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The man who is my dream.
When I was a little girl imagining marrying the prince, I was imagining Jonah. Not his face or name, of course, but the way he makes me feel. The way he treats me. The way he looks at me.
The way he loves me.
I wanted love.
Before I understood what was really happening and that it was adutythat only I could fulfill, I did want love. I wanted what Torin said he wanted—to have it all.
Then I thought I could have it all.
When Torin and Abi said “I do”, that was supposed to be it. Abigail was going to fulfill the duty of queen. Diarmuid was happy with that. Everything was good and right and everyone was happy. That was supposed to leave me and Jonah free and clear. Free to do whatwewant to do. Free to considerourhappiness and not what everyone around us needs.
But now…there’s still a duty. And I’m still the only one.
Abigail can give Torin an heir. But it won’t be an O’Grady-Olsen heir.
I’m staring at Jonah.
He looks beyond concerned. In fact, he looks like he’s about to come across the table.
I wish I could give him a reassuring smile. But…I just shake my head.
I watch as Colin puts a hand on his arm, and I realize Jonah did just try to stand.
“Everyone!” Diarmuid says, holding up his hands. “This is such a happy day!”
Everyone turns their bodies toward him. There are lots of smiles and several murmurs of agreement.
“And I want to add to the merriment! Since everyone is together, this is the perfect time to tell you all what’s next before you all jet off back to the U.S..”
I look around the table. Almost everyone looks confused. Except for my parents and the queen, who look thrilled.
Oh, great. They already know about this.
Of course, they do.
“Diarmuid,” I say softly. “I don’t?—”
He takes my hand, cradling it against his chest. I feel his heart beating against the back of my hand and I have to swallow hard. A wave of grief over my grandfather suddenly hits me hard.
“As you all know, I’ve always expected this day to include this lovely woman.”
Oh,God.
There are now looks of secondhand embarrassment reflected back at me. Except from my mother, who looks ready to burst with happiness.
And Jonah, who looks ready to murder someone. Now Henry has a hand on his shoulder too. He and Colin are clearly keeping him in his seat.
“We absolutelyadoreAbigail.” Diarmuid gives Abi a huge smile.
She returns it, though she is blushing and gives me a look that is a combination of embarrassed and confused.
“But what many of you don’t know is that when Alfred and I entered into our agreement?—”
There are some soft snorts from around the table now. References to the drunken poker game always elicit laughs.
If only everyone knew that the whiskey and gambling that night were simply what finally pushed them to make their plan official.