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“What?”
“I think me going to New Orleans is a great idea.”
I do not want to live with a drove of pigs inside the house. Yes, I looked up the word for a group of pigs.
He grins as he nuzzles the pig’s side. “You’re going to miss me.”
I roll my eyes but say, “Yes. But less if you come with pigs. So thank you for that.”
He just laughs.
“Good thing you’ve got a private jet.”
Cian nods. “And a good thingIcan’t lose my job.”
“Or even quit it, really. You tried after all, and it didn’t stick.”
“True. Thank God. I think that maybe I’m not so bad at being the spare to the spare heir of Cara.”
I clap him on the shoulder. “You’re actually doing a fantastic job. At all of it.”
And I really mean that as I watch him carry the not-going-to-be-tiny-forever pig into the love of his life who is resting, as ordered, on the couch, then returns to clean up the kitchen, starts a new casserole baking, and then heads upstairs to deal with their laundry.
All I do is put away a few groceries.
And then make a plan for tomorrow.
And then send my boss a text telling her that I’ll be relocating to New Orleans and will be available to travel with Cian and Scarlett on trips in the US, but that Jonah should accompany them internationally.
It only takes three minutes for her to reply.
Fine. I assume I still won’t be getting security plans for the US trips? Or does being in love make you more responsible?
Me:I’ll send it now. Security plan: provide security, don’t let any royals get kidnapped, hurt, or killed.
I stop, scroll back, delete ‘hurt’ since, as I’ve learned, things like car accidents can happen, are difficult to prevent, and can still be…okay.
I send the revised plan.
Iris:
Me:
Iris:It’s all going to be great. I’m happy for you.
The middle finger, I expected. The nice response still throws me a little. Iris being more laid-back and happier is going to take some getting used to.
Me:Still feel like everything is on track? I’m not fucking this up?
Iris:It’s even more on track. Alfred would be so pleased that you’re in love.
Iris:Alfred would have really liked Ruby.
He definitely would have.
Iris:I’m also really pleased, in case you care.
She might be surprised to know that I do care.