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Was it his imagination or did she move a little closer to him?

His hand on her waist tightened slightly. “Then I’m glad I’m your partner.”

* * *

Dancing wasn’tsomething Bekah had planned to do when Josiah asked her if she wanted to have dinner. She hadn’t even known it was an option.

But now that she was dancing with Josiah, it was like, somewhere in the back of her mind, she wondered why she hadn’t been doing this for years already.

Yet at the same time, Bekah thought she believed him when he said he was glad to be her partner, but wasn’t sure she should.

Ian clearly left her with some trust issues.

By the time the dance finished, Bekah still hadn’t decided if she could take Josiah’s words at face value.Josiahhad never given her reason not to trust him, but it was likely going to take some time.

He took her hand again as the song ended, and she trailed behind him back to their table.

People watched out of the corner of their eyes. Some were a little more blatant. A few phones were subtle. A number were less so.

Josiah held her seat for her. Within seconds after he took his seat, two waiters appeared with the first part of their meal. Was it the first course? An appetizer? Was there a difference?

Regardless of what it was called, it was delicious.

The conversation stayed light as they finished that course and started the next. They never delved into deeper topics. Bekah didn’t know why. Maybe because they were in public? She didn’t think anyone was close enough to overhear, but there were always body language and lip-reading experts that would dissect everything from the time they emerged from the palace to the time they returned. So maybe that had something to do with it.

When they emerged from the restaurant, a small crowd had gathered on either side of the doors. Security had appeared from somewhere, making sure to keep a walkway clear.

Josiah leaned over and whispered in her ear. “Just smile and wave. We don’t have to talk to anyone right now.”

She just nodded. His hand came to rest on her lower back as they started across the sidewalk toward the vehicle.

The people on both sides started talking, louder and louder, trying to be heard over everyone else.

One voice stood out above the others. “P’incess Be’ah!”

She turned her head to see a little girl, probably about four, standing with her mother holding a teddy bear a few feet away.

Without realizing she’d made a decision, Bekah took the two steps and crouched down next to the child. As soon as it hit her what she’d done, Bekah prayed she’d be able to stand back up gracefully. “Hello.”

The little girl halfway turned against her mom’s leg. At least that’s who Bekah assumed stood next to them with a hand on the girl’s strawberry blond hair. “Mama says you gonna have a baby.”

Bekah could barely hear the girl with her sudden shyness. “I am.”

The girl held out the well-loved teddy bear. “For the baby.”

Tears filled Bekah’s eyes as she took the bear, running a hand over the soft fur and noting the places where it had been mended repeatedly. “Is this your favorite bear?” she asked gently.

The girl nodded, tears in her own eyes, but she made no move to take the bear back.

“You know what?” Bekah held the bear out. “My baby won’t be here for a while. Would you take care of the bear for me until the baby asks for it?” Her baby would never ask for it, and the little girl could keep her bear.

The girl nodded and took it back. “I take care of Beary.”

“Thank you.” Bekah needed to stand up now before her legs fell asleep. “I appreciate it.” As gracefully as she could, she stood, Josiah’s hand coming to her back again almost immediately.

The girl’s mother gave a slight nod and mouthed a thank you as Bekah was led away. For no reason other than they were both little girls, she’d reminded Bekah of Lisette. They’d been so happy to hear that her mother had returned, safe and sound, and the mother-daughter duo were doing well.

A few minutes later they were headed back down the street toward the palace.