megan shrugged her shoulders and Ryan answered. “It is the way of royalty. Everyone will show respect to Megan and the only one higher in the whole kingdom will be her husband.”
“That’s a bummer. But can we still hang out in our room like old times?” Suzanne asked.
“Definitely,” Megan said while casting a steely glare in Ryan’s direction. “And in private settings, such as lunch for four on the terrace, we can be casual. You will always be my best friend and I’m thrilled we won’t have to say goodbye in the New Year.”
Ryan lifted his goblet, “Hear, hear.” He glanced at Megan. “Your drinks are non-alcoholic, same as me. The staff has been told.” Glasses tinkled midair.
“Ryan, you do realize I need to go home: We both do. I have a practise to shut down, a condo to sell and goodbyes to say,” said Megan.
James looked at his boss. “What do you say we take a trip with the girls after the ball and before administration resumes? I’ve never been to America.”
Suzanne squealed and Megan grabbed for Ryan’s hand. “Could you? I’d like to arrange for my father to visit while we’re there. Fences to mend, and I’d love to introduce him to my betrothed.”
“And invite him to the wedding. Let’s do it, James. Parliament is out until Jan. 10th. Perhaps it can be a honeymoon?”
Megan laughed. “No way! Ms. Grishom will have a fit if I throw a wedding into the mix. It’s far too soon, Ryan. How about calling it an engagement trip? That would include all four of us.”
“It’s done. How long do you suppose it takes to plan a wedding?” asked Ryan.
“A royal wedding? I have no idea but if you prefer, we can elope, and introduce the rebellious heads of state in proper fashion.”
Ryan and James both roared laughing. “No. You deserve a princess wedding and you shall have it.”
“Good; I promised your mother we wouldn’t elope.”
“Meanwhile there are mealtimes and Christmas with the family, and whatever fun we can squeeze in between events,” said Ryan.
The servers arrived and Megan felt so blessed. Her Prince Charming, now King wanted to marry her. Ms. Claus had it right the whole time.”
Four days later, the Queen mother sent for Megan. Actually, the great lady was scheduled in the same as everyone else in Megan’s life. She paused in front of the private parlor and recalled the first meeting behind these doors not so long ago. With new bravery she knocked and heard the invitation to come in.
“Good afternoon, Lady Megan.” She smiled when Megan bit her lip. “I’ve practised and it slips off my tongue quite easily now.” She walked toward her soon-to-be daughter in law. “It was never personal; I hope you believe that.”
“I do, and I’m looking forward to building a great relationship with my mother-in-law. Did I tell you my mother died two years ago? It’s only fitting that the best woman in the entire country of Edstrom will fill her shoes.”
“That’s very generous of you, my dear. I can see more each day why my son loves you. And Ms. Grishom is thrilled at your progress in royal etiquette.”
“It’s my primary goal to make Ryan the happiest husband and the proudest King that Edstrom has known. The two are quite separate and we are ecstatic to move forward.”
“I hear you are going on a trip to America and wanted to give you an engagement gift prior to the announcement at the ball. Perhaps you will do me the honor of wearing it if it compliments your gown?” The queen mother went to her desk and passed Megan a case, wrapped in Christmas red
