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Chapter 21
Last Updated:
2024-11-19 10:03:03
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The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 22
Sans Nick, returning to the house isn’t nearly as exciting as it normally is, when I know he’ll be here, whipping up something decadent—in the kitchen and in the bedroom. Hell, sometimes even in the shower. The living room. We’ve yet to do it in the dressing room or the mammoth office space that’s in the wing opposite the theater setup, yet I’d like to believe it’s only a matter of time before we cover all the virgin territory.But… Alas, I’m still considering he truly might get over me now that he’s had me numerous times in numerous ways. Also, given he’ll be an ocean away from me—and, who knows? He could meet someone and turn his romantic affection in that direction, with the caveat that he’s attempting to have a baby with another woman, of course.At that, I could already be pregnant and therefore we’ll no longer need to get naked together.Hmm.I have sufficiently depressed myself.Excellent job, Bailey.I’m mopey when I enter the foyer and Grayson takes note with a raised brow as
Last Updated : 2024-11-19The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 23
After dinner and more work in the office, I literally drag my feet when it’s time to retire to my suite, not the least bit interested in being in there alone, eyeing that big, empty bed. In fact, that big, empty bed seems even bigger than before and it’s not the only thing that’s empty. I feel a little hollow on the inside. Like there’s a chunk of me missing.Depressed and lonely.Holy hell, I thought I was fixing my problems, not adding to them!I grab the thick chenille throw that’s draped meticulously, though it’s meant to appear more haphazard, on the corner of the bench at the foot of the mammoth wooden frame and cross to the seating area, where I settle on the sofa, curled into the corner with a mound of pillows. The fire’s on a low setting and I listen to the snap and crackle of it, along with the sound of the waves crashing on the shore.This is heaven, but it seems more like a tormenting hell. There are way too many memories in this room and way too many opportunities that ar
Last Updated : 2024-11-19The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 24
“I asked her to hold off on divulging the news to you,” he continues. “So that I could be the one to share it.”“You wanted to be the one to tell me… And in person?”I’m mind blown. Stage One of our mission has been accomplished. As it goes, his work here is done. Now it’s up to my body and Dr. Shaw’s staff to see us through Stage Two.Yet he’s come all this way, just to inform me of something he could discuss with me over the phone.And he’s brought flowers.He’s truly thrilled about this.Of course, he is, you goof. He’s paying you to give him a child!I try to shake off my shock, but that might prove impossible.His head bends to mine and he murmurs, “Are you all right?”Honestly? I’m not sure.My heart has started beating again and it’s now ready to burst from my chest.And for the love of God, I swear I suddenly feel like I’m not alone inside my own body. I’m growing a tiny human in there.Oh. Fuck.Tears instantly spring to my eyes.“Bailey…” Nick’s hand cups the side of my face
Last Updated : 2024-11-19The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 25
I’m a bit rocked.And, I think, rightfully confused.The man must have a gazillion complications in his life. I can’t imagine he’d want to add another complexity—me.Bringing a child into the world will be difficult enough to contend with. Granted, he has “people.” Lots and lots of people who assist him in his daily routine. Of course, he does. And there will, without doubt, be nannies and tutors and others dedicated strictly to this kid.So I can believe that he does have that particular aspect under control.That, however, does not canvas me, per se.Apparently, he knows this. Because he throws me for another loop when he quietly continues. “What I’m not prepared for, Bailey—and what I should have had a contingency plan in place for—is you.” His intent gaze bores into me. “More specifically… How I feel about you.”My knees nearly shatter.For a few brief moments, all thought dissipates.Holding his gaze, I urge, “Please define that.”“Bailey…” Something mysterious flickers in his gr
Last Updated : 2024-11-19The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 26
I shouldn’t be so deeply affected. I’d never wanted a kid to begin with. I’d never considered getting married and settling down with a family. My dream has always, always been a different one, wrapped around a career.Until Nick Angelini came into my life.But I can’t obsess over that. I latch onto the original premise here, do everything I possibly can to recall I have a very specific path to follow.We are granting each other something special.Stay the course, Bailey.I have received my “gift.” It’s my duty to ensure Nick gets his.In fact… I actually think of it as an honor to follow through with this. After all, the man of royal descent chose me to bear his child.We must stick to the contract, henceforth.That notion nearly guts me, but… It’s necessary to shift to a more clinical focus. I mean, we should have opted for that from the beginning, but we can’t change the past. Just do a reboot and get back on track.This helps me to finally pull in ample breaths.I stand and swipe a
Last Updated : 2024-11-19The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 27
I hate to point out the obvious—that I’m a temporary fixture.But I do concede, if only to myself, that I’m going to be here for a while. This is going to be my home, until all is said and done with my contract.So rather than split hairs on where I belong, I merely say, “You do realize you have a gift.” This isn’t the first meal he’s made that has sent me to the moon and beyond.Interestingly, I suddenly realize…“You taught Nick to cook, didn’t you?”Grayson sips his sparkling water, averting his eyes for a moment.A telling sign.It takes some gumption, it seems, for him to glance back at me.“Bailey, I chose to instruct him in numerous ways after his mother passed. There were plenty other staff members to assist him, yes. But he was so amazingly curious about everything that I felt compelled to be the one to teach him as much as I possibly could, in whatever subject I excelled at. And learn alongside him in the ones I wasn’t strongly knowledgeable of.”I leave my spoon on the plat
Last Updated : 2024-11-19The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 28
On my way to the main house, I pull out my cell and call Mitch.He doesn’t know I’ve been trying to conceive. Hell, all he really knows is that I came into a substantial sum of money and turned the restaurant around. That I have a bodyguard, due to said substantial sum. And, also, a financial advisor. That’s how I conveniently refer to Nick in my professional world—even if Mitch has noted lingering gazes and palpable chemistry between us.I don’t plan on sharing with him my baby news until I feel stable about it. Some women wait until the second trimester for a reveal, when they feel everything’s moving along exactly as it should and they can make an official announcement. This makes sense to me.Unless I experience debilitating morning sickness or other side effects, I figure I can keep my condition under wraps for a few months. That gives me time to evaluate our entire operation and the staff. Determine what additional resources we need as I start to slow down, and certainly followi
Last Updated : 2024-11-19The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 29
“That’s a beautiful sentiment, Claire. And you’re very kind for expressing it. But you’re pondering in the realm of theory, not reality. Not my reality.”She lets out a puff of air that echoes my own dismay.But I’ve spent an entire lifetime with my feet on the ground, not with my head in the clouds. Other than with the restaurant, of course.And speaking of, I add, “I need to keep my focus on my reopening. So let’s not have this conversation again.”Okay, that’s a straight-on knife to the heart.However… I have to take this stance.We say pleasant goodbyes and disconnect. I go to my suite to retrieve my laptop and run through all the final details that must be in place before we officially greet our new customers.Mitch and I regroup in the dining room, following our respite, and we work with Gwen to ensure we’re as polished as we possibly can be, that the POS system is fully functional, and both the front and back of house are primed for our debut.For our soft launch, I’d previousl
Last Updated : 2024-11-19
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The Royal's Baby Proposal Epilogue #2
~ BAILEY ~Every time I think I can’t be more in love with this man… I fall even deeper under his spell.My arms twine around his neck and I lose myself in yet another searing kiss. His devilish tongue does wicked things to mine, sparking endless fireworks.My heart flutters and my blood sizzles through my veins.I have no clue as to how much time passes. We only briefly gasp for air here and there before we’re engaging in another scorching lip-lock. He has one hand on my ass and the other arm encircles my waist. He’s still holding the present I’ve given him, but neither of us seem to have that on our minds.My fingers thread his lush hair, and we’re pressed together so tightly, a sheath of paper couldn’t pass between us.And yet… That still doesn’t feel close enough.Damn the fact that we have to wear clothing in everyday life!I would be perfectly happy to be naked with this man twenty-four-seven. Also tangled up with him in absolute seclusion.Not a possibility at present, though.
The Royal's Baby Proposal Epilogue #1
~ BAILEY ~“I’m sorry… whhhaaat did you just say?” Claire stares at me as though I’ve grown a third eye and perhaps an extra nose.I smirk.Her expression doesn’t change. “Bailey-soon-to-be-Angelini, aka Your Majesty… With all due respect… Are. You. Shitting. Me?”Now, I laugh.She’s learned that term from me, with the correct punctuation.I snicker at her and say, “Feel free to bring the incredulity down ten notches. You and I both know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that planning a wedding in less than a month is not the hideous undertaking you’re insinuating it is, particularly for a woman of your mad skills.”The compliment does nothing to placate her.She shoots to her feet and begins to pace, partially obstructing my view of the fountain and the large pond surrounding it, which had been expeditiously “installed” while Nick and I were in California. Apparently, if I requested it, this portion of the estate—the outer perimeters of the private apartments—would be turned into a lake t
The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 55
~ NICK ~How could I not request this?Other than… Well… There are the standard obstacles, of course.She’s entangled in a “should I stay, or should I go?” tug of war that involves me, a child, and a restaurant—a dream she’s had forever. One that’s significant and fulfilling, given she’s achieved it primarily on her own. What help I’ve provided is financial. She’s the true victor in this vein, with her vision, ingenuity, and initiative. With her hard work.Thus, I understand I’ve just tossed her into a new mix of uncertainty. We haven’t resolved our current situation and now I’ve gone and complicated matters to the degree that her jaw slacks, she gazes at me with wide eyes, and she’s at a complete loss for words.That’s advantageous for me, so that I can explain, “I didn’t plan that, Bailey. Not necessarily. Though… It’s been on my mind. For some time. A long time, truthfully. Even before you came here.”She blinks. I’m guessing that’s to let me know she’s heard me. She just can’t res
The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 54
~ BAILEY ~Of course, I’m blown away. How can I not be?Sure, I’ve been made fully aware, at every turn, this is to be a formal event, and so I did have it in my head that no expense would be spared. However, that’s actually a vague phrase. While it’s true I can come up with some impressive dining and décor scenarios, and even went a little over-the-top with Bailey’s Clambake, I have not been sufficiently exposed to the word “excessive” in such a concentrated manner.Granted, the palace fits the term. Certainly. Though, it’s incredibly vast and spread out and not something that you take in all at once. Like, seriously, I can only process its grandeur in bits and bites.This gala, however, is in my face.There are chandeliers so beautiful, I want to weep. The one in the center of the room, hanging in the domed ceiling, is so huge, so stunning, I just can’t even… Fathom it.Coming from the gilt edges, which I have no doubt are twenty-four-karat gold (as is every fixture, I’m sure), are
The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 53
~ BAILEY ~We’re trapped in some bizarre time warp where our eyes are locked and there’s an electrical current arcing between us and every second that slips by is laced with anticipation.It’s Grayson who finally breaks the ice, discreetly clearing his throat. And quietly announcing, “The limo is ready.”“Thank you, Grayson.” Nick manages to speak.He raises a hand again and his thumb skims over his bottom lip.I resist the urge to bite mine, his absent gesture being so subtly sensual. Yet I remind myself not to ruin my lipstick.He takes a couple of wide strides toward me and my breath catches. He hears it. Sees it. And there’s a spark in his grey-green irises because of it.“You picked the most striking dress of all,” he tells me.Miraculously, I’m able to reply. Albeit breathily. Like, full-on Marilyn Monroe. “It’d probably look a lot better if I wasn’t pregnant.” Not that I regret being pregnant. That’s a total no-brainer.He comprehends my unspoken sentiment and gives another sha
The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 52
~ BAILEY ~I’m trying to breathe, but the gown I’m being fitted for doesn’t allow much opportunity for that. Time is of the essence today and I feel as though my entire existence is moving at the speed of light. Claire has taken over my schedule and there’s barely time to pee. Though, you know… I’m pregnant, so I must insist she build in potty breaks to avoid any sort of accident.And I won’t let her nix my daily reading with Antonio from my calendar. Unfortunately, it will be later in the morning and that will provide ample time, I’m sure, for word to reach him that I’m attending a gala with His Highness.Oh, that phrase completely curls my toes, when I actually know better—I shouldn’t let it curl my toes. Or send a rush of exhilaration through my veins. For the hour that I’ve been standing on a platform surrounded by full-length mirrors while two women work simultaneously to nip and tuck, and another one continually holds up shoes for inspection and then puts them against the dress
The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 51
~ BAILEY ~Nick snickers at me.I tell him, “Don’t you dare try to separate me from lobster mac and cheese.”He carefully unravels us. Grayson assists me into the chair he’s once again pulled out.I accept the napkin. Even bounce excitedly in my seat, which pleases both men. They’re clearly convinced I’m cured of the seafood curse, whether it was a psychological manifestation, or that the peanut genuinely isn’t into fish.But the truth is, her mom can’t go long without her fix. So.To tide me over, there is a prime cut of beef with an aromatic Hollandaise sauce I’m certain Grayson would have added crab legs to if I’d previously expressed my interest in dipping my toes into the water, as it were, this evening. Or he’d have gone straight for Oscar-style.No matter. I’m instantly famished and reach for the steak knife and a fork, completely bypassing the salad he’s also delivered.Normally, he does the customary presentation of individual courses, but given the hour and how Nick and I de
The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 50
~ BAILEY ~I might be building the perfect bridge.Well, maybe not totally perfect. But darn close to it.An hour of reading to Antonio leads to a half-hour of him sharing a quaint story from his childhood. One that does not involve magnificent horses and banners flying, or silver platters piled high with glorious desserts, or anything else expensive and exquisite that screams privilege. It’s simply a remembrance from when he was a small child and had wandered off in the forest during a group hunting expedition. He was alone and had panicked that he might not be able to find his way back. But he learned a handy trick. Look to the sky.The sun at noon offers a southern alignment. Since it rises in the east and sets in the west, Antonio was able to gauge an appropriate direction by the movement and shadows. He navigated toward the hunting encampment by the western lakeshore. His father had not yet sent out a search team for him. He’d allowed Antonio the opportunity to get his bearings a
The Royal's Baby Proposal Chapter 49
~ BAILEY ~“His baby mama?” I inquire, my brow raised.Her eyes pop again. “Absolutely not what I was going to call you! No one’s used that term. You’re his special guest. Though…” She turns more conspiratorial now. Even glances about to see if anyone’s within earshot. Satisfied no one will overhear us, she says, “Between you, me, and the lamppost—”“You know that phrase?” I’m surprised, truthfully. Despite her being quite capable of keeping up in our conversations without hitting language barriers too often.She squares her shoulders this time and tells me, “I’m well-versed in colloquialisms favored in numerous countries. However, I’m mostly fascinated with American adages. You have a very rich and diverse culture. I’m particularly intrigued with your musical stylings—such as hip-hop.”“You listen to hip-hop?”“Oh, yes! I have an extensive playlist. Anyway, I see why His Highness takes a great interest in your country.”A golden nugget is embedded in there, somewhere. I sense it. I j
