The Prince's Christmas Vow

“Hey! I did a really good job. You said it was the prettiest tree you’d ever seen.”

She arched a brow. “I think they call that revising the past.”

He approached her, finding himself unable to keep his hands to himself whenever she was in the room with him. “Maybe you should come down here so we can discuss these new traditions.”

She smiled and stepped down the little ladder until she was standing on the lowest rung. Her eyes twinkled with merriment. “Why, Prince Demetrius, if I didn’t know better, I’d think that you have a lot more on your mind than talking.”

He wrapped his hands around her expanding waistline and lifted her to him. Her body slid down over his. His pulse raced. It didn’t matter how long they were together, he couldn’t imagine ever being immune to her charms.

Her arms looped around his neck as she gazed deep into his eyes. “You do know that we’re expected at Residenza del Rosa soon, don’t you? I want to take my mum her presents. I called and this is one of her better days.”

He had to hand it to his wife. She was the strongest person he’d ever known. Though her mother’s condition was deteriorating, Zoe did her best to stay positive even though her mother recognized her less and less. On the days when Zoe needed a hug, a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen, he made sure to be there for her. She was his priority. It wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but together they were getting through the challenges life threw at them.

“Don’t worry. We won’t be late. In fact, I think we have just enough time to squeeze in a little of this.” His lips pressed to hers. He knew from plenty of experience that it wouldn’t take much to sway her into delaying their outing.

“Hey, isn’t that how you two got in trouble already?”

With great reluctance, Demetrius released his princess and turned to face his brother. “I don’t think you have any room to talk.”

“Is my husband causing problems already?” Reese entered the room wearing a blue cotton top with the words Precious Cargo Aboard emblazoned across her rounded midsection.

Demetrius smiled. “He’s always causing trouble.”

“Don’t I know it.” Reese pressed a hand to her back. “Did he tell you yet?”

“Tell us what?” Zoe spoke up.

“That he’s been up to his antics.” Reese frowned at her prince, but her eyes said that she was only playing with him. “It appears that we’re not having a baby boy, we’re having two—boys that is.”

“That’s wonderful.” Zoe rushed over to hug her.

Demetrius gave Zoe a look. “You aren’t carrying twins, too, are you?”

She started to laugh. “Not me. But I do have a surprise.”

“I love surprises.” The king entered the room. A smile lit up his face. He looked so much more at ease now that both of his sons were taking on a lot of the workload that the king had shouldered for so long on his own. “Well, don’t keep us in suspense.”

Zoe smiled at her father-in-law. Over this past year they’d grown quite close as they took daily strolls through the flower gardens. Demetrius always wondered what they found to talk about, but he didn’t want to pry. Some things were best left alone.

Zoe moved to Demetrius’s side. “I was planning to save this announcement for Christmas day, but now seems rather fitting.”

Demetrius’s chest tightened. “You’re starting to worry me. Nothing is wrong, is it?”

She smiled and shook her head. “Everything is fine. Do you think Mirraccino is ready for a queen that looks like me and acts like you?”

He breathed easier. “It’s a girl?”

She nodded. Demetrius picked her up and swung her around. He didn’t care whether it was a little boy or girl just so long as baby and mom were both healthy. “Hey, you cheated. You weren’t supposed to consult the doctor while I was off on that business trip to Milan.”

Zoe glanced away. “I...I had some pains—”

“What? Why is this the first I’m hearing of it?”

She pressed a hand to his chest where his heart was pounding as adrenaline raced through his veins. Nothing could be wrong with them. He didn’t know what he’d do if he lost Zoe after everything they’d gone through.

“Relax.” Her voice was soft and comforting. “The doctor told me that it was normal. They were growing pains. Completely natural.”

“You’re sure?”