Page 71 of Waiting for a Prince

Rebecca blanched.

Inside Mark was singing.Oh, you beautiful man…

She swallowed. “Sam, you wouldn’t….” Her words trailed off. She gazed beseechingly at him, all trace of anger melted away.

Mark glanced across at Marie, who inclined her head toward Sam and Rebecca.

“Sort this out, please.”

Her expression told him there was a conversation coming.

To Mark’s surprise, Sam took hold of Rebecca’s arm and led her away from Mark toward the door of the salon. Marie’s face cleared. She was obviously relieved to see the back of Rebecca.

Mark could understand that. He never wanted to lay eyes on Rebecca again for as long as he lived. He followed the pair to the door.

No way am I letting Sam go through this alone.

Rebecca tried to break free of Sam’s grasp, but he held her arm firmly.

Way to go, Sam.

This was not the same man who’d sat on that red leather couch two months ago.

ThisSam was free.

Sam reached around Rebecca to open the door. He let go of her arm and gestured to the street. “Goodbye. I don’t expect to see you again, but it’s a small island. You never know.”

Rebecca stumbled into the street, her face white. “Are you really going to talk to Daddy?” Her panicked tone was lightyears away from how she’d spoken a moment ago.

Sam had never seen her so rattled.

He was conscious of Mark standing behind him, but he focused his attention on Rebecca. He nodded.

“I’m sorry, but I have to. You need help.” When her eyes widened, he gestured toward his face. “Doesn’tthistell you something?” Her gaze dropped and she flushed. “You know I’m right.”

She mumbled under her breath, unable to look him in the eye.

Sam wasn’t about to let her go with an acknowledgment. “Youdoknow, don’t you?”

Rebecca pulled her linen jacket tightly around her body.

He sighed.Stubborn to the last.

Sam gave her a final nod. “Goodbye, Rebecca.” Then he turned to go back into the salon. Mark stood aside for him, and once the door closed behind him, Sam’s shoulders sagged.

“It’s over.”

Mark regarded him with shining eyes. “I amsoproud of you.”

Sam flushed and opened his mouth to speak, but he was interrupted by the sound of his phone ringing. He pulled it from his jacket pocket and peered at the screen.

OMG.

He clicked on Answer, his hands shaking. “Mum?”

“Is it okay to talk? I’m not disturbing you, am I?”

Relief swamped him to hear her voice. “Not at all. I’m surprised to hear from you, though. It’s been a while.”