Page 84 of American Royalty

Good, because she didn’t want to, either. And it wasn’t the point she was trying to make.

“What I meant is that over here, with the way I grew up, I’d probably be the one leading us around instead of on your arm.”

“Then thank God for America,” he said, with a quick kiss.

They traveled down several hallways lined with the occasional pieces of antique furniture and large oil portraits of past relatives until the young man reached a door that he held open for them.

“Thanks, Tom. And remember, not a word.”

The young man nodded and hurried away.

Jameson stepped back to let her precede him. In the growing dusk, Dani gaped at the sight of an enormous inflatable movie screen and a large crowd assembled on folding camping chairs or blankets.

“What are you doing? Hanging out with about eighty people is not keeping things on the down low.”

“No one will see us.”

He led her away from the group to a tent hidden so strategically by landscaped bushes that they could view everything without being observed. Inside, a small, raised platform had been constructed and topped with a love seat, colorful pillows and blankets, and an assortment of refreshments.

“This is incredible!”

“They host this event twice a summer, but I’ve only been a few times over the years with friends. I thought it would be fun, with the added bonus of getting us out together, without being noticed.”

“It’s perfect.”

He nuzzled her briefly. “Have a seat. I’ll get you something to eat and drink.”

She smiled at him. “You thought of everything. Do you know what’s showing?”

“I do.”

A man strolled in front of the huge screen. “Welcome to Open Air Cinema at Baslingfield Court!”

As everyone clapped and cheered, Dani leaned forward, swept up in the palpable excitement, heady with the feeling of being a part of everything, but still private.

Like she and Jameson were in their own little world.

“We’re so glad you could make it out this evening. Tonight’s feature,Pretty Woman!”

More whistles and applause.

The man laughed. “Excellent. We knew you’d love reliving this classic rom-com. And as a special treat, for this evening only, a double feature. Trust me, if you don’t stay it’ll be a, say it with me—”

“Big mistake! Huge,” the throng said in unison.

“Exactly. The second film is another Julia Roberts classic, but shot in our backyard.Notting Hill, with Julia, Hugh Grant, and that iconic blue door!”

Notting Hill? Hadn’t Jay mentioned that movie the other night as another one written by theFour Weddings and a Funeralguy?

He settled next to her on the love seat and she turned to him in surprise. “Did you do this?”

“Me?” He popped an olive in his mouth. “What makes you think I have that kind of power?”

“You’re a prince!”

“Not an important one. We just got lucky.”

She wasn’t sure she believed him. “Serendipity or planned, thank you.”