Page 47 of A Royal Obligation
“Didn’t they go to a local town market for a group date onThe Perfect Matchrecently?” Liam asked him in a whisper.
“No.” Barrett’s voice squeaked as he whispered back his response. “This is definitely an original idea.”
“If you say so.”
Barrett glared at Liam before turning to Charlotte.
“Do you see any vendors or shops you would like to look at?”
“I don’t know that I could choose.” Her eyes wandered around all the booths in awe.
“Allow us to escort you through all of them then,” Prince James said as he offered her his arm. She took it and walked off with Liam and James as Liam’s bodyguard trailed them.
“I guess that leaves the two of us,” Jules said in a soft voice.
“So it does.” He smiled at her and motioned for her to lead the way.
They walked through the rows of vendors. Some had stands filled with homemade goods like Christmas cookies and winter breads from local farm owners. Other booths had goods like homemade soap, macrame plant holders, and ornaments. One of the stands was even a build-your-own wreath station. At the end of the street sat a plethora of food trucks with any kind of cuisine one could imagine.
“Are you hungry?” Barrett asked.
“I’m always down for good food.”
“What would you like? Lobster mac and cheese? Garbage burger? Huevos rancheros? Loaded fries? Candied nuts?”
“Um, all of the above?” Her eyes widened as she took in all the trucks.
Barrett took a deep breath in, inhaling the smell of delicious, fried foods mixed with the tantalizing scent of Mexican spices and the strong garlic aroma from the Italian truck.
“As you wish, my lady. You can get the drinks. I’ll take care of the rest.” He walked around and ordered food from each truck. He had Jackson help him carry all of it to a picnic table that Jules was waiting at near an outdoor heater.
“I got a hot chocolate, chai tea latte, and a warm apple cider along with some water for us. I hope those are okay,” Jules said as she pointed out each drink on the table. She gasped when she saw Barrett and Jackson’s full arms. “Is all that food for us?”
“I got a little bit of everything.” Barrett shrugged his shoulders and set everything down. His bodyguard set his load down as well and began to walk away. “Jackson, please join us. There is more than enough food for the two of us.”
“At the same table as you, Your Highness?”
“Of course.” Barrett gestured to the table, and Jackson reluctantly sat down.
He and Jules opened the containers and started to dig in.
“Have you tried the loaded fries?” he asked.
She took a scoop with her fork. “Ohhh. Those are amazing. I’ve never met a potato I didn’t like, but those are especially good.”
“What’s been your favorite bite so far? Aside from the fries?”
“I would honestly have to say the pulled pork empanada. The pastry was so flaky and the spices were spot on.” She licked her fingers before taking a sip of her chai tea latte. “How about you?”
“I’m particular to the chicken shawarma sandwich. It’s unlike anything we have at the palace.” Barrett wiped his mouth with a napkin. “What was your favorite, Jackson?”
“The garbage burger. Whoever thought to put mac and cheese and an onion ring on a burger at the same time was a genius.” Jackson took another big bite, his eyes rolling back in his head.
They finished up their food and walked to the meeting point they had established with the rest of the group. Jules and Barrett arrived there only a moment before Charlotte walked up with Liam and James.
“Look at what Liam got me.” Charlotte held up a wicker basket filled with fancy, homemade soaps along with a box of colorful, winter-flavored macarons.
“I was going to get you something, as well.” Barrett turned around and walked to the nearest vendor. He bought their finest poinsettia. “Here.” He handed the plant to Charlotte who gladly accepted it.