When we’re done eating, Liam shows us to the tunnel. It’s a massive garage and driveway that’s completely covered. It’s how he and his family come and go without being seen. There’s a town car waiting for us, and he introduces us to Marcus, his driver, and then I see Harold. It’s been six years, so he’s older, a few more grays, but his smile when he sees me approaching is as sweet as it was all those years ago.
“Miss Natalie,” he says, taking my hand and kissing the top. “It’s so good to see you again.”
“You too.”
“Mommy,” Jasmine says. “Who’s that?”
“This is my bodyguard and friend,” Liam tells her, bending to her level. “And now he’s yours.”
My eyes bounce over to Harold, who nods in agreement.
“There’s nobody I trust more with you and our daughter,” Liam says. “Nobody knows who Jasmine is, but once they do, they will be relentless to take her picture and get close to her, especially the American reporters,” he says with disgust. “You can never leave without Harold. Okay?” His eyes meet mine. “It’s for your safety.”
“Okay.”
He smiles softly then looks at Jasmine. “You’re a princess now. And every princess needs a bodyguard to keep her safe.”
Jasmine, who doesn’t quite get it, nods. “Okay, Daddy.”
We get into the vehicle and Harold sits in the front with the driver. Liam explains there will be a car following in front of and another one behind us. It has to be this way every time he leaves.
“You didn’t have all of this in Vegas,” I mention once we’re in the car.
“I had a few guards…” He looks at me sheepishly.
“What?” I ask, confused.
“They were around, but you didn’t notice them. That’s their job. To remain in the background.”
I try to think back, but aside from the one who drove us around, I don’t remember anyone else.
“I also wasn’t the king back then,” he adds. “We’re a small country, but because we’re one of the most prosperous, we have a lot of dealings with other countries, and sometimes they aren’t happy with the outcome.” His eyes go to Jasmine. “I will make sure you’re both always protected and safe.”
The morning is spent touring the church. Since Liam knows all of the history, he insists on telling us about them, keeping it just the three of us without a tour guide. We laugh and talk and take what feels like a million pictures. I’ve never been in a relationship before. It’s always been just Jasmine and me. I was worried how we would all come together, but as the day progresses, it’s as if we all just slide into place, clicking with one another.
“This is the church the royal family gets married in,” he mentions. “Eighteen weddings have taken place here since it was constructed in 1415…” His gaze meets mine. “Including my parents’.”
“That’s amazing,” I breathe. “Was your brother married here too?”
“He was.” He grips the curves of my hips and pulls me close to him. “And it’s also where I plan to one day marry you.”
I suck in a shocked gasp. “Liam…”
“I’m not proposing…yet. When I do, it will be way more romantic than this.” He hits me with a sexy, crooked grin. “But it will happen.” He kisses the corner of my mouth and a shiver runs through me. “I have no doubt you are the woman I want to spend my life with, and since I have every intention of filling you with another baby as soon as possible, we should probably get married sooner rather than later.” He winks and my insides turn to mush.
When we leave the church, we go straight to the gardens. Like the church, the place is empty, and Liam shows us around. It’s beautiful, filled with all types of flowers. Liam explains these gardens were built several decades ago because Queen Athena—a previous queen—loved flowers. Her husband built her the gardens as an anniversary present. It’s also why the castle is labeled with names of flowers.
We get to the end of a path and waiting for us is a large, spread out blanket and a basket. “Is this for us?” I ask dumbly.
Liam smiles. “It is. I figured what better way to spend the afternoon than having a picnic with my girls.”
Jasmine cheers excitedly, dropping onto the blanket and opening the basket. She passes out the food and drinks, then quickly devours hers, clearly starving. Once she’s done, she asks if she can feed the fish in the pond her leftover bread.
“Sure,” Liam tells her.
She skips over to the water and it’s then I notice Harold standing a little ways away. “Has he been here this whole time?”
“Of course,” Liam tells me, pulling me between his legs. It’s a gorgeous day outside—not too hot and there’s a nice breeze. I lean back against Liam’s hard chest and glance up at him. He dips his head and kisses me.