Page 40
Story: The Prince's Chance at Love
He supposed that described him, though he wasn’t sure he’d call his job overly good. His finances were commensurate with the definition. That came from inheritances, not income, but the end result was the same.
Hadn’t Ben and Katrín come here on one of their first public dates?
A moment later, Bekah’s hand sat snuggly in his elbow as they walked inside. A few people waited off to the side. He supposed their tables weren’t ready yet, but he was greeted immediately.
“Your Royal Highnesses, we are so happy to have you here.” The maître d' bowed slightly their direction. “If you would please follow me...” He walked through two large potted plants into the dining area. “Your favorite table, sir.” The man held a chair for Bekah while Josiah took his own seat. He handed each of them a menu. “It would be our pleasure to get you both something to drink while you peruse the menu.” He turned Bekah. “Madam?”
“Just a glass of ice water, please.”
Josiah knew the man had seen her noticeable, but not too big yet, baby bump.
“Same for me, please.”
“Of course.” He bowed slightly again and hurried away.
Bekah leaned closer to him. “I don’t think I’ve ever eaten anywhere this nice. Are you sure I’m dressed appropriately?”
With a smile, Josiah covered her hand with his. “You’re fine. And even if you weren’t, no one would say anything.”
“Not to my face.” She somehow managed to talk without moving her lips. Not even a lip reader would know what she was saying.
“True.” He tried to give a reassuring smile. “But no one is thinking it.”
There had been some side-eyes, secretive photo taking, and even some blatant staring as they walked through the restaurant. Pictures would make their way onto social media quickly. He thought about texting the PR team, but they would already be on it. It wouldn’t surprise him if they’d already released the statement.
They turned their attention to the menu. Josiah had something different every time he came, but he’d never had anything he didn’t enjoy, and he told Bekah that when she asked.
The waiter arrived with their water. He bowed their direction. “Your Royal Highnesses, it will be my pleasure to serve you this evening. Would you care to start with an hors d'oeuvre?”
Josiah looked to Bekah who shrugged. “It’s up to you. Everything sounds delicious.”
“Do you trust me to order for you?” He’d been around her enough to guess at something she might enjoy without being too risky.
After a split-second’s hesitation, she nodded. “I trust you.”
He ordered their meals then handed the menus to the waiter.
“What did you get?” Bekah asked him quietly.
Josiah grinned. “You’ll see.”
She rolled her eyes his direction.
Before he could talk himself out of it, Josiah held out a hand toward her. “May I have the pleasure of this dance?”
The hesitation this time was a bit longer, but he doubted anyone else would notice. She put her hand in his. “Of course.”
Josiah held her hand while she stood then led her to the dance floor. The musicians started a new song, one he didn’t recognize.
Cognizant of the eyes on them, and not wanting to make Bekah uncomfortable, he kept a reasonable distance between them as she moved into his arms.
“Are you feeling all right about this?” he asked softly.
“About what? Us? Or being here?” She looked up at him, but not quite in the eye. Anyone watching them likely wouldn’t know the difference, but he did.
“Either. Both.”
“I think I’m glad I’m not going through this pregnancy alone like I thought I would. I know I’d have my parents, but it’s not the same as having a partner.”
Table of Contents
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- Page 40 (Reading here)
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