Epilogue
EPILOGUE
ONE YEAR LATER
“I wish the Crones could see me now. My goddaughter, a princess .” Auntie Soo placed her teacup back on the saucer with a dainty touch, glancing out to the gardens framed by the windows of the yellow sitting room.
Emma didn’t remind her that those meddlesome matchmakers had definitely watched the wedding ceremony. They were much too nosy not to have watched when Emma and Michel’s wedding was televised far and wide. Rouleme rarely made international headlines, but the media couldn’t resist a royal wedding, especially when the bride was an Asian American commoner. The outpouring of support they received from around the world drowned the toxic bigotry into pesky squeaks. And her family, new and old, swatted even those away so vigilantly that the sharp digs didn’t leave scars on her.
Even so, all the attention made Emma a bit weary. Michel assured her that it would soon fade and they would become old news. She hoped her husband was right. Thank goodness her father-in-law had promised to push back his “retirement” and continue his reign for a few more years. She would have time to master this princess business before she had to learn how to be a queen and become new news again.
But the king’s motives weren’t entirely altruistic. Based on his pointed hints, he didn’t want Emma and Michel stressed out when they should be concentrating on giving him grandchildren. Her dad was the king’s staunchest ally in this endeavor.
“Though I must say,” her godmother continued with a contented sigh, “they have been much more pleasant to deal with recently.”
“I thought you wouldn’t have to deal with the Crones once you retired,” Emma murmured, sipping her tea.
“That is precisely why I find them more pleasant.” Her godmother winked. “Because I don’t see them anymore.”
“It’s so good to have you here, Imo. I wish you didn’t have to leave so soon.”
“Jeremy and Steven are good boys, but their wedding’s going to be a disaster if I don’t take over the planning.” Auntie Soo reached out to pat Emma’s knee. “Besides, I’ll see you and Michel at the wedding in a few months. Right?”
“Of course.” Emma smiled. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
Unlike Gabriel and Sophie’s wedding. Those assholes got married in an LA courthouse without telling anybody . Emma could’ve killed them if she wasn’t so ridiculously happy for them. At least she and Michel would be able to attend Sophie’s first exhibit when they were in town for Jeremy and Steven’s wedding.
“Auntie Soo.” Michel strode into the sitting room and bowed from the waist to her. Then he settled a warm hand at the nape of Emma’s neck and pressed a kiss on her temple. “And how has your day been, my darling wife?”
“Busy as usual,” she said, letting her eyes soak up her handsome husband. “Auntie Soo and I attended the opening of the new community center in Halle.”
“She means she spent most of her time in their kitchen,” her godmother added with an affectionate eye roll.
“I spent some time in there.” Emma pursed her lips. “It’s a fantastic kitchen, by the way.”
Michel’s eyebrows drew into a faint furrow. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “How are you feeling? Not too tired, I hope.”
“I feel absolutely fine.” Emma squeezed his hand. They had heard the baby’s heartbeat for the first time a couple of days ago at her prenatal appointment. She was only eight weeks along, so it remained their secret for now, and she hoped to keep it that way for a few more weeks. “Don’t fuss.”
“Let me. Taking care of you is my privilege.” Michel lifted her hand and kissed the inside of her wrist. She sucked in a sharp breath as a shiver ran down her spine. Her husband’s wide mouth quirked into a knowing grin.
“Come to think of it,” Emma said, rising to her feet, “I am a little tired. I think I’ll go lie down until dinner. Will you be okay on your own, Imo?”
“Silly child. Didn’t you know I am my favorite company?” Auntie Soo flapped her hand, shooing her away. “Besides, I promised to visit Princess Celine later today.”
“Tell my aunt we said hello. And I’ll see that Emma gets her rest,” Michel promised gallantly even as his hand wrapped possessively around her waist.
Her godmother barely restrained herself from rolling her eyes again. “See that you do.”
“Somebody’s in a hurry.” Emma had to skip to catch up with Michel’s impatient strides. “Are you sure you don’t have somewhere to be?”
“Antoine will cover for me,” he said without slowing down.
“You’re going to have to give him a raise for all the covering he’s been doing for you these past few months,” she teased.
“And whose fault is that?” Michel cocked an eyebrow at her. “If you’re worried, you could try being a little less irresistible.”
“Not possible.” She grinned cheekily.
His gaze dropped to her mouth, and his hand tightened around her waist. They were nearly running by the time they reached their chambers. As soon as the bedroom door closed behind them, Michel’s mouth was on hers, hungry and desperate.
“Have I told you today how much I love you?” he said against her lips.
“Maybe, but no one’s stopping you from saying it again.” She laughed when he swung her up into his arms and strode to their bed.
“I love you.” He kissed her deeply as he laid her down on her back. “I love you so much.”
“I love you, too,” she said breathlessly.
“Are you happy, darling Emma?” He gently covered her body with his, holding on to her gaze. “Do I make you as happy as you make me?”
“Yes, Michel.” This might not be the life she’d always dreamed of, but their love was everything that she could ever have hoped for. She smiled up at her husband with the brilliance of incandescent happiness. “You’re the best decision I’ve ever made.”