Enchanting Sebastian (Big Sky Royal 1)

“I wouldn’t know.”

Ellie rolls her eyes. “Yes, you do.”

“I know that I have a thing for this blonde right here.” I kiss the top of Nina’s head. She cranes her neck back so she can smile up at me.

“That’s a good answer.”

Chapter Twenty-Two

One Year Later

Nina

“INTRODUCING, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, the Duke of Somerset, Prince Sebastian. And Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Somerset, Princess Nina.”

Sebastian and I enter the room to a round of applause. We’re dressed to the nines, as fancy as it gets, for this state dinner. Just a year ago, I would have been completely sick to my stomach with nerves.

But after a full year of being married to Sebastian, I can honestly say that I look forward to getting all dressed up in pretty gowns with gloves up to my elbows and dripping in jewelry. I mean, doesn’t every little girl dream of dates like this one? I have a handsome prince on my arm, and I’m in a room with some of the most powerful men and women in the world.

But the very best part is the reason everyone is assembled here this evening. My charity, Her, is finally up and running. We’re working tirelessly to help women in all of the commonwealth countries to escape abuse.

No woman should ever be harmed, especially from someone they love.

I’ve worked my ass off to get it off the ground, and we’re finally here.

Not only do the king and queen support it, they insisted on this amazing state dinner to celebrate, inviting nobility from all over Europe to attend, and to donate to the cause.

Sebastian and I sit at the table, directly across from each other. I’m sandwiched between the Queen of Denmark and the Prime Minister of France.

Nick stands discreetly behind me in case an assassin storms the castle and decides to threaten my life.

Honestly? It makes me feel better to know he’s there. Since the horrible scene on the lake last fall, I’ve followed the security detail’s instructions to the letter, and there hasn’t been another incident since that one.

I still feel guilty about it.

Sebastian smiles at me from across the table as the Prime Minister of Canada’s wife talks his ear off.

It’s funny, really. He’s a handsome and charming man. Women like to talk with him.

But only I get to go home with him later.

Maybe I’ll take his pants off with my teeth. It seems like an ambitious endeavor, but it would surprise him, and I’m all for that.

Liam is with us on this trip to London. Charles had a family emergency, so Liam’s with Sebastian, and I think my husband prefers it that way. Not that he doesn’t love Charles, but the man is nearing retirement age.

Liam’s eyes dart to my right and narrow. I follow his gaze and smile when I see he’s looking at Ellie. She’s flirting with the young gentleman sitting next to her, and I can see that Liam doesn’t like it one bit.

The evening is uneventful and full of small talk. When Sebastian and I finally make our way to our apartment, I’m nervous and excited all at the same time.

“That was amazing,” he says as he loosens his tie. “I’ve never been more proud of you than I was during your incredible speech. You had some of the world’s most powerful people in tears today.”

“I’m passionate about this cause, and I want it to do well.”

“It’s going to be a smashing success. You’re changing lives, Nina.”

I smile at my husband’s praise. He’s been my biggest supporter.

“It was lovely that your parents insisted on tonight’s event. I think we’ll have some impressive donations roll in from it. Not to mention, your father was charming this evening.”

“He’s partial to you.” He leans in and kisses me in that way he does that always makes my world tilt on its axis.

“I have something I want to talk to you about,” I begin and bite my lip. I haven’t even stepped out of my shoes yet, I’m so nervous.

“Okay.” He frowns. “Are you all right?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m fine.” I swallow hard and pray he won’t be mad. Or weirded out. “We just haven’t talked about this before.”

“Just spit it out.”

“I was thinking of having my IUD removed so we could maybe have a baby.”

I watch as a myriad of emotions make their way across his handsome face. Confusion, disbelief, and then pure joy.

“Yes, I’m absolutely on board with that.”

“Oh, thank goodness. I thought maybe you didn’t want kids.”

“I want children. Of course, I do. I just didn’t want to bring it up because I thought it was something you didn’t want.”

“I never did,” I admit and finally kick the heels off my feet. “Until you. And now I can’t imagine not having children with you. You’ll be a wonderful father.”

His kiss is long and slow. Incredibly romantic.