Three Thousand Miles(81)

“Lanna,” she shouts, as she breaks free from my dad. She rushes towards me and I instantly hold my arms out to her. She flings herself into my arms as she grips me tightly.

“Congratulations Lanna,” she says as I stroke her hair. She pulls back from me and she immediately stares at Adrian. He smiles at her as he kneels down to her level. He holds out his long hand to her and she places her tiny hand in his.

“Hello beautiful, I am Adrian,” he says in a cool voice. Penelope cannot help but smile at him as her deep brown eyes stare at him. She gazes up at me.

“Lanna, he is a prince.” I let out a giggle and so does Adrian.

“It is nice to meet you Adrian, my name is Penelope.” She says in a soft tone.

“I have heard a lot about you Penelope and I am glad that I have finally met you.”

“Lanna, he talks funny.” I again giggle at my little sisters words.

“He is from London that is why he talks different from us.” Penelope gasps and she rushes over to my mom.

“Mom, Lanna’s boyfriend is from London and mom I think that he is a real prince.” My mom laughs at Penelope’s reaction to Adrian and I watch as Penelope becomes frustrated with her.

“Mom did you hear me?” She says as she tugs on her perfect blue skirt.

“Yes sweetie, I heard you now please calm down.” Adrian lets out a husky laugh as Penelope frowns at my mom. I quickly shoot him a smile and he gently grabs onto my hand. My mom and dad walk closer to us and now they are standing right in front of Adrian and I. My mom is smiling at me as my dad glares at Adrian.

“Sweetie, we are so proud of you.” My mom gushes as she lunges into my arms. She breaks free from me and she immediately grips onto Adrian. He is a little stunned from her force but he manages to give her a gentle hug. My dad remains quiet as he continues to glare at Adrian. I flash Adrian a worried look and he briefly rolls his eyes at me. Adrian stretches out his hand towards my dad.

“Mr Hart, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” He says in a firm voice. My dad glances at me and then he takes Adrian’s hand.

“Likewise, I am sure.” My dad says in a strong tone. I sense a little tension between my dad and Adrian so I quickly let go of Adrian’s hand and I move closer to my dad.

“Dad, I did it,” I say as I wrap my arms around him. He grips me tightly and he whispers.

“I never doubted you for a second.” I let out a little giggle as my dad releases me. I quickly take my place next to Adrian and I again stare at my family.

“Now that college is over what are you going to do with rest of your life?” My dad asks in a cool voice.

“I have no idea but I will have fun figuring it out.” My dad frowns at me.

“Sweetie, you have to think about your future and which career have you chosen to pursue?” I stare at my dad and the only future that I am sure of right now is that with Adrian. He is my world and all though he scared me last night I am still one hundred per cent sure that he is what I want. I could never be apart from him and I hope that I never will. However, I cannot let that be my answer to my dad’s question.

“My passion is to help others and especially children. My dream is to own a private orphanage but I know that is just a dream right now.” Adrian glares down at me.

Baby, I will help you make that dream a reality.” I instantly smile at him as my family watch. My mom breaks the silence as I continue to glare at Adrian.

“What time is your flight?” I continue to stare at Adrian as I wait for him to respond to my mom’s question.

“Our flight is at five.” He says in a soothing voice. My mom stares at him and she fights back her smile.

“My daughter has promised me that she will return before her birthday. I am excepting you to let her keep that promise.”

“Yes of course, baby why didn’t you tell me that your birthday was coming up?” He asks firmly.

“I guess I would have let you know sooner the time. Anyway, birthdays are no big deal to me.” Adrian shakes his head at me and he turns to my mom.

“Is she always like this?”

“Yes, every year without fail I have to force her to celebrate her birthday.” My mom confesses. I roll my eyes at her words and Penelope feels that she needs to add something to the conversation.

“Can Lanna have her party at your castle in London?” Adrian lets out an awkward laugh as he tries to respond to Penelope’s remarks.

“I am no prince but Alanna is my princess. If I had a castle then, yes, Penelope she could have a party there.” Penelope narrows her huge brown eyes at Adrian.

“I don’t believe you. You are a real prince I know you are.” We all let out giggles at Penelope’s gestures. She begins to get angry with us and she crosses her arms forcefully. Adrian feels compassion towards Penelope and he rushes over to her. He kneels at her feet and he gently pulls a white rose from his inside jacket pocket.