I gasp and look up in horror.
“I can’t believe I just said that.”
My face is flaming hot, and I wish the floor would open up and swallow me whole. I’ve made a complete ass out of myself in front of Callum’s parents.
And not just any parents. No, these are the freaking king and queen of Britain.
Way to go, Aspen.
“Take a deep breath,” the queen says calmly with humor in her eyes as she crosses to me and wraps her arm around my shoulder. I can’t even look the king in the eyes. This is not how I planned to meet Callum’s parents. “Everything is perfectly fine, and you must be beat after a long day of work. There’s no need to bother with formalities. This is a casual gathering among family and friends.”
“You’re very kind,” I reply and feel my blood pressure start to lower. “I apologize. Deeply.”
“No need.” She waves me off, and I finally turn to the king, who’s watching me with shrewd, brown eyes like his youngest son’s.
“Your Majesty,” I say and do a better job with a curtsy this time.
“Ms. Calhoun,” he replies. “I do believe you could use a drink.”
“Oh, I think you’re right about that.”
He smiles at me, and I could almost weep with relief. It’s no wonder their children are so wonderful; these two are perhaps the best parents I’ve ever met, no matter their station in life.
They’re the kind of mom and dad I always wanted for myself.
Before long, we’re swept up in the joy of the party. Ellie gives us all tours of the house. I’m incredibly impressed with the décor, the local artwork she chose, the beautiful paint colors.
“Your designer did an impeccable job,” I say when we return to the living area.
“She did. She’s here in town. Tate Donovan. If you ever need decorating advice, she’s your girl.”
“I’ll remember that,” I reply, knowing that I’ll never need this kind of decorating help. But I’m thrilled for my friend. “Married life has been good for you.”
“It’s been wonderful,” she agrees and searches the room for her husband. He and Sam have their heads together over by the fireplace, talking intently about something. “Where did Callum and Sebastian go?”
“They’re outside, down at the firepit,” Natasha says as she and Monica join us. “Ellie, this is the best evening I’ve had in a long time.”
“Same here,” Monica adds.
“Not me,” I say and hold my hand over my still-queasy stomach. “Why did your parents surprise us all that way?”
“Oh, they didn’t,” Ellie says. “I think Callum just wanted to surprise you.”
I feel my eyes narrow. If he were in the room, I’d hunt him down and twist his ear off.
“A surprise for me,” I repeat.
“Uh-oh,” Monica says. “I’ve seen that look before. It’s the I’m-gonna-kill-someone look.”
“Oh, yeah. Someone’s gonna die.”
But first, I let myself relax and enjoy the food and the company. The laughter. Despite how the evening started, I do feel relaxed, and I don’t even bumble my way through a conversation when the king comes over to talk with me.
“I trust you’re enjoying your evening,” he says kindly. He’s eating some strawberry shortcake.
Seeing him eat dessert makes him more human to me somehow, less…regal.
“I am, thank you. And you?”
“More than I anticipated,” he replies. “I didn’t know what to expect when we agreed to come for holiday. Of course, I knew that my children had fallen in love with this little piece of the world, and I’ve seen photographs, but I wasn’t sure what the fuss was about.”
“And now?”
He sets his empty bowl aside and chews thoughtfully. “It’s quite magical here, isn’t it?”
“That’s a wonderful way to describe it.” I smile and sit back, enjoying the king’s company. “I felt it the first time I came here, as well. And it was a good thing because I’d loaded up everything I owned and planned to stay.”
“Without seeing it first?”
“That’s right. I didn’t have any family to keep me in Tennessee, and frankly, I needed a fresh start. I’d seen a documentary on Glacier National Park, and I decided to set out and come here to live.”
“And it stuck for you.”
“Oh, yes. I bought my business not long after I moved here, and I have wonderful friends. The community has accepted me. For the first time in my life, I can say that I feel like I have roots. That I belong somewhere.”
“And isn’t that a lovely feeling?” He reaches over to pat my hand.
“Yes, it is. And I have to tell you, I feel that same acceptance from your family, and that’s a lovely feeling, as well. Thank you for that.”
“You’re most welcome. My son has talked about you several times. He’s quite taken with you.”
“Your son is a special man.”
“Indeed.”
“Is this where you warn me away?” I ask quietly. His gaze shifts to mine.