The Prince's Christmas Vow

“But she doesn’t seem to believe that part of our vows where it said ‘for better or worse, in sickness and in health.’”

Alex arched a brow. “So you’re saying that no matter what, you’re going to love her?”

“Sì.” There was no hesitation in his answer—none whatsoever.

“Then go tell her what you just told me. Nothing important in life comes easily—at least not in my experience. Trust me. I almost let the woman I love slip through my fingers. The best approach is to be up-front and honest. You can’t attempt to solve the problem until you both have it all out there in the open. Let her know that you love her and that you aren’t going anywhere.”

Demetrius knew that his twin was right. But would Zoe hear him out?

Alex cleared his throat, regaining Demetrius’s attention. “Is winning Zoe back truly what you want?”

“Sì.” He’d never been more certain about anything. “She’s the one and only for me. And if she’ll have me, I plan to have our wedding vows renewed.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

SINCE WHEN HAD Alex become a relationship expert?

Obviously Alex’s wife had taught him some important lessons.

Demetrius rushed through the shower, shaved his three-day beard and threw on his tux. On his ride to the ball, he finally checked his messages. He found a text from Zoe saying she wouldn’t be attending the ball. He redirected the car to her apartment.

It was his fault that she’d be missing her chance to shine like the star that she was both inside and out. She was amazing. And thanks to his brother, Demetrius realized that he’d been a fool to let her go.

Certain that she loved him, he just had to find her. It was past time they got everything out in the open, including her secret. Even if she’d been diagnosed with the Alzheimer’s gene like her mother, it wouldn’t change the way he felt about her. The thought of her being ill was painful but what was even more painful was the thought of wasting all of the good days they could have together—talking, laughing—just being in each other’s company.

He rushed up the steps of her apartment building and stopped in front of her door. It was only then that he realized he shouldn’t have showed up empty-handed. He should have brought flowers—roses—red roses. That’s what women liked, wasn’t it?

Oh, well, it was too late to worry about it now. Tomorrow he’d place an order with the florist to have flowers delivered to Zoe every month or every week, whatever made her happy. He clenched his hand and knocked. She just had to be there.

Almost immediately the door swung open. An older woman stood there with a very surprised look on her face. He’d seen that look on many faces when people recognized him. Her mouth opened but nothing came out. This must be the friend Zoe mentioned that was helping out with her mother.

He sent her a friendly smile, hoping to gain an ally. “Hello. Is Zoe at home?”

The woman smiled back at him and shook her head.

“Who is it? Who’s at the door?” Another woman made her way across the living room to join them. The woman had gray streaking through her dark hair. She most definitely resembled Zoe. This had to be her mother. So this was what Zoe would look like when she got older. Still beautiful.

Lines creased between her brows. Zoe’s mother studied his face as though she should know him, but she couldn’t quite place his face. “Do I know you?”

“I don’t think that I’ve had the pleasure. I’m Prince Demetrius.”

The title didn’t seem to faze Zoe’s mother. “Are you a friend of my daughter?”

Demetrius’s gaze moved to the other woman, looking for direction. She shrugged, leaving him on his own. He turned back to Zoe’s mother. “Sì. She’s very special to me.”

“Don’t you hurt my Zoe. You hear?” The woman sent him a no-nonsense look.

“I’ll do my best not to.” But he knew that he’d already failed that request.

Confusion clouded her eyes. “Who are you?”

“Prince Demetrius.”

The other woman held up a finger, signaling for him to wait.

He nodded in understanding. The woman escorted Zoe’s mother to the couch before returning to the door.

“Thanks for being so understanding. I take it you know about her condition.”

“Zoe told me.”