Twelve

It had taken the entire Saturday.

But what an amazing Saturday.

Charlie relaxed in the driver seat of her truck as she and Arran began the trip to the Lindseys' cabin, their final toy delivery

stop. They'd spent a lot of time together over the past weeks, both in carpentry work as well as after hours. Her grin spread

at the growing list of memories: lovely dates—from evening walks to cozy movie nights to candlelit dinners; wrapping all the

gifts for the children; hanging out with her family. Arran even took special care to refine some of her dance moves.

Her whole body warmed at the thought.

Plus, dresses and heels were becoming a lot more common in her wardrobe, especially when they brought some admiration from

her date.

Each passing moment made this crazy fairy tale more of a possible reality.

"I think you'd really enjoy Skymar," he said as they turned up the long narrow road toward the Lindseys'. "Not only is it

beautiful, but people there value family and the simplicity of life, just like they do in the Blue Ridge."

She'd seen a few of Ellie's photos of Skymar and even conducted a bit of research on the country herself. The landscape reminded her of movies set in England and Scotland. Breathtaking green hills and seas framed by craggy cliffs. Fields of sheep and jagged stone ruins rising into a cerulean sky.

All of it as seemingly unreal as dating a prince.

"It looks amazing." She sent him a grin. "But I doubt that if I showed up over there, we'd hang out the same way as we do

here."

"Well, I'd likely not be doing stonework." He tagged a wink onto the end of the teasing statement. "However, I am fortunate

to live, if I choose, a little less in the spotlight than my elder siblings, so there's a very good chance for typical dates,

as well as some that aren't so typical."

"Like royal balls and meeting heads of state and..." She drew in a shaky breath. "Presenting in front of hundreds of people."

"Perhaps." He chuckled. "But those don't necessarily have to be tedious, especially if you're with the right people."

Her gaze rose to his. "Meaning you, of course."

"Of course. And all the protocol for events like those can be learned. You've already proven you're a fast learner." He leaned

in closer, his voice dropping low. "Though I wouldn't mind taking an extended amount of time to give you another dance lesson

or two."

She stifled a sigh and kept her face forward. The way his body moved with hers, palm steady against her back, face so close.

If she was supposed to give thanks in all things, God had certainly gotten a litany of praise after those lessons. "Sounds

like a nice plan to me."

"If you were interested in a little trip to Skymar, I'd happily make the arrangements." All teasing left his voice. "Because

I'm interested in pursuing something very long-term with you, Charlotte."

She pulled the truck to a stop in front of the Lindseys' house and turned to him. "Arran, I love the thought of it. I do.

But I'm... I'm not sure I can ever fit into your world."

He drew in a deep breath and grabbed one of her hands. "I didn't think I could ever fit into yours until I tried. And I know you're brave enough to try to do the same."

Howls from the incoming dogs broke into their conversation. She pulled her hand free and offered an apologetic smile. Dating

him on her home turf was one thing. Traveling to his world was another.

"Let's talk about it later, okay?" And with that, she exited the truck.

He narrowed his eyes, his expression filled with teasing suspicion, but he didn't move as she started gathering some of the

gifts.

"Are you coming?" she asked.

"Yes, of course." He hesitated, then waved her forward. "But you go on ahead. There's a certain gift I need to collect before

I enter."

"Alright." She drew out the word, studying him for a moment, but he gave no clue to his delay. "I'll see you inside."

She closed the truck door and walked toward the house, sending one look over her shoulder before she entered. What on earth

was he doing?

With another shake of her head, she entered the cabin, its toasty warmth a clear sign of the woodstove's work. Ginny and Mary

welcomed her in with dimpled smiles and giggles. Their dad sent his usual nod of appreciation and a quiet "Thank you."

"My friend Arran should be bringing the rest of the gifts, Kevin," Charlie said, just as a knock came on the door.

The first hint to something being... different was when Ginny froze as she opened her gift to stare over Charlie's shoulder.

The second hint came when Mary scrambled to her feet, her little hands covering her mouth as her eyes widened into giant brown

saucers. With a sudden tremor in her stomach, Charlie turned to look back toward the door.

Standing on the threshold, in a full Prince Phillip costume, was Arran St. Clare. A red cape, Nerf sword, and massive shield com pleted his ensemble, and his wide grin proved the most attractive cherry on top.

Charlie failed to usher up one word in response.

Everyone else seemed to struggle with the same reaction, because the room went completely silent.

"I come bearing gifts, Princess Mary." He tipped his head without one ounce of apparent awkwardness. From behind the shield,

he drew two gift bags.

"You... you are Prince Phillip." Mary giggled. She ran forward to take the bags, staring up at him with the same sort of awe weaving its

way through Charlie. "I knew you were. I knew it!"

Arran shot Charlie a wink, which inspired a smile that matched the one that both girls wore. To make Mary and Ginny even more

thrilled, once they had changed into their princess dresses, Arran danced around the living room with them and even drew Charlie

into a little twirl.

Kevin stood in the background, arms crossed, watching, but the small smile on his face spoke volumes. A big, quiet mountain

man, but a man who loved his little girls.

After a little more fanfare, Charlie gave Kevin a fruit basket, new boots, and a Visa gift card, then reiterated that the

Gala was for all families, and that a few of Kevin's friends would be joining with their own children.

Then she turned to the girls. "You could even wear your dresses to the Gala."

The girls lifted hopeful eyes to their father, who stepped forward, his head already shaking. "Now, girls, a fancy dinner

ain't no place for the likes of us."

"Why not, Daddy?" came Mary's cry before she twirled again. "I'm fit as a fiddle for a fancy dinner." She turned to her sister.

"So is Ginny."

Charlie's stomach dropped as she realized the problem. Kevin wore work-worn jeans and a long-sleeve T-shirt during his daily grind at the stone quarry. He probably felt he didn't measure up to the rest of the folks who'd attend the dinner.

Before Charlie could respond, Arran stepped forward.

"Not to fear," he announced, still using his prince voice. "There is one last gift I left in my carriage."

He held Charlie's gaze, his grin wonderfully crooked, as he ran from the house.

Charlie looked over at Kevin, whose attention shifted from Charlie to the door, as if Arran was a stone short of a full chimney.

Within seconds, the door burst open, and Arran entered carrying a leftover Christmas bag they'd had in the truck.

"For you, Mr. Lindsey." He offered the bag with a bow. "Even a father needs a moment to dress like a prince for his daughters."

Kevin hesitated before taking the bag, likely imagining a similar costume to the one Arran wore waited inside. But when Kevin

pulled out the folded clothes, his stoic expression softened. "This can't be for me."

Was that one of Arran's suit jackets, along with the clothes he'd been wearing before changing into the prince? He must have

brought the jacket for Kevin and realized the man didn't have the rest of a suit to complete the look so... he added his

own. Even his shoes.

Charlie's hand flew to her chest. It was the most beautiful thing she'd ever seen.

"Yes, sir." Arran's smile grew. "No one should be forgotten at Christmas, especially an everyday hero like yourself."

The slight wariness in the man disappeared. He stood taller, pulling the bag closer with a nod. "I thank ya."

"Now, princesses." Arran turned back to the girls. "I must sweep Lady Charlotte away so that she can transform into her princess

dress for a special dinner tonight."

He swept into a low bow, cape flapping behind him, and then ceremoniously offered Charlie his hand.

Interesting how the former playboy and gallant gentleman blended together in such an enticing sort of way. He certainly deserved

a few reward kisses after this performance.

She took his hand and walked to the truck.

"You were fantastic," she said once they'd started back down the mountain. "It's as if you've played the role of a prince

before."

His mouth twisted up in a half smile before he spoke. "I'm afraid the role of good prince has been sorely lacking of late,

but I believe I'm on the right track to reprise that part."

"You wear it well."

"I think my head, my heart"—he sighed, holding her gaze—"and my priorities are in the right place now."

She wrestled with her grin, her gaze roaming over his costume, before she spoke again. "You do realize we're going directly

to our dinner date, right?"

"Of course. We have reservations."

"Mm-hmm." She nodded, losing the wrestling match. "So we don't have time to stop for extra clothes."

His brow crinkled in confusion, and then he looked down at his attire before bringing the truck to a stop in the middle of

the dirt road. "Oh dear" was his only response, before tagging a grin on the end of a helpless shrug. "Well, my lady, I suppose

you must make do with a princely escort tonight rather than your dashing assistant."

She glanced at him with his red and navy puffed sleeves, his red cape, and the perfect prince-wave of his hair, the result

of his generosity and sacrifice for Kevin Lindsey to be a hero for his daughters.

And the wonderfully warm feeling in her face traveled down into her chest as she realized... she loved him.

Charlie had no idea how it was going to work out, or what their relationship would look like in a week or two. But right now she just wanted to show him how much he meant to her.

With a breathless laugh she grabbed him by the front of his tunic and pulled him toward her, her lips finding his. He chuckled

against her mouth and then slid his hands to cradle her face before moving them into her hair.

She pulled back, one brow rising with her grin. "I think your role as prince is definitely growing on me."

***

"What time do you and Ellie leave for the airport tomorrow?"

Charlotte, looking lovely in a large green sweater and leggings, curled up next to him on her couch as the ending credits

of It's a Wonderful Life rolled across the screen.

"You are lovely."

The words produced the desired effect as a blush filled her cheeks. "Okay, Romeo, you don't have to keep upping the charm.

I already like you."

"The sentiment comes so easily because it's true." He placed a kiss on her cheek. "Luke drives us at noon."

Her brow furrowed as she rested her palm against his chest. "I'm not really sure how to process this whole thing, Arran. I

mean, you say you want to try to keep up with our relationship while we're apart, but... your life drastically changes

once you return to Skymar."

Ah, he'd wondered if she'd second-guess his intentions. Of course, some of her fears about the royal life were justified. But he didn't care to keep to the spotlight. If it meant her comfort, he'd gladly relegate himself to the background. His return to hard work and service over the past couple of months had reminded him that one of the most princely qualities he could possess was humility.

After all, weren't they celebrating the humility of a much more important Prince in the upcoming season?

A good reminder of what mattered most. Humility and love.

His gaze moved over her, those large, beautiful eyes staring up at him.

Love.

"My life changing doesn't mean my desires will." He cupped her cheek. "Charlotte, I have a very long-term view when it comes

to us, and I'm willing to pursue it. My heart and intentions are fixed on you alone. But I don't suspect it will be easy on

either side, so you must make your choice."

She hesitated before wrapping her arms around him and leaning her head against his shoulder, securing her decision. "I don't

really know what to expect. But I'm willing to try."

"That's all I'm asking, darling." He pressed a kiss to her head, breathing in her scent of apples and relishing the overwhelming

gratitude of holding her trust—and her heart. "That's all."

***

The Wish and her day job kept Charlie busy, and her newfound skills in style and confidence led to unexpected opportunities

in navigating more of the business side of the carpentry industry, impressing both Luke and Dave. Who knew that having a bit

of confidence in how you speak in front of businesspeople made such a difference in how they responded! Though knowing a lot

of these guys most of her life probably helped.

Arran checked in daily, sending sweet or funny messages and memes. Their time zone differences and wildly different schedules made phone calls difficult, but they'd managed a few in the two weeks he'd been gone. Plus he'd sent her a bouquet of the most glorious flowers a few times "just because." She still didn't know how to embrace his sweet attention to her. It seemed too good to be true.

And she missed him.

More than she'd imagined.

Not some prince in a story, but him. The guy with the dashing grin and excellent couch-snuggling skills. The man who looked

at her from across the room and somehow made her feel beautiful. The gentle prankster and heart-stopping flirt and devoted

encourager and spellbinding kisser. Simply and wonderfully... him.

How had he become such a regular part of her life in such a short time? Not just a regular one but—she smiled as memories

of him flashed through her mind—a welcome, sweet, and romantic one.

As she passed by the main department store in downtown Ransom, the red gown that Arran had pointed out to her still waited

in the shop front window in all its glorious detail.

The simple blue dress she'd originally chosen for the Gala waited in her closet. Still she paused, studying the scarlet finery

and resurrecting a smart part of the eight-year-old girl she used to be.

It couldn't hurt to see how the dress fit, right?

A half hour later, she left the shop with the dress in her arms, grinning like an idiot.

She laughed.

Ridiculous .

Her phone buzzed, so she pulled it from her purse.

Arran: I hope your day is going well. I wanted to tell you I miss you, but also to warn you of an unplanned interview that may be

featured online. It happened about half an hour ago. It is only a trifle, but I wanted you to learn about it from me instead

of finding yourself surprised later.

Charlie: I guess since you're telling me, it had something to do with me?

A few small tabloids had featured a photo or two of them together when Arran had been in North Carolina, but nothing too disturbing.

Arran had tried to prepare her for it.

Arran: They asked about your mother. I deflected and tried to answer in a way that honors you.

Her mother?

As soon as Charlie made it to her house, she went to her computer and typed in her name and Arran's. A video popped up with

the headline "Does Family History Matter to the Royals?"

She clicked on the link to find Arran, looking wonderful in a white shirt, blazer, and jeans, walking down the street as reporters

approached him. One asked about his recent trip to the States. Another about the new woman in his life.

"We're not quite ready to discuss our relationship with the world, James, but there's a larger smile on my face for a definite

reason."

The reporter laughed.

Charlie touched a cool palm to her cheek as her grin stretched wide. Prince Charming, indeed!

"Are your parents concerned about your girlfriend's history?"

To this, Arran stopped walking and turned toward the female reporter. "Pardon me?"

"Her mother's current prison sentence? Surely His Majesty finds the connection somewhat concerning, especially with his long

and storied legacy of quality women in the royal line."

Charlie's palm pressed into her stomach. Why would anyone ask such a thing? And how did they even know about her mother?

"Clearly, you're not informed of the many radical royals in our family history." Arran's quick response garnered laughter, but the light in his eyes had left. "I should think us lacking in character, indeed, if we judged every person based on the actions of some of their family members. Wouldn't you agree?"

"From the long list of ladies you've dated over the past year, it certainly seems you enjoy women with more eclectic backgrounds.

Wasn't one of them connected to recent embezzlement charges?"

The smile left Arran's face for a moment before he recovered and gestured toward the street. "Do you notice all the lovely

decorations we have in this beautiful city? It's a reminder of the upcoming holiday season, isn't it? A time for reflection

on how love reached down into our sullied, dark histories and brought hope and a fresh start. I, for one, am grateful for

second chances and the opportunity to prove that, with faith, I can rise above the latest version of myself to be a better

person for those dearest to me and this country."

Charlie closed the computer and rested her face in her hands.

What was she thinking? Her life could never fit his.

If he'd stayed a carpenter in North Carolina, then no one would have cared about her history. But this?

She couldn't change her past or connections. There was no way to expunge her family's history. Her mother's imprisonment for

robbery proved yet another stain to add to her extensive list.

And it would always be a part of Charlie's life. Heaven forbid if Charlie continued a relationship with Arran and her mother

found a way to scrape up some demand for money.

She squeezed her eyes closed. She couldn't spend her life in constant worry that one day her past would prove too much for

his heart... too much for their future. With a deep breath, she reached for her phone. Seven p.m. It'd be the middle of

the night in Skymar. He'd be asleep.

Tears burned in her vision, but she blinked them away, accepting her choice.

She needed to keep her heart safe.

And, in the long run, this would prove the best for Arran too.

Surely he'd see that.

Charlie: Arran, the interview got me thinking. I'm a simple country girl and certainly not royal material, no matter what kinds of

nice clothes I wear. And my family's past can only lead to more trouble for your family. To be perfectly honest, I don't think

my heart can handle being broken by you, once you see I'm not the right fit for your world. I think, once you're back home

long enough, you'll realize how right this choice is for both of us. Please forgive me for sending this via text. Forgive

me for not being brave enough to try. You are a wonderful man, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to know you. You've

made me feel special in a very fairy-tale sort of way, and I am awed, humbled, and grateful to have held your heart.

She winced at her own words blinking back at her, but she didn't see any other way.

She didn't belong with a prince!

And there was nothing she could do to change that.