“Why would I do that?”
I don’t look away from him. “Because he’s royalty, and I’m a commoner. I’m as common as it gets, Your Majesty.”
“So you think you’re not good enough for him?”
I frown. “I didn’t say that.”
“Didn’t you?”
I blow out a breath in frustration. “I worry that you, and the citizens of your country, will think I’m not good enough for him.”
“Well, when it comes to the people and their opinions, you’ll never win. They can be ruthless in every country, even those I don’t rule. Gossip, speculation, rumor, it will all happen, Aspen. And, yes, it can get ugly.”
“Callum already warned me of that.”
“As he should. Because it’s not to be taken lightly, and it takes someone with thick skin to live through it.”
“I understand living with a thick skin.” I smile, but there’s no humor in my voice when I continue. “I’ve been pointed at, taunted, laughed at for most of my life, and usually not for anything that was my fault or within my control. Well, except getting pregnant at sixteen. That was my fault.”
“And how you handled it was also your fault. Which was with dignity, love, and responsibility. You have nothing to be ashamed of, Aspen.”
“I’m not ashamed at all.” I raise my chin. “So, no, the rumors and speculation don’t intimidate me.”
“What does intimidate you?”
I glance over at Callum, who’s talking with Ellie and Sebastian in the kitchen.
“The three of them have their heads together, most likely cooking up some kind of scheme,” I say.
“That’s as it’s been for most of their lives.”
I smile. “I’m intimidated at the thought of losing Callum. Which may sound silly because I don’t really have him, and I haven’t known him long.”
“I knew my wife just weeks before we wed. I love her more every day. Time has little to do with it.” He waves his hand. “I suspect that you and my son will work things out, Aspen. I’d like to come into your business and enjoy a cup of American coffee sometime.”
“I’d love that.”
“We’ll see that it happens, then.” He smiles kindly. Yes, I like Callum’s parents very much. “May I give you a piece of advice?”
“Of course.”
“When you love someone, losing them is the biggest fear of all. As you well know.”
I nod.
“Just live your wonderful life, sweet girl. Every day. Enjoy him and your time together—whether that time spans several months or the rest of your lives. Don’t worry so much about the what-ifs, because when you do, it takes away from the joy of today. And time is precious.”
“You’re right. Thank you for that reminder.”
“You’re most welcome. Now, go enjoy yourself with people your own age, rather than entertaining an old man.”
“I don’t see an old man here.” I get more comfortable in my chair. “Tell me more about you.”
“There are documentaries and books—”
“I’d like to hear it from you,” I reply. “I’d like to get to know my new friend.”
“Well, then.” He clears his throat. “I was actually born in Norfolk…”Chapter 12~Callum~“I think I might have a bit of a crush on your father,” Aspen says once we’re safely tucked inside the boathouse for the evening.
“I suspect it’s mutual, given the way you two had your heads together for half of the night.”
“He’s an interesting man,” she says and steps out of her trainers. “And I’m not talking about being a king. He enjoys dancing and tending rose bushes. I learned a lot about him this evening that I could never find out in a book or from a documentary.”
“I’m glad you enjoyed him.” I reach for her, but Aspen steps out of my grasp and props her hands on her hips. “What’s this?”
“I may have a soft spot for your father, but you are on my shortlist.”
I frown. “Whatever for?”
“Callum, you let me walk into an ambush today. I was a complete fool in front of your parents.”
“You recovered nicely.”
She pinches the bridge of her nose. “That’s not the point. The point is, you knew they were waiting for us, and you didn’t warn me. I was dressed like this,”—she points at her T-shirt and jeans—“ready for work, not ready to meet the king and queen. Everything I learned about etiquette when I attended Ellie and Liam’s wedding flew right out of my head. I was embarrassed and felt inadequate.”
“You’re not inadequate.”
“I was today.” She sighs and turns her back on me. “You can’t just spring things on me, Callum. Not stuff like that. It’s important to me that your family likes me. And I feel like you set me up to fail today.”
“That’s not what I was doing.” I approach her and take her shoulders in my hands. “I would never do that to you. I thought it would be a fun surprise to have them here. That’s all.”
She turns to look up at me, and I see hesitation in her gorgeous green eyes, which makes me feel like a complete arsehole.