The Prince's Christmas Vow

“But there’s something missing.” She stepped into the middle of the room and turned all around. The smile slipped from her lips. She turned around again. This time slower. There was definitely something missing.

“What has you frowning? Is it the pillars, because I have to admit that you were right about them? They are exactly what a room this size needed.”

She shook her head. “It’s not the pillars. It’s something else.”

“Maybe it’s the paint. I think they only have up the first coat.”

“No. That’s not it, either.” She turned in a circle again. This time her gaze stopped on the interior wall. It was blank. Empty. Boring. “That’s it.”

“What’s it?”

“See this wall.” She moved to stand directly in front of it. “It needs something.”

“What do you have in mind? A group of paintings?”

She shook her head. “That would be a waste of the space.”

“Then what?”

And then it came to her like someone had just switched on a lightbulb. “A mural.”

“A what?”

“You heard me. A mural would be perfect here.”

He stepped next to her. “Are you sure?”

“Of course I’m sure or I wouldn’t have said it.” Her mind conjured up all sorts of scenes to fill this blank canvas.

“I guess you do know what you’re talking about. But where would we find an artist at the last minute capable of doing such work?”

“I think I know someone who can do it.”

“You do?” He turned and looked at her. “Are they available?”

She shrugged and didn’t meet his gaze. Maybe she shouldn’t have mentioned it. Demetrius would probably find her idea preposterous when she told him the name of the artist.

“Zoe, are you trying to tell me that you want to paint it?”

This was her chance to put her artwork out there—to spread her wings so to speak. Besides, this was about the people who would eventually live here. They needed a welcoming, relaxing atmosphere, and she was convinced a mural would be just the ticket to pull the whole design together. “Sì.”

He rubbed his jaw as though seriously considering her proposal. That had to be a good sign, right? She willed him to go with the idea. Her mother for one would love it—if only Zoe could get her a room in the upscale residence.

Unable to take the silence any longer, she uttered, “Well, what do you think?”

* * *

Zoe pleaded with Demetrius with her eyes.

How could he deny her this?

He could feel any reservations he might have folding like a house of cards. “I think it’ll be perfect.”

She clapped her hands together in excitement. “Great! I can’t wait to start.”

Demetrius stared up at the big blank wall. A mural certainly would turn heads. But it was a huge task. The interior design already had Zoe so busy. He didn’t want her to wear herself out. “Are you sure you’re up for an additional project?”

Her face glowed with happiness. “I’m positive. The design is done. The color combinations work. The furniture is ordered. There’s nothing pressing at this point that requires my constant attention.”

“Okay. You’ve sold me on the idea.”

“You won’t be sorry. This is going to be fantastic.”

Her enthusiasm was contagious. He’d seen a little of her artwork in the past from her sketch pads. And she’d also shown him pictures of some paintings, mostly landscapes. They were colorful and captivating.

There was still one thing nagging at him—the time element. He stared up at the big blank wall. It was a wide-open space and he couldn’t help but wonder how long it’d take to paint a mural. He honestly didn’t have any clue.

“What’s bothering you?” Zoe’s voice drew him out of his thoughts.

“I was wondering how long it’d take to paint a mural.”

The light in her eyes dimmed. “You don’t think I can do it—”

“That isn’t what I said—what I meant. I know that you’re very talented and you can do anything you set your mind to. But do you have enough time for such a large project? Do you even know what you’d paint?”

She glanced up at the wall as though giving his words serious consideration. “I know you’re hesitant to add something new to the mix at this late stage, but I have a proposition for you.”