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“That sounds good. Maybe a movie.” She looked around, but didn’t say anything else.

Josiah winced as he remembered. “The only television in here is in the other room.” His bedroom. “I didn’t watch much when I lived here full-time.”

She didn’t look at him. “That’ll be okay. I saw a remote on your nightstand. We can adjust the base so it’s more comfortable than lying flat or propping up on pillows to watch.”

“That works.” He stood back up and held a hand toward her to help her up. A wave of protectiveness he didn’t expect swept over him as her skin connected with his.

Josiah brushed it aside as Bekah stood. He squeezed her fingers lightly before letting go. When a knock sounded on the door, he sent her ahead to the other room and answered it, taking the cart with their food and promising to send it back later. The palace had plenty if they needed to take food to someone else.

He thanked the staff member and took the cart into the small eat-in kitchenette. After putting the food away, he went to his room. It briefly crossed his mind to wonder what they were going to do about sleeping arrangements. He wouldn’t ask her to sleep on the couch, and he wouldn’t ask her to share.

That meant the couch was his for the time being - until he could figure out how to get something better - or maybe a different apartment with two bedrooms. That could work. Surely there was one available.

Bekah was already situated by the time he entered the room.

“Do you have a side you prefer?” She didn’t look at him as she asked.

He pointed to the side she wasn’t on. “This is the side I usually use, when I don’t just sprawl in the middle. But we’re not sleeping anyway, so it doesn’t particularly matter.”

Despite her earlier nap, she still looked tired. Likely the stress and overwhelming nature of everything was getting to her.

Josiah found himself hoping she’d fall asleep anyway. He’d just need to move before he did the same.

* * *

At least shewore clothes that fit fairly well. Bekah thanked God for that.

She didn’t know where they’d come from, but a rack of clothes had been waiting for her in the closet when she woke up.

From sleeping in a bed with her new husband.

It hadn’t been on purpose, but she’d fallen asleep watching an HEA TV movie the night before. Given that when she woke up in the middle of the night, the bed was in the same position it had been before, she suspected Joe had fallen asleep on accident as well.

She’d used the remote to move it to a more comfortable sleeping level then went to the bathroom. He hadn’t woken up, and Bekah just wanted to go back to sleep so she climbed back into her side of the bed.

They hadn’t even touched in the middle of the night, at least not as far as Bekah knew.

But now, a couple of days later, they were seated in an SUV driven by Thor as they headed for church and their first public outing as a couple.

At least that was the official story.

In a few minutes, they’d be holding hands and walking into the side door of the cathedral where the royal family attended services.

Thor didn’t think there would be a crowd gathered, but pictures and possibly video were sure to make their way online before long.

The ride was silent until they glided to a stop near the door.

“Everything’s going to be all right,” Joe said softly. “We’ll be fine.”

Bekah blew out a breath. “I know.”

Joe exited his side of the car and then turned to hold out a hand as she slid across the seat. Taking it, she moved to the sidewalk. A few people waited off to the side, but not many. Joe gave a quick wave as they started for the door.

Her hand remained snug in his, surprising her with its warmth.

She gave a slight smile toward the people with camera phones, but didn’t wave. Instead, she ducked her head and tried to stay as close to Joe as she reasonably could.

Once through the door, she relaxed a bit. Joe introduced her to some family members she hadn’t met yet.