The Heir and the Spare (14 page)

Do I really want Dad and Edmund to meet?
This holiday was supposed to be a break from him. Yet the simple sound of his voice made me crave to be near him. I wanted to see him. Closing my eyes, I shook my head at myself.

“Hang on.” I hit mute and jogged back to Dad. “Would you be okay if I invited someone to join us for dinner?” I asked, slightly winded.

“Of course. Is this a
special
someone?”

I smiled coyly, not answering. Edmund definitely was special, in numerous ways. I gestured that I'd be one more minute as I took my phone off mute.

“Okay, you're invited. Where do you want to meet?”

“How about I pick you guys up at your hotel. Would seven o'clock work?”

“Sounds perfect. We'll see you at seven.”

“Brilliant. See you soon, Evie.” The way his voice softly caressed my name did unexplainable things inside me.

Once I hung up, I steadied myself against the rock wall and took a few deep breaths. My pulse slowly returned to normal. I grinned from ear to ear; I couldn't help it.

Dad sidled up next to me and put my arm through his, patting my hand. “So we're having dinner with a mystery person, are we? Is it a boy?”

“Yes, he's a friend from school.”

“Anyone I've heard of?”

I looked at Dad, still unable to wipe the grin off my face. “It's Edmund.”

“The prince?”

“That'd be the one.”

“Well, my stars, how exciting.” He laughed. “I'm guessing the Eiffel Tower can wait for another day.”

I nodded. “Probably a good idea. I'd hate to rush through it.”

Dad bobbed his head and walked on. “Your grandmother Elliot would be livid.”

“Why?” I asked. Dad never willingly talked about Clarice. He always said he didn't know enough about her to say anything.

He blew out a breath and crossed his arms over his chest. “Your mom told me your grandmother has ideas about royalty mingling with commoners. Ridiculous, really.”

I wondered if I should tell Dad about the letters and how I suspected Mom had quite the illustrious family background. I knew I'd need to sooner or later. “It's a good thing she doesn't care about me or I'd be quite the shock.”

Dad frowned and looked across the street. A cigar shop had a massive cigar bolted on its front; the glowing tip let off a steady curl of smoke. “On some level she must care. Despite her disappointment in Lily's choices . . .” He pointed to himself. “She has to care; you're a part of Lily.”

I shrugged, uneasy. Guilt uncoiled inside my stomach. I wanted to tell him about the letters and Clarice, everything. I just didn't know how to start.

Dad and I walked until we reached the Pont Neuf, the oldest and most famous bridge in Paris. I looked around at all the people out on such a cold day.

“You've gone awfully quiet. What's rattling around in that noggin of yours?” He reached over and tapped my forehead.

“Nothing in particular, just enjoying the scenery,” I replied, looking out over the river.
And stressing over the things I haven't told you.
“It really is beautiful here.”

“Don't for a second think I'm buying that. You're either thinking about this handsome prince we're dining with tonight or that old hag.”

“Clarice.” It was closest to the truth. All these years I'd never called her Grandma. She was always Clarice. She didn't deserve the title of grandmother.

“Don't waste your time. She's not worth it.”

“You really never met her?” I looked up at him.

Dad sighed. “No, but I saw her from a distance once. I wanted to meet her, but your mother wouldn't let me. She said her mom would never approve of us. That meeting her would only make what we were about to do impossible. We had one choice if we wanted to be together.”

“Did you never wonder why?”

“Oh, sure I did, but your mother hated to talk about her family. She told me she was from a very old and wealthy English line. Her mother had basically arranged a marriage for her and Lily couldn't stomach the thought of it. So, I rescued her and we eloped.”

Just like Edmund and how his parents want him with Jax.

Mom left everything behind to marry Dad, the antithesis of wealth and an American to boot. Having seen Welsington in all its splendor, I knew what she sacrificed and what she'd been running from.

If only I could find a way rescue the prince.

I stood looking out our hotel window at the Paris skyline. Nearby chimneystacks smoked and I could see the sparkling lights of the Eiffel Tower. Clasping my silver heart pendant around my neck, I jumped at the sound of the room phone bleeping. I momentarily closed my eyes and inhaled, willing my nerves to calm. My stockinged feet slid against the curlicue-patterned carpet to the phone. “Hello?”

“Good evening, Miss Gray, a gentleman guest is waiting for you in the lobby,” the man at the front desk informed me.

“Thank you.” I hung up, placing my hand on my somersaulting tummy. It's amazing how quickly my irritation with him vanished.
I can do this. We're friends.

“Who was on the phone?” Dad asked, tying his tie.

“Front desk. Edmund's here.” I tried to stop smiling, but I couldn't.

Dad slipped into his black suit coat. “So what's really going on between you two?”

I met his eyes. “Nothing. I mean, I like him, but his parents already have a girl all picked out for him.”

“If he likes you as much as I suspect you like him, anything's possible. Love can work miracles. You just have to believe.” He kissed my nose. “Come on, introduce me to this prince of yours.”

My prince.
I grinned and grabbed my coat as we went out the door.

In the elevator I straightened the front of my navy sheath dress, listening to the strains of Mozart being piped in. The closer we got to the ground floor, the louder my heart thudded, masking the music. Dad stood next to me and squeezed my hand.

“You look lovely. Don't be nervous,” he whispered.

I frowned at him. “I'm not nervous.”
Liar.

I wonder if Edmund's nervous?

The elevator dinged and the doors opened to the modern lobby. A woman in an evening gown was with a man in a tux, waiting to get on. Smiling, I stepped out and looked around.

There he is.

Standing by the gas fireplace, hand against the wooden-slatted façade, he watched the flames. He turned and spotted me, and his face lit up. I froze.
Did he get even more attractive?
He closed the space between us and wrapped me in a tight, unexpected hug.

I melted against his chest; the scent of him, clean soap and sunshine, filled my nose. I wasn't used to this side of him, but I liked it.
A lot.

“I missed you,” he whispered in my ear, not letting me go. “Happy birthday.”

Best. Birthday. Ever.

An older couple walked past us, heading for the elevator. The woman watched us, a soft smile on her lips.

Releasing me, Edmund took a small step back. Thankfully, my knees worked. I stood there, staring. His blond waves tousled to perfection, his eyes a brilliant blue. How I'd missed this face.

I shook my head to clear it.
I need help; this is pathetic.

“Edmund, this is my father, Henry Gray. Dad, this is Edmund. We had a couple classes together last term.” My pulse jumped.
Shit, I didn't introduce him as Prince Edmund. Should I add that now?

Luckily, Dad came to my rescue. He bowed his head respectfully and said, “Your Royal Highness, it's a pleasure to meet you. Evie speaks very highly of you.”

Edmund shook my father's hand. “Delighted to meet you, Mr. Gray. I must say, your daughter is quite remarkable.” His eyes briefly alighted on me. “She's clever and she keeps me on my toes in class.”

“Thank you, Your Highness, I'm glad to hear it.”

“Please, call me Edmund.”

Dad nodded and they both turned their attention to me.

Cheeks, flame on!
I was tempted to burst into a Human Torch superhero pose.

Edmund stared at me, his eyes taking in every inch of me. “You look incredible.”

“Thank you.” I grinned and admired the fit of his black suit. His blue shirt made his eyes pop. “So do you.”

We stood there, looking at each other. Dad cleared his throat, startling us back to reality. “I think we all look fantastic.”

“Indeed, you're right.” Edmund dropped his gaze guiltily and turned toward my father. “Shall we go? The car's out front.”

Dad nodded and Edmund led the way through the lobby and out the front doors to a large black Town Car.

A driver in a smart black suit and little matching cap held the door for us as we climbed in.

“Did you guys have any particular plans?” Edmund glanced at Dad and me.

“No.” I shook my head and looked at Dad to confirm.

Edmund's eyes glinted. “Then I'll take you to my favorite place.” He leaned forward, opened the glass partition, and spoke to the driver. Turning back to us, he asked, “How are you liking Paris so far?”

I inhaled sharply. Where to start? “Everywhere I look there's something beautiful and historic. It's incredible. I could live here forever and I still don't think I'd be able to see everything.”

“Paris has always been one of my favorite cities. I'm glad you're liking it.”

“I don't like it.” I shook my head. “I love it here.”

Edmund smiled.

The car slowed and pulled up to a stone building. Maxim's was splashed in gold across its red awnings. Underneath, a line of shivering people waited to go in.

The driver opened the door and Edmund got out. Reaching back, he held my hand as I exited the car. When I was out, he released it, but stayed close to my side. Dad joined us on the sidewalk and stood a step behind me, waiting for us to lead the way.

Bypassing the line, we went straight in. There were some perks to having a royal with you.

“Good evening, Your Highness, your table is ready. Right this way.”

“Thank you.” Edmund nodded and followed the host.

The restaurant was an art nouveau masterpiece. There wasn't a straight line in sight. Everything was sensuously rounded and flowery. Looking up, I noticed the glass ceiling.
Holy cow that's gorgeous.

The rooms we passed through were filled with fabulous glasswork and beautiful paintings. Petaled sconces glowed on the walls. I was in awe.

“Edmund, this place is incredible,” I said as we sat down at a private table. “It's so beautiful.”

“I thought you'd like it.”

“It's perfect.”

Our waiter was tall, with slicked back hair and a mustache. He reminded me of a mouse. Once our water goblets were filled and he had taken our drink order, he twirled away.

Edmund watched me and shook his head. “I can't believe you're here, in Paris. This is such a wonderful surprise.”

“I agree.” Dad nodded. “It's so nice for me to finally get to meet one of Evie's Oxford friends.”

Conversation through dinner was easy and filled with laughter. I couldn't have asked for a better birthday present than these two men celebrating with me.

I nibbled at my pasta and watched them talk, thrilled they were getting along so well. I wanted so badly for them to like each other.

“Have you gotten your grades yet?” Edmund asked, interrupting my thoughts.

I shook my head. “Um, last time I checked nothing was posted.”

“They went up this afternoon.” He grinned.

“Really? Ugh, I'm dying to know how I did.” Finished with dinner, I folded my hands in my lap under the white tablecloth.

Edmund smiled his crooked smile at me. “You'll do fine. You were running circles around me when we studied.”

Dad sat back and watched. I knew he'd noticed the little glances between Edmund and me during dinner.

“So, how'd you do?” I reached up and brushed my hair back from my face.

“Top marks.” He took a sip of his champagne. “I'm relieved.”

I smacked his shoulder lightly and scoffed. “Like you had reason to worry.”

A crackling noise caught my attention. I turned to see our waiter carrying a chocolate cake with sparklers blazing toward our table. In a beautiful voice, he sang what I assumed was the French equivalent of happy birthday.

When he finished his song he said, “Joyeux anniversaire à la belle jeune femme.”

“Merci.” I grinned up at him and nodded, only vaguely certain he'd wished me a happy birthday.

When he left, Dad and Edmund sang to me again, this time in English.

“Make a wish,” Edmund whispered near my ear as I was about to blow out the candles.

I closed my eyes and held my breath.
Don't let this feeling ever end.
Opening my eyes, I exhaled.

Tendrils of smoke curled and danced off the extinguished sparklers. I looked to Edmund and smiled. Under the table, his hand grasped mine and gave it a squeeze.

Oh my God.
It hit me in a dizzying rush.
I love him.
The colorful room tilted in my vision.

I'm in love with him.

There was no going back; I was in too far and felt too much. I wanted him. There was only one option: take the leap, enjoy the ride down, and pray the landing didn't kill me.

My heart's going to get so mangled.

We dropped Dad off at the hotel under the guise of lingering jet lag. The wink he gave me when Edmund wasn't looking told a different story. Now back in the car, Edmund sat beside me and turned to watch me.

“Close your eyes.” He smiled.

My brow scrunched. “Why?”

One corner of his mouth hitched up. “I'm taking you somewhere and it's a surprise.”