Chapter Twenty

 

One week after Rose and Ty’s 1920s glam wedding, the phones at Royal Weddings Incorporated rang like Amelia had been named a multi-million-dollar lottery winner. In some ways, she had. The publicity from the wedding had been better than she expected, with photos and stories running in every major and most minor publications in the country. Even foreign media had contacted her seeking behind the scenes details, as well as information about her time with Prince Oscar.

She protected his privacy and remained very careful about what she shared. She’d seen photographs of him on TV more times than her heart could handle, and even caught part of an interview he’d given a Montecelian journalist. Wearing an expensive looking suit and a charming smile, he’d clearly stepped back into his royal life with grace and ease.

And she went to the office everyday projecting a confident and strong attitude, while deep down, she wanted to curl up in a ball and cry. When she said goodbye to Oscar, she hadn’t realized how deeply and extensively she’d miss him.

Today, the time had flown by quickly. Only a few more emails to reply to then she could call it quits, go home, and attempt to keep her mind off him. A noise sounded from outside her office, and she glanced up from her computer screen to see a wonderful surprise. With her heart pounding, she jumped up out of her chair and screamed.

“Lilly…Astrid, what are you doing here?” Emotion lumped in Amelia’s throat, bringing with it the sting of tears. Her loneliness, which had gripped her heart tight, eased.

Astrid rushed forward and enfolded her in a hug. “Your mom called and said you needed some emotional back-up.”

“So here we are.” Lilly spread her arms wide. “I brought my collection of romantic comedy DVDs, and Astrid has a case of wine in the back seat of her car. Both known antidotes for a broken heart.”

With an ache in her chest, Amelia hugged Lilly then went to close the door. The last thing she needed was more gossip around the office regarding her relationship with Oscar. “You didn’t have to come all this way to patch me back together.” She sighed and wiped a tear from her eye. Both women had busy lives and businesses to run, and they’d dropped everything to help lift her spirits. “But I’m glad you did.”

“Shut down your computer,” Lilly said with her no-nonsense attitude. “We can stop for takeout then go back to your place. Drink bottles of Astrid’s wine and catch up.”

“How did you find the time to leave the farm?” Amelia asked Lilly, who owned and operated a honey bee farm in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. Her friend had recently cut her auburn locks, and now the ends brushed the tops of her shoulders. “You’re always so busy this time of year.”

Lilly shrugged. “You find time for the people who matter. Plus, I need some advice from you two as well, which means my trip isn’t totally selfless.”

“Still hunting for a husband?” Astrid lowered onto one of the upholstered chairs by Amelia’s desk and crossed her legs.

Her pink hair was a change since the last time Amelia had seen her. Though, Astrid had a different hair color every time they got together. In college, she’d blown through her hair stylist’s entire color catalogue, ending with a raven black bob on graduation day.

“Unfortunately, yes.” With cheeks glowing pink, Lilly bit at the side of her fingernail and wrinkled her freckled nose. “Twelve more months to either marry to get my inheritance or find another way to come up with enough cash to keep the farm.”

“You still have time.” Amelia wrapped an arm around Lilly’s shoulders. Her friend had been cursed with a great aunt who delighted in torturing her heir from beyond the grave. Either Lilly marry by the time she turns forty or she loses over a million-dollar inheritance. Two years ago, Amelia helped Lilly plan a wedding to the man of her dreams. When Lilly’s fiancé called off the nuptials on the morning they were supposed to become man and wife, Amelia had shared in her friend’s heartbreak. “You can figure out a way to save the farm without settling for a marriage of convenience.”

Astrid laughed. “There’s always my brother.”

“Peter.” Both Amelia and Lilly groaned together.

“No offense, Astrid, but Pete’s really not my type,” Lilly said with a laugh. “And I’m not his. A real woman, not a video game avatar.”

With a shrug, Astrid smiled. “Worth another try. I promised Mom I’d help find a way to get him out of her house.”

“Let’s change the subject off of husbands, brothers, and men in general. How’s business these days?” Lilly asked as she gazed at the stacks of paperwork on Amelia’s desk.

“Good,” she said. “We’re busier than ever. I’ve been contacted by a few former employees who left for Elegant Engagements and are looking to come back.” In a twist of fate, the reality show Elegant Engagements was meant to be a part of had been delayed. She’d admit she felt a tinge of schadenfreude when she heard the news.

Astrid tipped up her head to gaze at Amelia from her seated position. Her bright blue eyes held a touch of sadness. “I know how much you love your business, but do you ever think maybe there’s more to life?”

“What do you mean?” she asked, though she already understood the question. Too many nights recently she’d lie awake, asking herself if she needed a change—of scenery, of purpose, or simply of the heart.

“I’m afraid one day you’ll regret spending every moment working.” Lilly walked over to the bookshelf filled with business awards and honors.

Amelia felt a tug in her chest, pulling her toward a man who lived half a world away. “What if my heart is here, in my office, surrounded by work I love?”

Astrid stood and lightly patted her right hand on her chest. “Don’t forget to dream.”

A knock sounded on the door. When Amelia gave the instruction to come in, Nia slowly opened the door and entered the office.

“Hey, ladies.” Nia glanced at Amelia. “There’s a delivery man here with a letter for you. He needs your signature for the delivery.”

She followed Nia to the front desk and accepted the envelope, then signed the paper he set before her. “Thank you,” she said before he exited. Who would have sent something so fancy? Could be a thank you card or invitation to a high class fundraiser event. Or more likely, junk mail.

She returned to her office and tossed it onto her desk. “Let’s get out of here. How about I call Gino’s and order a pan of lasagna? Do you have any red in your case of wine, Astrid?”

“Of course.” Astrid grinned. “I’m like a Girl Scout…always prepared.”

“What’s in the envelope?” Lilly picked it up and inspected it. “You need to open this.”

Amelia took the envelope out of Lilly’s fingers. That one was always the nosiest of the trio. “Fine, but it’s probably nothing important.” Amelia pulled out the silver letter envelope opener from the top drawer of her desk. With a tug, she sliced open the top. Two sheets of paper were inside. One was heavy card stock, the other folded stationery.

She started with the single sheet card and read.

Her Royal Highness, Queen Katherine of Montecelia, requests the honor of your presence at Mendoza Castle for an evening of food and dancing in honor of her son, Prince Oscar.

Holy guacamole. Amelia’s hands trembled while she read the day and time. The event was in two weeks.

She opened up the stationary. A family crest marked the top.

Ms. Amelia Newland,

I have not been fortunate enough to make your acquaintance, though I feel I know you through my son. Oscar holds you in the highest regard, which means you must be an extraordinary woman.

Please accept my invitation in the spirit it is given. Since my husband’s unexpected death, Oscar had closed himself off to everyone, including his family. After returning from his time with you, he is beginning to resemble the man I know as my dearest son. I’ve come to realize my family’s interference in his work with you had unintended consequences, and for that I offer my deepest apology.

Oscar genuinely cares for you, Amelia, and my wish is you travel to his homeland with an open heart. I understand a relationship with my son comes with many complications. Love in itself is complicated. That said, it is well rewarded.

I’ve included at the bottom of this letter the number to my private secretary, who if contacted, will handle all travel arrangements.

With deepest regards,

Katherine Mendoza

“Oh my goodness.” In her hand was a personal invitation from the Queen, minus any mention of Oscar’s desire for her to come.

“What!” Astrid grabbed the card and let out a scream. “My girl is going to a royal ball.”

Lilly jumped forward and visually scanned the card over Astrid’s shoulder. Another scream echoed in the room but this time, they sounded in unison. “Forget lasagna, wine, and movies. We need to go shopping.”

With her mind not focused on the words flowing from the mouths of her friends, Amelia folded the letter. The room spun, and she grabbed the desk before sinking into her office chair. Time apart hadn’t weakened her feelings for him. Just the opposite. He was in her thoughts constantly, and her life lacked joy without him.

How could she leave in two weeks, when her company needed her now more than ever? After everything she worked so hard to achieve finally at her feet, she was considering taking a vacation to dash off after a prince?

She was nuts. Crazy. And totally in love.

She glanced over at the office across the hall, the place where many times she’d look up from her own work to see Oscar sitting at Heather’s desk, deep in concentration. As her body shimmered at the memory, Amelia decided to follow Mom’s advice and take the leap. She was no longer a helpless child. Instead, she was a woman taking control of her destiny.

“What’s going on in that head of yours, Amelia?” Lilly tapped her on the forehead. “You’d be a fool not to accept. Time to stop hiding and fight for what you want.”

As the fog lifted from her brain, Amelia stared back at her friends and grinned. “It appears I’m going to my first royal ball.” After reading over the invitation again, she stood and grabbed her purse. “But first, where do I find a ball gown fit to woo a prince?”