Page 125 of The Wrong Royal

“We better slather you with sunscreen,” Theo teased. “Your fair skin is going to fry out here.”

Theo’s family had pulled out all the stops for our beach day. They had set up a colorful array of beach umbrellas and blankets. Ice chests filled with drinks and snacks created a little barricade of sorts around our area.

I took off my shorts but left the cover-up on. Theo’s younger siblings went straight for the water while his parents sat in their beach chairs keeping a close eye on everyone.

“Want to take a walk?” Theo asked.

“I do.”

He was wearing a pair of swim trunks and nothing else. His warm, tanned skin had me thinking about last night. We spent it together in the cottage, knowing it would likely be our last time together until we were married. Once we were back in the last session of Wed season, we would be under the watchful eye of my parents and the rest of the society.

“Theo, your family is incredible. I’ve had such an amazing day with them. They’re so close-knit and loving.”

He smiled, his hand squeezing mine as we walked. “I’m glad you think so. Family means everything to me, and I wanted you to experience that. I hope one day we can build a family just as wonderful as this.”

His words caught me by surprise, and my heart skipped a beat. The idea of building a family together had always seemed like a distant dream, something I wasn’t sure I would ever be ready for. But as I looked at Theo, the man I had come to care for deeply, and at his loving family, I couldn’t help but imagine a future where we could create our own world filled with love and happiness.

“Our children would be very lucky to have your parents as grandparents and they will be very blessed with aunts and uncles,” I said, laughing. “They are going to be spoiled.”

“Yes, they will,” he said, smiling. “And I’m going to love doing it.”

The water washed over my feet before sliding back. I inhaled the sea air and felt like this was where I was supposed to be. While I had my own ocean to frolic in, it was too damn cold to spend a lot of time in. This was the perfect weather.

We turned around and started walking back toward his family’s setup.

“Theo! Come on! Let’s throw the ball!” Archie called out.

“Go,” I said. “Play with your brother. Do what you would normally do. I’m going to grab a drink.”

He gave me a quick kiss and then ran down the beach. I watched him run into the water and tackle his brother. They both disappeared under the surf before they came back up laughing and sputtering. I shook my head and smiled. I hoped we would have sons that got along so well.

After watching the boys play for a while, Victoria and I meandered down the beach. I found myself sitting with Victoria, away from the laughter and chatter of the rest of the Ashford family. It was the first chance we got to sit and talk without Theo around.

“You know, Emilie, you got the best of the bunch,” she said.

“What do you mean?”

“Theo is one of a kind. Loyal, kind, and he’ll treat you right for the rest of your life. He’s the softie in the family. I mean he’s tough, but he’s also really thoughtful. He’s the one all of us go to when we need to talk about whatever is on our mind. He’s a good egg.”

“A good egg?” I asked.

“Yes, a good one,” she said, smiling. “I mean, I think he’s obnoxious, but he’s my big brother. I’m supposed to think that. But he’s a good one. You’re really lucky to have him.”

A soft smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I thought of Theo and all the moments we’d shared. “I can definitely tell,” I replied. “He’s one of the kindest people I have ever met. He’s very patient and understanding. He makes me calm just being around him. It’s like he puts my soul at ease.”

“Do you love my brother?”

Her question hung in the air. I took a moment to contemplate my feelings, to sort through the jumble of emotions that Theo awoke within me.

Finally, I met Victoria’s gaze, her eyes searching mine for an answer. “Yes,” I admitted softly. “I think I do.”

Victoria’s face lit up with a bright smile. She clapped her hands together in delight. “I knew it! That boy is head over heels for you, you know. He’s never been like this with anyone before.”

I felt a warm flush of happiness at her words. Theo’s affection and care had slowly chipped away at the walls I’d built around my heart, and now I couldn’t imagine my life without him in it. “That’s good to know,” I said.

“Seriously, he’s crazy about you,” Victoria said. “You make him happy. Really happy.”

“I hope it stays that way,” I said.