The Royal Major and the Executive, page 6
His look was full of challenge. He wanted his own demise, at her lips.
Turning back to her sister before he could continue with his alluring lines, she said, “Are you ready?”
“I was born ready.” Faith hurried across the suite to them.
“You are exquisitely beautiful, sweet Faith,” Chad told her sister.
Hope knew the reason he came across so charming was that his words also felt genuine, heartfelt even. The compliment to Faith was sincere and somehow not like he was hitting on her sister at all, just appreciating how beautiful she looked and wanting her to feel good about herself.
She and Chad walked into the spacious hallway hand in hand. Faith bounced as she walked, and in a rush she started telling Chad all about her hike and the swoony Captain Levi Favor.
“Levi is a great man,” Chad said. “I’d trust him with my mum and the king’s lives, but I told you … You will not date one of my men, and especially not Levi.”
Faith only laughed. “Just because you’re my adopted big brother does not mean you’re the boss of me.”
Hope smiled. She enjoyed their teasing and appreciated that Chad was filling a role Faith desperately need in her life. Not just a big brother, but almost a surrogate father. After their mom got fed up with the repeated affairs, moved to Costa Rica, and found a man who could be faithful to her, their dad only stayed long enough to sell their home in Oceanside, move them into a small apartment, and set up an account that Grace could access that had enough money to pay the bills and keep them fed until Grace turned eighteen and could get a full-time job. Grace worked long hours at a nearby grocery store but her smart and talented sister wasn’t content. Together they brainstormed their talents and what they were passionate about. They created Lady Fit shortly after Hope’s eighteenth birthday. Hope became a personal trainer and soon had a flourishing clientele. They used that extra money to help them survive while they all built their business.
“I require your expert assistance, beautiful Hope,” Chad said, escorting them down the grand staircase as if they were royalty. Hope felt like a princess in this dress, this castle, and with this man close. “Faith must be protected at all costs from a rough and tumble military man. Correct?”
“I don’t know. Captain Levi sounds pretty dreamy.” She winked at him. If only she could be protected from Chad’s charm, alluring accent, handsome face …
“He’s not,” Chad said flatly. “He’s tough and well-trained and efficient. There is nothing dreamy or swoony or charming about the man.”
Faith laughed as if that was the most hilarious thing she’d ever heard.
A myriad of voices ascended to them as they hit the second floor. They reached the huge open foyer of the castle and ran into the bridesmaids and groomsmen preparing to walk down the exterior castle steps before the bride. Hope’s heart thundered against her chest as she took in prince and princess after prince and princess. Oh my. They were extraordinary human beings—royal, wealthy, gorgeous, radiant, and all smiling with welcome at her and Faith.
“All right then.” Chad grinned as if nothing were amiss and these were his people. They actually were. She’d known that for years, but seeing him in their midst still blew her mind. He was their friend and fit perfectly here.
He pumped his eyebrows at Hope. “Seeing as my royal friends are dominating the grand entrance, perhaps we should exit through a different route.”
Everyone laughed at that.
“I think y’all should parade right out them there front doors like the main attraction,” Princess Aliya said to them in her cute southern accent. “Show off your latest conquest to the world. The press will gobble that juicy bit up.”
His latest conquest. Hope had been caught up in the wonder of this evening and feeling like a princess herself, especially with the way Chad looked at, talked to, and treated her. Now, in the presence of all the fabulous royal family, she felt like just another pretty face. Did everyone have to remind her that Chad was a philanderer?
“Y-You’re … Princess Hattie Ballard,” Faith gasped out, pointing at a gorgeous dark-haired lady.
“Hattie Ballard August,” the lady corrected, grinning. “Pleasure to meet you.”
The woman was infamous for a lot of reasons. She’d associated with famous people the world over and then been framed for murder. Hope was drawn to her confidence. She appeared sassy and friendly at the same time.
“My friends.” Chad gestured around the group of perfect princes and princesses. Hope was always impressed by him, but he fit with this royal group, as accomplished and perfect and charming as any of them. “This is my exquisite girlfriend, Hope Radisson, and her sister Faith. They own Lady Fit, a chain of highly successful fitness centers and retail stores throughout America.”
Hope saw the stunned looks on most of the royal family’s faces. Had Chad ever had a girlfriend? Why did he keep insisting on calling her that?
“I know Faith and Hope!” Princess Kiera called out.
“Yes, you do.” Chad smiled and then pointed to the left. “This is Derek and Ellery, Steffan and Hattie, Curt and Aliya, General Ray and Macey, you know Tristan and Jenn, and this is Sunny.”
Everybody waved hello as they were introduced. It was interesting that the general was the only one Chad gave a title to. General Ray looked very intimidating and tough.
The little girl gave Chad an impertinent look, fluffing her white lace dress. “I am the Princess Sunny of Augustine. You cannot forget that.”
The Augustinian accent on the child was adorable. Sunny was irresistible.
Chad smiled tenderly at the child, and it hit Hope like a ton of bricks. If Chad would’ve secured Sophie Pederson’s heart, this would’ve been his daughter.
“Forgive me, the Princess Sunny. You look superbly beautiful today.”
“Thank you, my friend Chad.” The six-year-old talked like an adult. “Of course I forgive you. You are suberb, super …” she shook her head, “very handsome, and your new girlfriend is very beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Hope said.
“We had better rush through the back staircase and find our seats so you all can proceed with your wedding duties,” Chad said.
“Nice to meet you all,” Hope said.
“Incredible to meet you all,” Faith gushed.
They all waved and smiled. Classy, beautiful, and kind people. Chad was blessed to have friends like these. Hope didn’t have friends besides Faith and her employees. Chad was her most exciting and enticing friend.
If she refused to move past ‘friend’ would she lose him in her life? The thought stabbed at her gut. Lonely and depressing wouldn’t begin to describe her world without Chad.
Chapter Six
Chad directed Hope and Faith gallantly down the long hallway and two more sets of stairs.
“I can’t believe I just met the royal family,” Faith’s voice was out of breath and airy.
“Everyone except Malik, Sophie, and King Nolan,” Chad said. “We will make certain to complete your royal introductions after the ceremony.”
“Yay!”
Hope wasn’t nearly as exuberant about it as Faith, but she was enamored with the royals. It was surreal to be in this castle and meeting princes and princesses, being escorted to a royal wedding. She knew how close Chad was to them. It explained his charm and confidence. How could he not be confident being a natural part of a group as impressive as the one they’d just met?
They hurried through a side hallway and out into the spacious courtyard where the wedding would be held. It was a chilly but gorgeous fall afternoon. The wedding area was picture perfect, glowing in the late afternoon sun. All the hard work she’d witnessed earlier had paid off to a mystical wedding setting with an overabundance of floating white and silver in the form of chiffon, gossamer, tulle, and organza. Myriads of different flowers in pots, hanging baskets, centerpieces, and sprays brought in natural and becoming color. The castle and everything else seemed to glow like an ethereal diamond. Hope had never glimpsed anything so magical and otherworldly. She was in a dream.
The groom was already standing next to the pastor, an arch covered in gauzy white satin and flowers behind them, next to a courtyard wall. Prince Malik was a very handsome dark-haired man. He had swarthier skin that any of his brothers besides Prince Steffan but shared the distinctive blue eyes. He shifted from foot to foot, obviously a little nervous, but the confident smile on his face and glint in his blue eyes said otherwise.
Chad saluted the groom, and Prince Malik’s grin grew as he lifted a hand to him. He gave Hope an approving smile that made her feel welcome. Who had trained these royals to be so kind and almost unassuming? She’d imagined it was King Nolan and the deceased Queen Anne. They must have been the most loving and wonderful parents. She wasn’t jealous but couldn’t relate to wonderful parents or royal blood.
Prince Malik was off-the-charts handsome, but he didn’t hold a candle to Chad’s appeal in Hope’s mind.
“I apologize for the wait, but we will introduce you after the ceremony,” Chad said as he escorted them to their seats.
A classically beautiful lady with shoulder-length blonde hair and Chad’s emerald green eyes stood as they approached her.
“Chad!” she cried out.
He held on to Hope’s hand as he hugged the lady. “Good evening, the most beautiful Mum on earth.”
A man stood next to the lady. He was distinguished looking, average height, with salt and pepper in his beard and hair.
Chad glanced at the man as he released his mother from the hug. His grip on Hope’s hand tightened, and a muscle popped in his jaw.
“Chad. You remember Roger Pitcher. He’s served on several committees with me.”
“I know who he is.” Chad said, not an ounce of his usual charm in his voice, his mouth and shoulders tight. He turned and focused on Hope just as the man extended his hand to shake. “Mum, I’m honored to introduce you to Hope Radisson and her sister Faith. This is my mum, Madeline Prescott.”
Why did he leave out the girlfriend part that time?
“It’s wonderful to meet you, Hope and Faith.” His mom was still warm, though she obviously didn’t appreciate that Roger had to drop his hand and Chad pretended as if he hadn’t seen the gesture. “I’ve heard so much about the both of you.” She focused on Hope, a twinkle now in her emerald eyes. “Especially you, Hope. I look forward to spending time with both of you.”
“Thank you.” Hope felt a stirring in her breast. Chad’s beautiful and accomplished mother had heard so much about them, especially her. She liked that. Madeline was a member of Augustine’s parliament and Hope had wondered if she’d be distant or cold, but she was as warm and kind as the mother Hope had never truly known. She had a nurturing air about her and love radiated from her emerald eyes. Another clear reason why Chad was so confident and accomplished. Where Hope had to claw her way to confidence and success, Chad had love engrained in him that helped create the impressive man he was.
Music began. Chad held on to Hope’s hand as they sat, then he slid his arm around her. It was the most natural thing in the world to cuddle into him and rest her hand on his muscled thigh. He gave her a smile that radiated through her body.
The double doors to the castle opened, and Hope felt like she was in a fairytale as she watched the picture perfect wedding procession glide down the steps. Cameras were of course snapping like mad.
The long staircase was framed by water features and flowers that must’ve been planted this morning or they would’ve frozen in the cold. She should’ve been cold, but with Chad’s arm around her she was warm—sizzling, truly.
Princess Sunny led the way. The child was endearing. She took her role of scattering rose petals and bequeathing kind smiles on her loyal subjects very seriously.
Kiera was next, and then the rest of Prince Malik’s family came down the steps, each powerful, beautiful, and successful in their own right. An extraordinary family. Even if they weren’t the monarchs of this magical kingdom.
The preacher asked that the audience stand, and Prince Malik’s face broke into a huge grin. Hope looked back to the steps and saw future-princess Sophie standing at the top between the king and a smaller man who must’ve been her father. Hope had never seen both dads escort the bride, but she loved it. How lucky Sophie was to have two dads who each beamed proudly and shadowed her protectively as they eased down the huge staircase.
She sized the bride up. Not as competition, per se, but Sophie was the closest thing to a girlfriend Chad had ever had. Was he still heartbroken over her? Sophie was gorgeous, radiant, and obviously in love with her princely fiancé.
The two dads, one of them the distinguished king, walked Sophie to her future husband. Prince Malik stared at her as if the sun couldn’t possibly shine without her in his life.
The wedding proceeded, and it was ideal in every way. At times Hope felt like she was in a fairy tale, not real life.
Hope tried to notice if Chad got stiff or uncomfortable with the woman he’d loved marrying his friend. His warm body sometimes stiffened against her, but every time that happened he was casting glances at the man whose arm was around his mother’s shoulders. He seemed happy and at ease with the bride and groom. Why did he dislike Roger Pitcher?
As the wedding finished with an Oscar-worthy kiss from the prince and his new princess, they all cheered. The media’s cameras were going insane. Hope savored every second of the whole fairy-tale princess story. It was truly magical. The setting, the flowers, the décor, the picture perfect yet benevolent royals, the very air seemed to sparkle.
The bride and groom didn’t walk back down the wedding aisle but stayed where they were and accepted hugs and congratulations from Prince Malik’s large family and Princess Sophie’s parents. Princess Sunny leaped into her new dad’s arms, and Hope wished she could hear what they were saying. She saw the king hugging Princess Sophie and wished she could feel a dad hug like that. King Nolan and his wife had raised all of these royals. She could only imagine how heartbroken the king and his family were over the queen’s death but they were all smiles today.
Chad helped her up. She stretched, never one to sit for long.
“That was the most beautiful wedding ever,” Faith said.
“Wait until ours,” Chad murmured in Hope’s ear.
Hope straightened away from him. How could he possibly take their teasing that far? The girlfriend thing was a lot, and the love of his life or only woman in the world for him was over the top, but claiming they would marry? Ridiculous and inconceivable. She would never follow in her mom’s footsteps and marry a man who couldn’t be faithful. It wouldn’t only destroy her; it would destroy her future children as well. The way Faith already loved Chad, she’d be almost as devastated as Hope was when he cheated on her.
Him saying a line like that was unacceptable.
She stepped away from his touch and clasped her hands together. Chad’s gaze focused on her, but before he could say anything, Roger said, “Excuse me, Madeline. I’ll be right back.”
“See you soon.” Madeline smiled at him.
He hadn’t gone a few steps when Chad turned to his mother. “Mum, what are you thinking? The man’s a slime and his son is worse.”
Madeline’s emerald eyes looked injured and very feisty. “I don’t demand you quit your philandering lifestyle.” Her tone softened. “I know how overprotective you are of me, my precious boy, but I would expect you could be happy for me if I found someone.”
Chad looked as if she’d slapped him. Hope felt sick to her stomach. Even his mother admitted he was a playboy.
“Mum … I apologize.”
“I love you and all the times you’ve protected me,” she said softly. “But please trust my judgment as well.”
“I love you too, Mum.”
“I know you do. It was nice to meet you, Hope and Faith. I pray I’ll see you both soon.” She gave Chad one last searching look, spun on her heel, and walked away.
Chad’s fists clenched. He watched his mother go and then zeroed in on Roger, who was speaking to one of the royal guards.
“Is everything okay?” Hope asked, touching his arm.
Chad turned back to her. His face was filled with frustration, but he softened as he focused on her. “My apologies. I have been overprotective at times as you wouldn’t believe the number of men who have chased her over the years, some not taking no for an answer. I do want her to find someone and be happy.”
Hope could see he meant his words, and she loved that he’d protected his mom.
“I simply don’t understand why she’d be with a chameleon like that man. Roger’s son Ramone is a junior member of parliament and a friend of the scum Treven Rindlesbacher. Thankfully Ramone was not on the exclusive guest list today. Mum must have gotten Roger in.” He shook his head and straightened. “Forgive me.”
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I can see how worried you are and it’s obvious how much you love her.”
She realized how exclusive the guest list was. She’d been blessed to be included because of Chad.
“Thank you.” He took her hand again. She should’ve probably protested, but she didn’t have it in her. He seemed to need her right now.
“What did you think of the wedding?”
“It was unreal. Magical truly.” She paused then added, “Princess Sophie is the most gorgeous bride.”
He studied her. “I am certain to Malik, Sophie is the most exquisite woman in the world. Personally, only you hold that title in my mind.”
Hope didn’t know how to respond. Her pulse raced and her stomach gave a happy lurch.
Chad smiled knowingly. He had her in his charming grasp, and he didn’t mind giving her a moment to breathe. “Faith.” He turned to her sister. “How was your first royal wedding?”
Faith had stars in her eyes. “It was incredible, fantastic, a true fairy tale. Princess Sophie is the luckiest woman in the world.”
