The Princess and the Player
Then James had helped Bella launch a fledgling organization dubbed the Alma Wildlife Conservation Society. A graphic with twin macaws served as the logo and no one had to know she’d secretly named them Will and James.
It was a healthy reminder that things weren’t always what they seemed. As long as she always communicated with James, no one could tear them apart. It was their personal relationship credo and they practiced it often.
Bella smiled at James. “I’m afraid I’m out of siblings so our wedding ceremony will have to star only us. And Maisey.”
James cocked his head. “You’d want her to participate? Babies and weddings don’t necessarily mix.”
“Of course,” Bella insisted fiercely. “She’s my daughter, too.”
Maisey had surprised everyone by uttering her first word last week—bird. Her proud father couldn’t stop smiling and Bella had decided then and there to have another baby as soon as possible. After she and James got married.
The Montoros didn’t need any new scandals.
Not long after she’d returned to Alma, Gabriel had appointed a royal committee to authenticate the letters Bella had found at the farmhouse. After careful and thorough examination and corroborating evidence culled from the official archives, the letters proved valid.
The late Rafael Montoro II wasn’t the legitimate royal heir, which meant no one in his line was either. His grandson, Gabriel, and granddaughter, Bella, weren’t eligible for the throne. The legitimate line for the throne shifted to Isabella Salazar nee Montoro, Rafael’s sister, who was unfortunately too ill to take on her new role. Therefore, her grandson, Juan Carlos II, long the only Montoro with the right heart to lead his country, became the sole legitimate heir.
Despite Bella’s willingness to brave the tabloids with James, to weather the storm over the unfortunate circumstances of his daughter’s birth, in the end, no one paid much attention to Bella and James as the world’s focus shifted to Juan Carlos.
Bella wasn’t the only Montoro to express relief. Gabriel looked forward to spending time with his new wife instead of balancing his personal life with his public reign. Their cousin would take the throne of Alma, leaving the three Montoro siblings to their happily-ever-afters.