40. 40

40

Kalle

I t might be, if I can stop freaking out.

I managed to calm down Edie—because I could tell she was about to bolt—but I can't expect her to do the same to me, because she has no idea that tonight is the first time I've ever brought a woman to dinner with my family.

Both Mom and Dad were open to us bringing significant others, but the unspoken consensus among my brothers and Lyra is that the person who comes has to be someone really special to be included in our inner circle. So much of our life has been shared with the public, and these family dinners are where the little pockets of normal take place.

Duncan and Spencer were always included because they are family and always have been.

Bo brought someone one time, but Camille and Stella were the first for Odin and Gunnar.

Lyra has never brought anyone, same as me. There's never been anyone I ever considered bringing.

Edie was the first one to ever stay the night as well.

And I can't tell her any of that because what thirty-two-year-old man hasn't brought a girlfriend to meet his family ?

Red flag right there.

There are enough flags of every colour warning Edie away from me.

I manage to keep it together as I pull up to the castle. Dillon and Chase are still driving Edie's car and park it right behind me.

"Maj," Dillon calls to me. "You good?"

The man never misses a mark. "Yeah. We'll head back after we eat."

"Sounds good. We're off to bug Mrs. Theissen."

"Dillon?" Edie calls after him. "I need to ask you something."

"Anything, m'lady," he drawls.

"Why Maj ?" she asks. "I've always wanted to ask, because the official way of addressing Kalle is Your Highness and—"

"I know all that," Dillon interrupts. "But he'll be Your Majesty someday, so he best get used to it."

Edie nods and Dillon tips an imaginary cap to her.

I take Edie's hand and we walk into the castle, Dillon and Chase veering off to make trouble with the staff. The wedding decorations have been taken down but there are still flowers on every surface, the heady smell of lilacs and lilies drifting about. And then we're in the dining room, the last to arrive.

Dad is already there, seated at the head of the table, looking tired but with a smile on his face. He seems… thinner. He's not wearing pajamas but old jeans and one of his concert T-shirts. I told Edie she didn't have to worry.

Now, if only I could take my own advice.

Edie is welcomed by everyone, even more than I am. Camille, Stella, and even Lyra give her a hug .

"Thanks for letting me… thanks for the invitation," she stumbles as she greets Dad.

"Anytime," he says and asks about her father.

I have no idea what they say, as I pour two glasses of wine.

"It's good to see Edie," Odin tells me as he drifts over, holding his glass out for a refill.

"Yeah. I know this is for family, but it's time everyone realizes she's family."

Odin slaps me on the back. "We realized that a long time ago. We've been waiting for you to get it."

I get it now.