Epilogue #3
My husband groans. "So that’s why you’re on board. You think Ryot’s assignment will help forge closer relations with royalty. In fact—" He does a double take, then shakes his head. "Nope, that can’t be it."
Ryot’s frown deepens.
Arthur watches my husband with interest. "Go on then, spit it out, boy."
"Nope. I don’t believe it. In fact, I’m quite sure, not even you could be that devious"—he rubs his chin—"could you?" He narrows his gaze on Arthur, whose features take on an innocent veneer. And that convinces me, my husband is onto something.
Ryot glares at my husband. Something passes between them, and he scoffs. "No fucking way, am I falling for that."
"For what?" I look between Ryot and my husband. "What is it? Will someone explain it to me?"
Ryot continues to scowl at Knox, then he turns to me.
"Your husband suspects, as do I, that Arthur thinks my becoming a bodyguard for a princess means there's every possibility I'll fall for her and marry her, thus fulfilling his aspirations for his grandsons, but"—he nods at Arthur—"you can put away your machinations. That’s not going to happen. "
For someone who prefers not to speak too much, Ryot sure isn’t holding back his opinion. He must be wary that Arthur will try to get him settled down next.
Arthur schools his expressions into one of virtue, which comes off as anything but. "Surely, you can’t be accusing me of being that devious."
Ryot sneers, "You are that devious. And if it weren't for the fact I know this assignment is genuine, I'd suspect you of manipulating it so Quentin’s security company got it. But not even you could have predicted I’d be joining him, so—" He rolls his shoulders. "So, for what it’s worth, I’m glad you think it’s important to give me your assent, but I wasn’t asking for it.
And I couldn’t care less what you think of it.
And it would've satisfied me to no end if you were pissed off, which is what I was aiming for, but what-fucking-ever.
" He turns to Knox. "I came, only because you called me and I’m truly happy for the both of you.
" He turns to me, and his features soften.
"I know my brother loves you and I can tell you’re good for him.
I wish the two of you the absolute best, and—" His phone buzzes.
He pulls it out, and whoever he reads on the screen has him setting his jaw.
A change comes over him. He becomes even more distant; his stance grows stiffer.
When he looks up, his gaze is already remote.
"You have to go," Knox says with resignation.
"I do." He nods at Knox. "Wishing you the best, brother. I'm confident you’re going to make an amazing father." Then, he half bows in my direction. "Any time the two of you need anything, I’m at your disposal." Then, without another glance in Arthur’s direction, he turns and leaves.
Knox turns to Arthur. "There’s someone here I think you’ll want to meet."
Arthur arches an eyebrow, and the gesture is so Knox-like, I stare. Damn, if Knox doesn’t get some of his surliness from this old man. Only, I sense the tenderness in Knox, while Arthur… Not sure if he has a soft bone in his entire body.
"Who would that be?" Arthur asks with curiosity.
Laughter rings out, and Arthur pales. "Is that?" He swallows.
Knox nods. "Imelda’s here." Then he shuffles his feet.
"I apologize for not warning you she was within earshot of our conversation in my office.
I didn't realize how much it would impact your relationship.
But, having found my own happily ever after, I want you to have the same.
Of course, knowing how much of a stubborn, old codger you are, I figured I needed to do my bit to bring the two of you face-to-face. "
Arthur swallows. He looks genuinely moved by Knox’s gesture. "You don’t have to apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong. I was the one who was too stubborn to acknowledge my emotions."
"Sounds familiar," Knox murmurs.
"I’m glad you found a woman to make you face up to your feelings. And when I realized I'd lost Imelda, it was a shock. Enough to make me see the error of my ways." He rubs the back of his neck. "I guess I owe her an apology."
"She’s right there." Knox looks past him. "And she’s noticed you. You’d better go to her before she decides to leave."
Arthur squares his shoulders. "Wish me luck." He turns and walks toward Imelda. Imelda sees him coming, pivots, and heads toward the door. Arthur hurries his pace. "Imelda, wait."
They disappear into the hallway. "You think they’ll be okay?" I ask.
Knox pulls me closer. "That’s in Arthur’s hands."
"And Ryot? Do you think Arthur—"
"Manipulated things so Ryot got put on the bodyguard detail with the Princess?" Knox grunts. "I wouldn’t put it past him. Either way, Arthur would be ecstatic if Ryot and the Princess fell in love. But will Ryot see it that way?”
To find out what happens next read Ryot and Princess Aurelia’s story here
To find out what happens next, read Ryot and Aurelia’s story in The Reluctant Wife
Want a bonus epilogue featuring Knox & June and their son? Click here