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They gathered in the kitchen for ice cream, strategizing on how to pull off a royal visit with order and dignity. When to let people know. How much they could beautify the East End between the first of March and the end of April.

“We’ll know more on Wednesday,” Emery said. “But I say we find the money to do what we can for the East End. Should I write something up, ask for donations without mentioning the visit?”

“Let’s not risk sparking any suspicion.” Simon tapped on his iPad. “We have eight weeks. We have the discretionary funds already in play for some of the improvements. I can release more.”

“The owner of Alderman’s might throw in with us. I think we can trust her. I’ll tell her something big is coming. As reward for her donation, we can invite her.”

“Fine, but play it very close to the vest, Caleb,” Simon said.

Then Emery asked the elephant-in-the-room-question. “What about the West End? Do the royals tour over there, or stay on the East End? I mean, we can’t preach unity and leave them out, can we?”

“I say we ask the royals what they want.” Caleb took a big bite of chocolate ice cream. “Did your email to them indicate anything specific?”

“ Hardly. I just invited them to visit.”

Simon donned his mayor hat and said leaders from both sides would be invited. If the royals wanted to see how the town had grown, then they’d tour the West End too.

“But for now, this is our news alone. No royal stories from the archives, Emery. If I’m allowed to tell you what to do, Madam Editor.”

“I can work with that request, Mr. Mayor.”

“It’s not the West End I’m worried about, but the rest of the world. Royal watchers, the media...”

Emery began to see the gravity of her brilliant idea. “I hope this visit isn’t more trouble than it’s worth. I never counted the cost.”

“We’re counting the cost now,” Simon said with a big smile. “It will be worth it.”

As she left the Casters with Caleb, all the excitement from before became a sober reality.

A royal visit meant secrecy and security, a curated guest list, some sort of program, hospitality and food, on top of beautifying the East End.

Where would the royals stay? Where would they eat?

Who among the citizens should they invite?

They returned to Caleb’s for her car. “Care to sit for a bit?” he said, sinking into one of the patio chairs. The lights from the neighbor’s windows fell across the lawn in golden squares. “I’m too wound up to go inside.”

“Should you check on Bentley?” Emery said, taking the chair next to Caleb.

“Mom’s with him.” He reached over to tap her arm. “Sorry we didn’t get to go bike riding this afternoon.”

“What? Oh, right, I’d completely forgotten.” She loosely laced her fingers with his. “That would’ve been fun.”

“Maybe later this week.” He pulled her chair closer. “I have t o tell you something. I had an email from Mac Diamond. He offered me a job as an in-house architect for Diamond Dogs.”

“Caleb, wow. What did you say? Mr. Potter jokes aside, is it a serious opportunity?”

“It’s a serious opportunity. I’d have my name on clubhouses and luxury venues across the south. He claims to like my sustainable design ideas, but... ”

“Let me ask you this. Do you respect him?”

“No, I don’t.”

For a long time, they said nothing else, simply listened to the shifting sounds of the night. When the breeze brushed them with a wet chill, Emery crawled into Caleb’s lap and rested her head on his shoulder.

“You know I don’t want you to ever leave,” he whispered, his lips close to her ear.

“Tonight, or in general?”

He laughed. “Both. But for now, let’s say in general. I know you’re not ready for more, but—”

Emery raised up, cupped her hand around his face, and pressed her lips against his. Tentative at first, then breaking when Caleb shifted so the side of her hip rested against his. When his warm arms came around her, she kissed him again, sinking into the heart and soul of Caleb Ransom.

“Are you trying to make me fall in love with you?” he said.

“No more than you’re trying to make me fall for you.”

His eyes locked with hers. “I think you stole my heart the first night I saw you at the Sands Motor Motel. You never gave it back.”

“You never asked.” She kissed him again. “You probably have mine in here somewhere.” She tapped her hand over his thudding heart. “Once again, you were the last thing I expected to find when I returned to Sea Blue Beach.”

“ Even more than a royal visit?” He pressed his lips to her forehead.

“Okay, maybe not more than a royal visit, but, Caleb, ten million times better.”

Mayor Simon Caster

cordially invites you

to meet

their Royal Highnesses of Lauchtenland

Crown Prince John & Princess Gemma

Friday, the 25th of April

5 p.m.

Reception on Sea Blue Way

&

Saturday, the 26th of April

10 a.m.

Brunch on the Beach

Noon

Tour of the East End

3 p.m

Skating at the Starlight

RSVP to the [email protected]

Mr. & Mrs. Douglas Quinn

cordially invite you to share

in the wedding of their daughter

Ava Verbeke Quinn

to

Mr. James Allen Gelovani

at

the Glidden House

Saturday , the 10 th of May

Ceremony to begin at 3 p .m.

with reception to follow.

Carriages at Midnight