The Prince's Bride

“There’s no point. We’ll just be fighting an uphill battle the entire time.”

“So we fight. We fight until the rest of the world sees that we’re perfect for each other. They’ll get the picture eventually and if they don’t, I’ll give it all up and we can live in the U.S. permanently.”

“You can’t do that. You’re much too important to allow someone like me to ruin your life.”

“There you go with that ‘someone like you’ bit again,” he says, swiping one hand though his hair in frustration. “I can’t be the only one who believes in us, Addie. If you can’t learn to trust me, this will never work.”

“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you. This will never work.”

“You’re wrong.”

“No, I’m right. You’re just too blind to see the truth,” I say, lifting my jaw.

“Dammit. I never should have brought you back here. I wanted to think that the people I know are better than this, but they’ve shown me otherwise.”

“I really appreciate how hard you’ve tried to make this work, Henry,” I say, touching his cheek one last time. “But it just won’t. It’s just time to face the truth.”

“Never. I’m never giving you up. I made you a promise and I’m going to keep it.”

“Don’t do this to yourself. I’m not worth it.”

Setting his jaw, he says, “You don’t know your own worth. No one has ever shown you, but I will. If you want to go home, I’ll go with you.”

“You can’t. You’ve got the wedding and another bride waiting. She told me her father will ruin your family if you don’t marry her. I can’t be responsible for that.”

Henry sighs. “She’s wrong. They think they can control our fate, but they can’t. My father has been quietly working on gaining support for the monarchy and for getting her father voted out.”

“I want to believe you, I do, but…”

“But what? You’re going to let some horrible people run you out of town with your tail between your legs? Please tell me you’re stronger than that.”

“I wish I were, Henry, but I don’t have it in me to be rejected by an entire kingdom of people. I’ve spent enough of my life being rejected.” Tears fill my eyes as the truth spills out of my mouth. “I just can’t. I’m sorry. I wish I could be stronger. If you love me, you’ll let me go.”

I turn, relieved to see that the airline counter is finally open. I straighten my back and walk away from the only man I’ll ever love.

Chapter 16

Addison

It’s New Year’s Eve and I’m back at the café. I’ve taken as many shifts as I can get since I got home. Anything to keep my mind off my new reality. I’m alone again. I haven’t heard from Henry, so at least he’s doing what I asked. I had half expected him to beat me to Boston and meet me at the airport with an armful of roses. But he didn’t and I’m glad. It would only have prolonged the inevitable. It’s better to make a clean break so we can each get on with our lives. As much as it’s killing me, I know it’s better this way.

The café is nearly empty, with most people off at parties tonight. Only one couple sits side-by-side at a booth at the back. Henry’s booth. They look to be in their forties and seem so happy. We chatted a bit when I brought them their lattes and they were just on their way to a movie, excited that their kids are at their grandparents for the night. I try not to stare at them while I rearrange the pastries under the counter, wishing I could make a normal life with a normal guy. A good guy. I don’t need a prince. I just need someone who will love me and want a life with me.

A few minutes later, the couple gets up out of the booth. They bring their empty mugs and plates and set them on the counter.

“Oh, thank you.”

“Thank you. Happy New Year.”

“Same to you. Have fun tonight,” I call to them as the door swings shut behind them, allowing a blast of cold air into the café.

I hum along to Please Come Home for Christmas by Bon Jovi while I pour some hot water into the sink. I plunge my hands into the soapy water and find myself singing, “If not for Christmas, by New Year’s Day.”

The bell chimes above the front door and barely glance over, but call, “I’ll be with you in just a second.”

I wipe off my hands and say, “What can I get…” my voice trails off when I see him standing there, his eyes glistening.

“I tried. I really did, Addison, but I couldn’t stay away.” He takes a few steps toward me.