Page 122 of Royally Rivalled

“I’m making a toast!” Alexandra declared.

We turned to see Alexandra beaming. “To Astrid, I love you and am so, so proud of you today. You are adoctor! It’s wild and wonderful.”

“I always knew she’d do it,” Rick said. “But it’s great to say I was in the room where it happened.”

I smiled, “Thanks for the confidence, Rick.”

“Anytime, kid. Anytime.”

The baby fussed, reaching for my sister’s glass. Rick took him out of Alexandra’s arms before he grabbed it, and we had broken glass all over the floor.

“Christophe, you’re going to be the death of us,” Rick groaned.

“No, that’s our second child.” Alexandra shook her head. “And to Parker, who came into our lives and hasn’t always fit in. You love Astrid so perfectly and are wonderful to our family. We are so lucky to have you and can’t wait to celebrate this happy occasion.”

“Now, can we please eat cake?” Ingrid groaned.

“There will be time!” Odette said. “We are appreciating everything!”

“Go, eat cake,” I waved them on.

Parker wrapped his arms around me, resting his head on my shoulder. I spun, ignoring the chaos.

“Why didn’t you propose at the department? Briggs?—”

“Your accomplishments are your own, Asti. I wasn’t about to mess up your big day with a proposal, but I felt it was time. I promised you I’d say nothing of it until this day.”

“And you couldn’t wait a minute longer?”

“Not a bit, no.” He kissed my forehead. “Let’s just be happy forever.”

“Sounds good,” I said.

“Oh my God, Odie, stop!” Ingrid giggled, laughing as Odie belted out a song—inspired by something she said.

This was a common occurrence.

Parker and I laughed.

“She’s up next, right?” Parker asked. “Now that she’s graduated?”

I shrugged. “I dunno. It’s been a rough year for her.”

“Good to see Odette happy,” Parker said.

“Yeah. Odette, are you going to be in the wedding? Ingrid?”

“I will! I will!” Linny and Kari brimmed.

“Of course. Was there any doubt?” Ingrid asked.

“And I will help you planallof it! Just like I did Alex’s wedding,” Odette said.

“Thank God because I have no idea what the fuck I am doing,” I laughed. “You plan a mean wedding. I must hand it to you.”

“I will plan the hell out of this one,” Odette laughed. “I promise.”

“Do you want to have a big wedding? Small?” I wrapped my arms around Parker.

I buried my face in his shirt, listening to the comforting blub-blub of his heart. I could have stayed like this for an eternity. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed my head.

“I would marry you in the middle of the horse pasture surrounded by muck, Astrid. It doesn’t matter to me,” Parker sighed. “Whatever makes you happy will thrill me, too. As long as you’re mine, I’m good.”