Risking the Crown (The Crown 2)

Her eyes closed, and for a second I wished they were open so I could study the flecks of blue. I didn’t remember them being so fascinating before. They sparkled every time she blushed.

She sighed. “Yes. I can understand.”

“Good. Then I’ll see you tonight.” I picked up the dinner jacket. “I have to welcome the queen into the family.” I brushed past her. “With my tie,” I mocked.

The royal guard ushered me onto the elevator as soon as I approached the entrance for my brother’s apartments.

The doors retracted and I was deposited in the massive foyer.

“Brother.” Damon rushed over and slapped me on the back. I knew I’d never seen him look happy and relaxed like this before.

He was usually a man with a deep scowl on his face.

“You remember Molly.” He gestured next to him.

“Of course.” I grinned, embracing my new sister-in-law. “How are you, your majesty.”

She laughed. “Please don’t call me that.” She looked at Damon. “I’m not really used to the royal stuff. I don’t think the title suits me.”

“Royal stuff.” I laughed. Dinner wasn’t going to be as boring as I thought.

“Come on.” Damon lead me to the dining room. “Molly planned this whole thing out for you.”

“I hope that means it’s going to be an American meal. I could go for a cheeseburger.”

“It is a little bit of everything.”

I noticed the bar in the dining room was bare. “No bourbon, brother?”

He shook his head. “No. I don’t need it.”

I stopped short of my chair. “I’m probably going to have to say it a thousand times, but you can drink around me. You too.” I eyed Molly. “I can handle it. I swear. I won’t be offended.”

I saw Molly’s hesitation. She bit her lip. Her eyes were on Damon.

“What? What is it? I’m serious. Drink you two. Champagne. Molly, what do you like? I’ll order something for you.”

Damon took her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. “We have some news to tell you. But I thought maybe we’d save it for dessert. At least get past the salad.”

“I’m listening.” I eyed them.

“I’m pregnant.”

“Shit. Congratulations.” I walked out from the chair and hugged my brother.

I kissed Molly on the cheek. “That’s great news. I’m happy for you.”

Damon put an arm around his wife. “We haven’t told anyone. Molly’s parents know, but that’s it.”

“And they’ve been sworn to secrecy,” she added. “I don’t think a royal baby is big news to their neighbors in South Carolina, but still, we’d like to wait before we announce it.”

“So Sutcliffe doesn’t know?” I asked.

“God no. He still hasn’t recovered from the wedding.”

“Sorry I missed that.”

“It’s ok.” Molly smiled. “What you were doing was more important.”