But it was time to stop lying to his people. To start fresh and come clean. He only hoped that Libby would see the interview and know he was trying.
"I'm ready," Alex said.
When he'd told his parents about the interview that morning over breakfast, he'd expected resistance. After all, he planned on coming clean about everything-his breakup with Isla, his fake engagement with Libby, and the way things had ended. But they'd surprised him with their response. Nicolette had sipped her tea and said she knew he'd handle the interview in a mature way. Geoffrey had grunted and wished Alex luck. Both told him they supported his decision and knew he was doing what he thought best not only for himself, but for the country. Alex was certainly trying.
Sara Greene entered the set, bringing Alex back to the present. He rose and offered her his hand.
"Your Highness, I must apologize for my behavior during our previous interview," Sara said quickly. "I was out of line. Thank you so much for giving me a second chance."
"Don't mess it up." Alex wasn't ready to completely forgive Sara-he had a suspicion that she'd planted a seed of doubt in Libby's mind about the sincerity of his infections-but Sara's talk show was the most watched in Durham, and he wanted to get this message out to as many people as quickly as possible.
"Understood." Sara straightened her blazer, then nodded to the cameraman.
"Rolling," the cameraman said.
Alex looked away from the blinking green light and focused on Sara. It was time to lay all his cards on the table and start fresh.
He'd told Sara he wanted a no-holds barred interview and she didn't disappoint. Her questions were intrusive, prying, and oftentimes painful. But Alex answered every one as truthfully and thoroughly as possible. He'd promised Sara exclusivity and would only get one chance to tell his side of the story. He wasn't about to mess it up.
Ultimately, it was Alex's word against Isla's. There would be months ahead of speculations and accusations. But hopefully most Durhams would believe he spoke the truth. It would at least take away Isla's power to hurt Alex and his family. Whatever she said about him in the press after today, he'd know that he'd told the truth. Whether or not the country chose to believe it was up to them.
And Libby would know he'd told the truth as well. Maybe, without the shackles of his past, he'd finally be worthy of her. He had to try.
"And have you spoken to Libby since she gave you back the ring?" Sara asked, her tone gentle and eyes appropriately solemn.
Alex swallowed hard, then shook his head. "No. I've missed her every day since she left, but I knew I couldn't ask for her forgiveness until I'd done everything in my power to make things right."
"And now that you have?" Sara asked.
"I think that's something I should discuss with Libby before I make anything public. But I'm going to try my hardest to win her back." Starting with a plane ride to Oregon first thing tomorrow.
"Well, this is like a real-life fairy tale," Sara said. "It sounds like that what started off as a publicity stunt has turned into true love. Do you love Libby?"
Tears burned and Alex blinked quickly. He clenched his fist on his knee, fighting the urge to pat his breast pocket, where the art deco engagement ring she'd given back to him rested safely. "I do love her. And I hope I get the chance to tell her that very soon."
After the interview wrapped up, Alex made his way back to the palace, satisfied with how things had ended. Maggie would review and approve the final edited cut, but barring any issues, the interview would air tomorrow morning. Alex had no regrets. He felt free. Liberated.
At peace.
Whatever happened with Libby, he was glad he'd given the interview. He only hoped Isla would finally leave him alone.
The palace was quiet, the family's quarters empty. Everyone was out on various engagements, leaving Alex alone. By this time next week, the place would be swarming with staff members decorating for Christmas, but today everything was silent.
Alex patted his breast pocket, assuring himself the ring was still there. It was time to start packing for his visit to Oregon. He wasn't sure how long he'd be gone-that would depend on Libby's reaction. First thing in the morning, around the same time as the interview aired, Alex would board the family's private plane for the United States. There, he'd search out Libby and beg her forgiveness. He'd ask her to marry him, this time for real. No gimmicks. No publicity stunts. Just the two of them committed to a life spent together.
Alex opened the door to his private suite of rooms and froze. The lights were turned low and candles flickered atop jars and jars filled with … pennies?
His eyes flew around the room as his heart raced, looking for the woman he knew was here.
A soft shuffling sounded from the corner and Libby stepped forward. She wore one of her signature sundresses in a light blue, despite the freezing November temperatures, and her soft curls flowed around his shoulders.
"Hey," she said quietly.
He fought the urge to pinch himself, just to make sure this wasn't a dream. Libby! He wanted to run across the room and wrap her in his arms, but instead he took a cautious step forward. "Hey. I didn't expect to see you here."
She tucked a strand of hair behind one ear, an uncertain smile on her lips. "Your mother convinced me to come, if you can believe it."
That stopped him short. "Excuse me?"
She laughed. "I know. Trust me, I was shocked, too. But she showed up at my house yesterday. She said you were miserable without me and that I should come back."
He shook his head, hardly able to believe she'd gone to Oregon. He couldn't picture his prim and proper mother somewhere as earthy as Ocean Meadow.
"So, was she wrong?" Libby asked softly.
Alex took another step forward, emboldened. "Definitely not. I have been absolutely miserable without you, Libby. I was coming tomorrow to find you."
Her eyes widened and tears filled them. "Really?"
"Really. Ask the pilot if you don't believe me. He's already filed the flight plans."
"Oh, Alex. I'm so sorry abou-"
He didn't let her finish. In three strides he was across the room. She leapt into his arms and their lips crashed down on each other. Alex tightened his hold on her waist as she tugged him impossibly closer, devouring her mouth with his own.
And Alex was finally home. He let his hands tangle in her hair as hers caressed his jaw. Candlelight flickered off the jars of pennies, casting happy shadows about the room. For the first time in a month, he felt whole.
Eventually Libby broke away, breathing heavily. Alex smiled and rubbed a thumb across her cheek, resting his forehead against hers.
"I've missed you so much," he whispered.
"I never should've left. But I was so scared, Alex."
"You have nothing to worry about." He tightened his grip, hoping he could convey how much he meant those words.
"I know that now. A little bit of me was scared that you still had feelings for Isla."
"I don't-"
She put a hand to his lips, her gentle touch instantly silencing him. "I knew that even then, I think. It wasn't her so much as what she represented. I was so scared that I wouldn't fit into your world. And I let my fears get the better of me and make everything worse."
"It wasn't your fault." Alex tangled his fingers in her hair again, relishing the feel of it. "I love you so much, Libby. I'm so sorry for not making that clear to you. Maybe if you weren't questioning my feelings, you never would've left."
"I love you, too," she said, her eyes sparkling with tears. "It was never you I questioned, Alex-it was myself. But I know now that spending my life with you isn't a sacrifice. It's a gift. I love you so much."
It was the first time they'd spoken the words to each other, and Alex thought his heart might explode from happiness. He let out a growl and pulled her to him once more. She rose on her tiptoes, and their lips met again in the perfect dance. He could feel his soul being stitched back together with every gentle touch.
"You know, you didn't have to buy my affection," Alex teased, brushing his lips across her throat.
She let out a groan, pulling him closer. "Huh?"
He laughed, loving the way she melted at his touch. "What are all the pennies for?"
"Oh." She pushed him back and blinked, as though surprised to see them.
He laughed, wrapping his arms around her. "You forgot about them, didn't you?"
She slugged him in the shoulder and laughed. "I think that's your fault, Prince Distracting."
"So, are you going to tell me?"
Her eyes softened, turning liquid in the candlelight. "There's one penny for every second I missed you while we were apart. You're my lucky penny, Alex. I don't need anything else."