Her Christmas Prince. Catherine Mann

some developments back in Glendovia since you left. Positive ones, in my estimation. For one, plans for the Dream a Little Dream Foundation are moving forward. We’re estimating a March first start date for having everything up and running.”

      “I’m glad,” she said softly. She was happy that things were moving smoothly with the plans she’d put into effect before leaving. But she doubted Nicolas had flown all the way to America just to deliver an update.

      “For another, I’ve reconsidered my original desire to have you as my mistress.” His eyes met hers then, hard and unyielding. “It was shortsighted of me to believe that having you only temporarily would ever be enough.”

      Sliding across the seat, he wrapped his arms around her and tugged her against his chest. She went willingly.

      “I’ve missed you, Alandra,” he whispered against her hair. “I tried to forget you, tried to put you out of my mind and move on with what I knew I had to do.”

      His hands stroked her back, her neck, the side of her face. “But I couldn’t go through with my engagement to Lisette when only one woman filled my heart. You’re the one that I want, Alandra. Not as my lover or mistress, but as my wife.”

      Tipping her head back, she met his gaze, searching his startling blue eyes for the truthfulness in his words. And still she was afraid it was all a dream, that she would wake up to find herself alone, in her bed, with Nicolas nowhere around.

      “I broke my engagement to Princess Lisette. It’s caused a few hurt feelings and political problems between our two countries, but nothing that won’t heal in time. And I’ve informed my family—my mother, especially—that I was coming to get you and wouldn’t return unless you were at my side.”

      He slid his fingers through her hair, tugging loose the elaborate knot at the crown of her head and dislodging the tiny diamond clips holding it in place.

      “Tell me you love me, Alandra, as much as I love you. Tell me you’ll come to Glendovia with me, marry me and be my princess. My wife.”

      Her lashes fluttered as she struggled to absorb everything that Nicolas was saying. His determination and declaration of love, his willingness to put her before his responsibilities to the royal family and his country.

      There were so many questions spinning through her brain, but when she opened her mouth, only one thing came out.

      “I love you,” she murmured, her own arms lifting to curl around his shoulders and hold him as tightly as he was holding her. “It wouldn’t have hurt so much to leave if I didn’t.”

      His mouth curved in a gentle smile. “I’m very glad to hear that. Does this mean you’ll be my bride?”

      A thrill of happiness squeezed her heart. She wanted nothing more than to say, “Yes, yes, yes!” and cover his face with kisses. But fear had her tugging away, watching his expression to be sure everything really was okay and that she could accept his proposal without making matters in both their lives so much worse.

      “What about your mother?” she asked. “I don’t need to tell you how much she dislikes me, and she was horribly upset about those photographs showing up in the papers. I can’t imagine she’ll be very pleased to hear you’ve asked me to marry you.”

      “Whatever problems my mother has with you are her own, and she’ll have to learn to live with them. My feelings for you are what matter, and I can tell you quite unequivocally that I adore you.” The corners of his mouth curved up in a grin, and he paused a brief moment to press a kiss to her lips. “And I’ll have you know that the rest of my family is equally fond of you. They supported me one hundred percent when I told them of my plans to come here and try to win you back. My father included, and you can bet that he’ll do his best to bring my mother around.”

      “You’re sure about this?” Alandra asked softly. “I don’t want to do anything that could hurt you or bring trouble to your family and country.”

      “I couldn’t be more certain,” he told her, and the conviction in his tone filled her with relief. “I would give up my title for you, and if you ask it, I will. You’re all that I want, and I’ll do whatever it takes to have you.”

      She couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry as pure delight poured through her clear to her soul. “Would you take me to a hotel—one without balconies, thank you very much—and make love to me?”

      His eyes glittered dangerously, his hold around her waist tightening enough to have her gasping for breath.

      “A prince’s job is never done,” he murmured a split second before his mouth touched hers.

       Royal Holiday Bride

      Brenda Harlen

      To Sharon & Ken May~

      When I created the fictional island of Tesoro del Mar for the Reigning Men series, I was looking for a make-believe paradise. When you invited me to Exuma, I discovered that paradise is real—and it’s in the Bahamas.

      Thank you both so much for sharing it with me!