“Have some food, too,” Monica suggests.
“Sorry, Ellie, keep going,” I say, turning back to my friend.
“Well, that particular set is my father’s favorite of the family jewels. He’s loaned it out before, mostly to my mother for important dinners and such. He actually brought a selection of rings with him to Montana and made the final decision on what Callum should propose with after he met you.”
“I love your father,” I admit to her. “We got along so well, and I loved hearing about his childhood and some of the shenanigans he got up to as a teenager. How he met your mother. We talked for a long time.”
“I know. I saw,” Ellie says. “And he might have a little crush on you, I think. After you both left on your holiday, he spoke of you a few times. And the fact that you have that emerald on your finger tells me that he not only approves of Callum marrying you, but he also trusts and respects you.”
I feel tears fill my eyes. It’s been a hell of a few days, and hearing this makes me feel good.
“The feeling is mutual.”
“How did Callum propose?” Nina asks. “Also, holy shit, Natasha, these margaritas are ridiculously delicious.”
“I know,” Natasha says with a smug grin.
“He proposed in Fiji,” I say. “On the balcony of our hut. It was kind of spontaneous and sweet. And sexy.”
“I know that smile,” Monica says, pointing at me. “You’re totally boning a prince.”
“Oh, yeah,” I reply with a nod. “A lot, actually.”
“This is not a lovely conversation.” Ellie’s face is scrunched in a scowl. “Let’s skip the sex parts.”
“No, tell us everything about the sex parts, for those of us not having any sex,” Natasha says.
“You’re the only one in this room not getting any,” Monica reminds her. “Sorry, babe.”
“It sucks.”
“Let’s just say, he can’t keep his hands off me, and the feeling is entirely mutual. Then we went to London, where I was given more clothes than any one person should have, and took some etiquette lessons from Mary.”
“Mary’s the best,” Ellie says. “And she knows everything.”
“She’s maybe the kindest woman in the world,” Nina adds.
“I agree. She was wonderful, and I had a lot of questions. And I kept messing things up. I don’t want to embarrass Callum.”
“Sebastian gave me some good advice when we first got together,” Nina says. “He and his siblings are taught to be members of the royal family from the day they’re born. It’s ingrained in them. For you and I, we’re starting from scratch, taking a crash course. It’s not easy, but I can assure you, it’s worth it. And things will come easier and faster as time goes on.”
“Are you moving to London?” Monica asks.
“We’re going to split our time between there and here, hopefully spending more time in Montana than not. We’re keeping this house, and security will set up in the barn, most likely. It’ll have to be converted into a second house, of course. So, hopefully, we can get the permits for that from the city.”
“There’s a lot to think about,” Natasha says. “What about Drips?”
“I’ll hire a manager to take over for me. That one stings a bit, I admit. I’m proud of my business, and I enjoy being there every day. But we’re both making compromises. Hopefully, I’ll still be able to maintain an active role in the café.”
“Everything will smooth out with some time,” Nina assures me. “It helps that he’s not the heir.”
“She’s right,” Ellie adds. “He has duties and jobs of his own, but you’ll make it work.”
“Hey, couples make it happen all the time,” Monica says. “The only difference here is that he’s a prince.”
“A hot prince,” I add with a laugh. “It feels good to be able to talk to you guys about this. I panicked a bit while we were gone, wondering what in the hell I thought I was doing. But every time I look at him, I go all gooey inside. I know I could survive without him, but I don’t want to go through life without him. We’re connected, you know?”
Three heads nod yes, and Natasha frowns.
“I hope I get it one day,” she says. “But in the meantime, I’m so happy for you, friend. And proud of you. You’re a badass.”
“Damn right, I am.”
Just as we’re laughing, I hear a knock.
“Maybe Callum couldn’t wait to see you,” Nina suggests as I walk to the door.
But when I open it, it’s not Callum.
“I need your help.” The words are whispered through swollen, bloody lips.
“Oh my God, Gretchen.” I lead her gently inside as the others gather around us.
“I’m sorry to interrupt. I just didn’t know where else to go.”
“Don’t be silly,” Monica says. “What happened to you, sweetheart?”
“Miles.” My voice is hard as stone. Gretchen nods. “You’re done with him, here and now, Gretch.”