Reluctantly Royal(33)

I stood up. “I’m going to go change.”

“Okay.” Sam held her hand out to me and I helped pull her to her feet. She wobbled for a minute and I steadied her with an arm around her shoulders. Leaning down, I kissed her on her head.

“What was that for?” She looked up at me with a smile.

“Just because.” I looked down at her for a minute. Alex had been extremely lucky when he found her. Or had she found him? The only thing that mattered was that they were happy.

“Well, don’t think I’m going to name the baby after you just because you helped me stand up.” She laughed.

“Oh, I know I’m at the bottom of the list.” I winked at her. To be fair, I was pretty sure I wasn’t on the list. They hadn’t told anyone if they were having a boy or girl and had kept their name choices to themselves. If I was a betting man, I’d put money on her father’s name and my father’s name for a boy. Or I would if anyone would actually bet me. They all assumed I already knew the answer.

After changing, I called for my car, and headed toward Thysmer Manor. My ever-present bodyguard, Charles, was in a car behind me. It seemed silly, but being able to drive in a car by myself was one of the things I refused to give up. There was no uncomfortable need to make small talk. Though Charles wasn’t exactly the type for long, drawn-out conversation. It was one of the reasons I’d chosen to keep him around.

I timed it just right and saw Meredith pass me on her way to town. I barely caught a glimpse of her red hair in the back of a black sedan. She didn’t see me, which was perfect. It probably would have upset her, or made her worry, which was the opposite of what I wanted to accomplish.

I pulled up in front of the house and parked off to the side so that I wouldn’t be blocking anyone else. The front door was thrown open and Marty came running out, followed by a woman with an armful of toys.

“Max!” The little guy stopped just before he got to me and I could tell he was trying to decide whether to hug me or play it cool.

I held out my fist instead. “What’s up?”

He bumped my fist with his tiny one and smiled at me. “I was building a fort in the front room, but saw your car coming up the drive.”

I looked over at the woman standing in the doorway. She bobbed her head quickly before marching down to where Max was standing.

“You can’t just run out like that, Marty.” She knelt down and looked him in the eyes. “It’s dangerous.”

“But it’s Max!” The little guy turned around and bumped his shoulder into my hip.

“Yes, but other people drive that type of car.” Her voice was patient and it became apparent why Meredith felt confident leaving Marty in her care. There was an undercurrent of love in her words.

“Yes, ma’am.” He frowned. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again, Ms. Katie.”

“Thank you.” She stood up and smiled at me. “You just missed Lady Meredith. She’s on her way to the township.”

“I passed her on my way here. I’m actually here to see Master Marty.” I smiled down at the boy and put my hand on his shoulder.

“Oh, she must have forgotten to tell me that you were coming.” The nanny looked confused.

“Well, I hadn’t really planned on it.” I hoped I didn’t look guilty. “I just decided to go fishing and remembered that Marty liked to fish. So I thought I’d come see if he wanted to throw the rod a little. If that’s okay?”

“Yeah!” Marty pumped his fist. “Can I?”

“You’re going to stay here at Thysmer?” Katie looked from Marty to me.

“Absolutely. I brought all of my stuff with me.” I walked over and opened the back of my SUV. “But only if you’re comfortable with it.”

“I think that’ll be fine.” She smiled. “He wasn’t happy being cooped up all day anyway.”

Sometimes being a prince had its perks. “Thank you, Katie.”

She blushed a little and bobbed her head again. “Come along, Marty. Let’s get you changed.”

“I’ll meet you inside.” I winked at Marty and turned back to the equipment. I’d raided Alex’s stash, because it had been forever since I had been fishing. He and Sam used to go from time to time, but never came back with any fish. Either they sucked at it or were doing something else out there by the lake.

I juggled the tackle box and two poles into the house and stopped in the foyer. I could hear Marty talking excitedly upstairs, but wasn’t sure where to wait. I didn’t want to just make myself at home. That seemed rude. I looked around the opening and noticed that the drawing from the night before was gone. I couldn’t help but wonder what she had done with it. It certainly hadn’t been my best work. Just a quick pencil sketch.