Morning found me in good spirits. I caught the limo and my ever-present body guards and I drive out to Gen�s farm. I can�t wait to tell her that Grandmother agreed. The scenery going up to the stables is beautiful. We round a bend and suddenly we are there. Matt had said that Gen didn�t get dressed up very often, but she doesn�t need to. She is standing in front of the stables grooming a palomino mare; her gorgeous figure is accented by tight fitting jeans and a red plaid shirt over a tight white t-shirt. Her hair is pulled back from her face, but has been left to flow down her back in gentle waves. She hears us pulling up and turns and waves. I am tempted to wave back, but I know that she can�t see me and stop myself. We pull to a stop not far from where Gen was and she runs to meet me as I get out.

        I have no idea what suddenly came over me, but as soon as I get out of the limo, I pull Gen to me in a tight, intimate embrace. It is still an early hour, but she laughs gently and returns the hug, resting her head against my collar. Odd how I hadn�t noticed the height difference before, but it seems right. It feels very comfortable being able to rest my head on hers.

        I wait another moment then break the silence.

        �Gen, it�s wonderful to see you again,� I say as I pull away enough to see her face.

        �It hasn�t even been twenty-four hours!� she laughs. �But I missed you, too.�

        She cuddles into my side and I wrap my arm around her waist as we begin to walk towards the stables.

        �I have some wonderful news,� I say. When she looks quizzically at me, I smile at her and continue, �As we were driving back from seeing you, Grandmother agreed. We have full permission to see each other.�

        �Oh, Wills! Really?� she exclaims as she stops us and turns to look me in the eye. I nod. �This is wonderful!�

        Again, we are hugging, and laughing. I wrap my arms tightly around her waist and raise her off the ground and spin. She wraps her own arms a little more tightly around my neck and lets out a squeal of surprise then relaxes into me. I set her back down and we continue into the stables.

        It�s been a while since I�ve actually been in a stable. Normally, it isn�t proper for a prince to be in here, but I love it. The sounds, the feel, even the smell. I enjoy it all.

        Gen and I walk around looking at the horses and just generally talking. She has some gorgeous beasts. We both pick out a horse and tack-up. Just before we go to get on, she looks at me and shakes her head.

        �You aren�t going to wear that riding, are you?�

        I look at the dress pants, shirt, and blazer I�m wearing. They are the most casual thing I got to pack.

        �I can�t wear a suit riding?� I joke.

        �Give me a minute and I�ll see if I can find you something. Maybe some jeans; or at least a pair of kakis.�

        Gen jogs off to a small house I hadn�t even noticed before. A few minutes later, she returns with a pair of jeans, a black t-shirt, and a high school American football jacket.

        �These belong to one of the stable hands. He�s about the same size as you, so they should fit,� she says as she hands them to me. �You can change in the office,� she directs me to a small room with a desk and a couple of chairs passing as an office. The clothes aren�t a bad fit. The shirt is a little tight, but the pants fit pretty well. For a farm hand, the fellow must be pretty skinny. I don�t mean that I�m tiny, but normally when you work on a farm, you get quite built. I know I�ve lost of muscle since my Gap Year when I spent some time on a farm.

        At least Gen seems to enjoy the outfit. She didn�t say anything, but there was an appreciative look in her eyes when I return. We mount up and start off down one of the trails, one of my body guards following not far behind.

        I have to say that Wills looks really good in Justin�s clothes. I never realized how scrawny Justin was, though. That shirt shows off his muscles very nicely. I�m so glad that he doesn�t have those nasty man-boobs. Jason worked for years to get them, and Jess and I both agree that they are disgusting. Wills just has a nicely defined chest. Yummy.

        We mount up and Wills is surprised that I�ve only been riding for three years, since Scott introduced me to these beautiful creatures. I have to admit, though, I was hooked the first time out. We talk quietly until we reach a split in the path. Wills reigns in and asks which way.

        �Your choice. Up hill to the view,� I say, pointing right, �or down to the creek. They are both nice rides,� I add, honestly. I chose this path because of both the length and that I enjoy both spots. It�ll also let me see what Wills prefers. Well, if he isn�t overanalyzing this. Which I think he is. After studying me, he decides, �Let�s go to the creek.�

        I smile and nod. It�s a beautiful little stream, the bottom all rocks where we�ll be going, so it makes a nice, quiet gurgle as the water flows; a nice, peaceful place to sit and enjoy each other�s company. But, before we get to peaceful, I want to have some fun; and these poor horses need some exercise! Nudging Star into a trot, I look over my shoulder at Wills as he follows. Once he catches up with me, I give Star her head and she takes off. It feels good to let her go, and I hear Wills laugh as he keeps pace with me. Laughing myself, we continue along the path at a canter. About ten minutes later, we slow to a walk, still laughing.

        �This is much better than being at some dull function. Thank you, Gen.�

        �Any time, Wills. I wish I could spare you from having to be so bored at them,� whoa! Since when am I so forward? I mean, I�m actually trying to get him to say publicly that I�m his girl, and nearly inviting the paparazzi into my life! I�m crazy. Well, going crazy, anyway. But then, this sort of opportunity to be with a guy I could love doesn�t come along every day. I want to get to be a part of his life before he has to leave. I don�t want to sit in the shadows, completely unrecognized.

        �So do I,� Wills answers with a longing filling his voice, but there is still a reserved undertone.

        �When Wills?� I hear myself asking. Yes, I do want him to show me off. I don�t care how arrogant that sounds, I want be known as his girl. Wills looks at with confusion, but quickly figures out my meaning with a look.

        �I don�t know. God, Gen, I wish I knew. I just ��

        �You don�t want to scare me away,� I interrupt with more certainty about the statement that I feel. �You saw what the paparazzi did to your mother and are afraid the same thing will happen to me. But I don�t care, Wills. I just want to spend time with you,� I say, nearly yelling. Then, very quietly add, �Get to know all of you. The good and the bad.�

        I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes and turn away. I don�t want to go to pieces on our first time alone together. I just can�t help it!

        I hear Wills gently saying my name, but I can�t bring myself to look at him. I finally give in to the tears, and cry silently. I feel my horse come to a stop and hear Wills moving beside me, but keep my face turned, closing my eyes for personal emphasis on keeping him out of this. When I feel something brush my knee, I open them again to see Wills� pleading eyes looking up at me as he extends his arms in invitation. He is so wonderful. Slipping out of my saddle, I take comfort in Will�s arms while he silently holds me, gently rubbing his hand along my back. At some point, I feel Star moving away from behind me, but let it be, letting the tears flow. Finally, I stop crying and look up at Wills. My face must be a mess. Wiping away the tears not soaked up by his shirt, I apologize, but Wills� brushes it off.

        �It�s alright. Please, tell me what�s wrong.�

        I shake my head. �I don�t know. I don�t know if I�m afraid, or hurt, or anything. I�ve forgotten how confusing this is.

        �Wills, I just don�t know what I�m doing. Part of me is ready for this, begging for it, but there is a small part that is fighting us very forcefully. Part of me is hanging on to Scott and having a hard time putting him in the past. I can�t help but think that maybe experiencing more of your world will help that part see you. It feels almost like you are hiding something. Probably sooner, rather than later, someone will notice that I�m around you a lot, or a photographer will follow you out here, and we�ll be discovered. I�d rather spend my time with just you, but if I have to, I�ll do it in front of the camera. I want to be with you. I don�t care about anything else. I don�t want to hide.�

        How can she be so honest? We still barely know each other, yet she is just opening up and letting it all poor out. I really have to admire her strength.

        �I don�t want to hide either. But we can�t just go looking for the press. They�ll think we don�t mind them around.�

        Gen giggles and cuddles up to me. �We could just show up together at the center a few minutes late.�

        The minx. She�s not the only one who can play this game. �Or I could kiss you goodbye,� I say in a quiet voice.

        Her head shoots up to look at me, surprise and, if I�m not mistaken, and I really hope I�m not, desire fills her eyes. Carefully I place my hand on her chin and raise it a little more as I lower my lips to hers.

        Her lips are so soft, like flower petals, and taste like the wild blackberries she had picked from along the trail earlier. She hesitates only for a split second then moves into me. We are in a perfect position in half a moment. Relief fills me as Gen returns the kiss and I hold her tightly. Slowly, I lift my head from hers and gaze into her eyes. She smiles at me and bashfully hides her face in my chest. I step back so I can see her face again, and return her smile.

        �Why are you blushing, Gen?� I ask, trying to dissuade our awkward feelings.

        �Nature, I guess. You don�t make out much, do you?� she smiles.

        �What?� Huh? Where did that come from?

        �That was the most caste kiss... Matt is more flirtatious with me!� she jokes.

        �Is that a challenge?� I ask, pulling her close.

        �If you want it to be.�

        And so began the wooing of Miss Hudson.

        We laugh, flirt, and kiss as we walk along the trails to where our horses wait then ride to the creek where we again dismount and find our way into each other�s arms. I sit with my back against a tree and Gen leans against my chest. My arms rest lightly around her waist and her hands rest on mine.

        �Tell me about Scott,� I request gently after we enjoy the breathtaking scenery in silence for a time.

        �What?�

        I smile and hold her a little tighter. �Please.� I raise my hand to her cheek and turn her enough to see her profile. �He is always going to be with you, I�d like to know something about the man that held your heart.�

        Gen sighs and leans back against me. �I�ll try,� she starts quietly. �We were complete opposites at first appearances. Scott was captain of the hockey team, came from a rich family, English. We had some of our classes together when we started high school, but never really paid much attention to the other. Then, in October of grade eleven we met up in the research section of the library, both looking for the same book, same info. We agreed to share it, and somehow we were sitting very close, reading it together. We went out for coffee after and clicked. I think that was a Friday because I don�t remember seeing my friends � yes, it was the Thanksgiving Day long weekend. We got together every day for the next week, just getting to know each other. Two weeks after the library I met his parents, he met mine the second day, I think. Mom was a little overprotective. We were feeling similar to how we are, like there is, was something pulling us together.

        �I think I was more nervous about meeting Scott�s parents than I was your grandparents. My family has a very strong French background, and Scott�s was very English. Neither of us really knew how his parents would react. Now it�s funny, but when Scott introduced me there was a look of complete shock on Mary�s face, and Jim looked ready to kill Scott. Mary was quick to recover and began to look after me like a lost puppy saying that she had to do this and that to me, private lessons in culture, the whole thing. Recently, she confessed she was trying to scare me off, but there was a look in Scott�s eyes when he saw me after Mary�s and my first shopping trip as I modeled the dresses Mary bought me that made it all worth it. He loved to see me dressed up; said I looked like a princess.

        �It�s amazing how much we both grew up over those three years. When we first started to go out, Scott was very much your standard single child. He didn�t have to worry about money and had everything he wanted. But he found something new when we met that day. He never really thought about anyone except himself, and then when I brought him with me to the center it was as if his eyes suddenly opened. It was slow going, but he learned to give, and at the end of our first year at university, he came up with the idea of the riding school. I wish he could see what his love brought about.�

        Gen stops, and I can tell she is fighting tears. I hold her lightly, letting her get under control before doing anything.

        �Sorry,� she says, quietly.

        �Don�t apologize. I�m the same way about my parents.�

        Oops. Shouldn�t have done that. Gen turns and with an �Oh, Wills� hugs me, burying her head in my neck. I return the embrace, burying my face in her hair. It smells wonderful, but I can�t help but think about the reason for this embrace.

        Mom. Dad. They didn�t make a good couple, but were wonderful parents. Mom was so loving and made sure Harry and I had a normal life and Dad taught us the not so normal stuff. And they were always there for us.

        I feel my eyes start to sting and push the thoughts away. Back when Mom died, I promised myself I wouldn�t cry in front of anyone, and not again after a month.

        But it hurts.

        I straiten, ending my side of the hug. Gen lifts her head from my front and looks me in the eyes, reading me like a book. She shakes her head at me then leans her side against me.

        �Quit being such a man,� she condemns.

        �That would go against my nature,� I joke, but sigh and wrap my arms around her waist.

        Gen throws her hands in the air and calls out, �Men!�

        I laugh and kiss her cheek.

        �Are you ready to enter my world?� I ask.

        �I really don�t know, but if we are going anywhere, that is what I need to do. I�ll never be able to know you if I don�t.�

        �Then as long as Grandmother doesn�t protest too forcefully, would you join me during a visit to the hospital tomorrow? It�s not going to be very high profile, but it will get your face noticed. We should make the news.�

        �What if she doesn�t agree?�

        �Then I�ll kiss you goodbye today.�

        �Wills!� Gen hits me playfully on the chest.

        I lower my head to hers and kiss her again. �Or maybe I will anyway.�

        �What makes you think your grandmother will still let me near you?�

        �I may not be perfect, but she knows better than to challenge my judgment. Grandmother and I do what we can to keep the peace.�

        �A balance between old and new?�

        �Or her making sure I don�t abdicate,� I say, a little of my bitterness about it seeping through.

        �Do you want the crown?�

        �What does it matter? Gran would kill me if I gave it to Harry. So would about half of England. Maybe I�ll get used to the politicians some day.�

        Gen lightly kisses my cheek. �Hopefully you�ll find the right woman.�

        I return the kiss, first on her forehead, then nose, and just before our lips meet, I whisper, �Maybe I have.�

        Wills kisses me lightly at first, but we quickly deepen it. He obviously doesn�t have much experience when it comes to making out, but he is a quick learner. His hands rests gently on my lower back, my own explore his chest and back. Gradually, his hands begin to move over my back. It feels so good, so right. A quiet moan escapes my throat. Wills apparently gets the picture and pulls me closer to him, and begins to kiss along my jaw and down my neck.

        God, I�ve missed this! The sensations are new again. Such a feeling of love flowing everywhere he touches. Wills moves back up to my lips and I return his efforts. He is one hell of a kisser.

        Behind me, someone clears their throat and Wills and I are forced back to reality. Somehow, Wills keeps his dignity about him even with me leaning so heavily against him. Lightly, he kisses my forehead then looks at the intruder � his bodyguard.

        �Sorry, Will, but it�s nearly nine, so we need to get getting back.�

        �Of course,� he agrees. �Will you get the horses?�

        The other man nods and leaves us.

        �I�m sorry, Gen,� Wills whispers as he nuzzles his head in my hair. �Duty calls.�

        I sigh. Well, we did have to stop sooner or later. Life just doesn�t cooperate with my plans. �Real life sucks.�

        Wills laughs and we get up. The bodyguard is back quickly with the horses and we all mount up and head back to the stables, the two of us leading and buddy a ways behind.

        �Tell me about your family, please, Wills?� I ask.

        �It�s only fair,� he agrees. �Mom was very loving of Harry and I, but her relationship with Dad wasn�t very good. They both looked out for us, though. Mom showed us a normal life, and Dad taught us to be royalty. Harry and I are pretty close. With our lives, we have to be. There aren�t very many people who understand.

        �Grandmother is a queen. She was raised for it, and will always be one. When Harry and I were growing up, she wanted us to have a more traditional upbringing, but is now able to see the good it will do the family having us the way we are. There are those who say she didn�t want Dad to have the crown, and they may be right. They royal family is too traditional for today�s world. I�m supposed to be the one who brings us up to date. Harry wouldn�t stand a chance, nor would any of Gran�s children. Too traditional or too weak willed. For a family raised to rule, mine is a little backward. And so, I�m left with the crown once Gran dies.

        �That�s my family in a nutshell.�

        A very thin one. I already knew that stuff. The press speaks volumes. Wills earlier response to my question about being King even more.

        �What about Harry? You make headlines every other week, but I never see anything about him.�

        �Harry has managed to avoid a lot of publicity. He takes after Mom a lot. He is very soft spoken, and rather camera-shy. He�s not much of an academic, but loves sports. He�s kind of come apart since Dad died. We both have. It was really hard on him when we lost Mom, and just as he was back to normal... We�ve both blocked out the rest of the world. Gran didn�t bring Harry along because he�s been so lost. Having to put on the mask would be too hard for him to do for a month strait. I�m going to have a hard time.�

        �It must be so hard to leave him.�

        �I call him regularly,� Wills pauses and chuckles. �He�s looking forward to meeting you.�

        �I guess I have to go visit you in England next time we see each other.�

        �I�ll look forward to it.�

        Wills pulls his horse close to mine, wraps his arm around my waist, and gently kisses me. Our horses, unfortunately, aren�t into this idea of a romantic embrace and jerk apart.

        A disconcerting wave of unbalance sweeps over me, but thanks to the wonderful riding lessons I�ve been given, my knees tighten, and I regain my center. I look at Wills and extend my hand to help him balance and laugh. He kisses my hand once he has righted himself.

        �Shows me for being romantic on the back of a beast. Are you alright?�

        I nod. �I wasn�t the one half off my horse already. You?�

        �Only hurt my pride.�

        �I didn�t think anything could injure an Englishman�s pride,� I joke.

        �Only a woman,� he returns, �and only a truly magnificent one.�

        I feel my face turning red and bow my head slightly.

        �Gen,� he says quietly yet in a powerful voice. �Why is it that whenever a man gives a woman a compliment they suddenly become shy?�

        I smile at him in defiance. He�s baiting me and I know it, but I�m not one to back down from a challenge. I think Wills has figured that one out, too.

        �A lady is taught that to not be shy can cause harm to her reputation,� I say gently, then add, �It�s also much more attractive.�

        That�s the truth. A woman who smiles shyly at a compliment or whose face becomes flushed when a man suggests things is much more attractive than one who, no matter how gorgeous a body, is willing to walk right up to you and start coming on to you. Unfortunately, those are the ones I see the most of. Or they seem to notice me more.

        �I haven�t found anything about you that isn�t attractive.�

        �Thank you, Wills,� Gen says softly.

        I take her hand and kiss it and we ride hand in hand back to the stables where we find a little surprise. Just as we come out of the wood, laughing at a joke one of us made, I hear the distinct sound of an automatic shutter. Gen becomes silent as well and I whistle for my bodyguard. He quickly catches up and goes in search of the camera man. Gen leads on to the stables where we hand off the horses to waiting grooms and I change back into my suit. The shirt feels wonderfully loose, so I leave the jacket off. As I return to her side, Gen kisses me lightly on the cheek and we both get to see our hidden photographer. He is your typical paparazzi. Rather scruffy looking, slight build, and at a complete loss in the capable hands of a royal guard.

        I was about to speak when Gen puts a hand on my arm.

        �Please explain what you are doing on Hudson property,� she asks like a true courtier.

        �My job, ma�am,� he say with a thick accent.

        �And that is what?� she asks in English then switches to French. �Breaking onto private property, disturbing me and my guests, and if your flash had gone off, possibly spooking the horses? If you had approached anyone for permission it is possible you would have been granted it, but now I am afraid I must ask for your film, otherwise charges will be laid.�

        �But the picture ��

        �You will have ample opportunity to take pictures of us in the coming days,� I say. �Gen will be joining me on several outings.�

        �Will you at least give me the lady�s name, your Highness?�

        Gen is trying to keep from laughing.

        �I don�t see any problems,� I glance at Gen and she nods. �Genevieve Delarier Hudson.�

        �Thank you, your highness, milady,� he mutters.

        I nod then instruct my guard too take all his film, giving him some money in return.

        Gen and I walk away and she finally lets the giggle she had been holding in out.

        �Will you tell me what is so funny now?� I ask as I wrap my arms around her waist so we are facing each other.

        �Besides one exchange student in university I haven�t been asked my name for nearly three years. It�s weird having the guy behind the camera ask me that. Imagine someone asking you your name. I�m as well known here as you are by teen girls and their mothers.�

        �I would love for someone to ask just to watch them try to remember it all.�

        Gen smiles, but there is a sadness in her eyes.

        �What�s wrong?� I ask.

        �What makes you think something�s wrong?�

        �Your eyes reveal too much of you. Something is bothering you.�

        �I guess I just realized that this is the last time we will probably get alone together while you are here,� she moves closer to me, curling up against my chest and I hold her tightly. �We are just starting to get to know each other, I want to stay here in your arms, go out for dinner and dancing, just be able to be near you...�

        �I know, Gen. God, I know. This is something I�ve dreaded about getting involved. This is going to almost be goodbye. I don�t want to stop holding you, but Gran wouldn�t let me near you again if I held you like this in front of her,� I sigh and hold her a little tighter. All I want to do is keep her in my arms forever.

        �Kiss me, already!� Gen says impatiently.

        Willingly, I oblige. This kiss is filled with more passion, and, yes, love, than any we had shared before. We both were trying to communicate a feeling we couldn�t find the words for, and won�t have to chance to express for God knows how long. Slowly, we separate and just hold each other. Finally, I break the silence.

        �Ready to face your press?�

        �If you are with me, anything.�

        �You handled this one beautifully. You don�t need me,� I begin to lead us towards the limo.

        �Thank you, but ��

        �I can�t be with you all the time. I wish that I could spend every waking moment with you that I could protect you from them, but I can�t. I have every confidence in you; otherwise, this would have ended a long time ago. You can face the beasts and win them over to your side. And I�ll be there in the end for you. If they get too much I will always be there for you.�

        She smiles a real, 100% meaning it smile at me. �At least one of us has confidence in me.�

        I chuckle and kiss her gently just outside the limo. �We�ll have to be a little distant, but at least we�ll see each other.�

        �Later,� she sighs and returns my kiss.

        I climb into the limo and she waves goodbye as we pull out down the long drive. I indulge myself and give a small wave back. My bodyguard laughs.

        �What?� I say.

        �You�ve got it bad.�

        �Don�t I know it,� I agree. �She�s got what it takes, though. I hope England will accept her.�

        �You�re already thinking that far ahead? You�ve only known her for three days.�

        �I have to, you know that,� I tell him. He is a few years than me and still hasn�t been in a relationship for more than two months. While I have known I�ll have to search out a wife for years and accepted it, he still has a fear of commitment.

        �The guys should accept her easily enough,� he says. �She�s a looker.�

        I nod. Very passionate too. One day I�ll get to show her my appreciation.

        �Too bad the women are normally more vocal. And she�s French. No one has brought it up yet, but she comes from a long line of Acadians, and I really don�t know what anyone will think of that.�

        �I wasn�t too fond of the idea at first,� Steve admits, �But the two of you look good together. The public wants you to be happy. If both of you look happy together the women shouldn�t be too upset. Just pray you don�t break up. Then she�ll get the hate mail.�

        �It�s too much to hope they accept her like Mom, isn�t it?�

        �Probably. That was a different age. Her charity should earn her a few brownie points, and if you introduce her to the press today, this community center she volunteers at will make her more attractive to the middle and lower class.�

        �I might as well give up on the nobles now. I was supposed to marry one of their daughters, not some French girl from the colonies.�

        He laughs.

        �But she�s a modest, beautiful, French girl from the colonies with money!�

        �I just don�t want to hurt her,� I say quietly.

        Steve sighs and nods. �I don�t blame you, she�s a great girl, but it�s too late. The life of a celebrity is hard, the press is brutal. But she�ll have you on her side and as long as you stick with her, she should be all right. Just don�t pull a Camilla.�

        �Dad made one big mistake in his life, and that was her. I�m not about to do the same thing.�

        �Then you�ll have a wonderful life with that beautiful girl by your side. Have fun,� he adds, his voice laced with sarcasm.

        I allow a devilish look to show on my face. �I will.�

        I stand where Wills left me when he got into the limo and sigh as he turns the corner and disappears from sight.

        �I�ll see you soon, Wills,� I whisper. If only I could touch you.

        I look down the drive one last time then turn to see if I am needed in the stables immediately, then have a shower and get changed. Suddenly, the scruffy photographer reappears, trying to detain me.

        �Miss Hudson! Please, a word,� he begs.

        �You just had several,� I say lightheartedly. �I�ll listen to what you have to say, but you�ll have to follow me around. I have to be in the city in an hour and have a lot to do before I leave,� I say as I walk towards the stable.

        �Sure. First, you speak perfect French, have a very French name, but the Hudson doesn�t match.�

        �I was named the Hudson�s heir after their son�s death. My parents are French, so am I,� I answer as I look for Nate. Finding him, I wait to catch his attention then ask, �Anything you need from me, Nate?�

        �Your butt out of my stables and getting ready for your next meeting,� the old man answers. I laugh at him.

        �Thanks, Nate. I had a great morning. I�ll see you tonight to take the new ones out for a run?�

        �You�ve got a deal,� he agrees. �Oh, Justin wants his pants back. He has a �hot date� tomorrow and those are his only ones without holes.�

        �Why can�t he just buy new ones on occasion? It�s not like he doesn�t have any money!�

        �You know us guys; we only go shopping if we have to.�

        �Don�t I know it! Scott absolutely refused. I�ll see ya, Nate.�

        �Have a good time, today!�

        I move back and start out of the stable. My lens-loving friend following like a shadow.

        �How did you get out here?� I ask.

        �Cab.�

        �Into the middle of nowhere? Where do you find the money?�

        �Great shots like the one you confiscated.�

        �Sorry! I do have a reputation to protect.�

        �Who�s Scott?�

        �The Hudson�s son. My late boyfriend,� I say matter-of-factly.

        �As much as I love this information, may I give you a suggestion? Don�t tell the press a lot about your past.�

        I smile at him. �The locals already know all this. I wouldn�t tell you it, otherwise. The last few years of my life are pretty well documented. It isn�t odd to have a reporter out here on a weekly basis. The Hudsons are a well respected family in New Brunswick,� I pause in front of the main house�s back entrance. �If you will excuse me. Maybe I�ll see you again.�

        �Miss Hudson,� he says with a nod of his head.

        �Are you aware that your girlfriend has a recently deceased boyfriend?� Gran asks as I seat myself in the car that we are all to pull up to the center in.

        �And they think he was going to ask her to marry him the day of the accident.� Gran looks at me, almost surprised that I already knew this. �You had her checked out, right? I�m not surprised. Do you want to know what I know about her?

        �I know she is a strong woman. The love of her life died in a riding accident that happened right in front of her, and she still rides, created a charity camp in his name, and has even started to date again.

        �I know she is compassionate. She is a full time university student, but still makes time to volunteer at the city center community center we are going to, and has given up her entire summer to work at her camp teaching underprivileged kids to ride.

        �I know she can hold her own against the press. When we came back from our ride this morning a photographer was waiting. When he was brought to us, she was able to challenge him within the confines of any law and not once lost her senses.

        �I know I�m comfortable when she is around and that I didn�t want to leave her today. And I�m ready to defend her to anyone.� Even you, I add mentally. Wonder how much shit she�s going to give me for that one?

        It is several minutes before Gran speaks.

        �Well, there�s obviously no talking you out of this. When should I expect her to be making a public appearance with you?�

        �I�d like to do it as soon as possible. I want to be with her for the first few days, at least.�

        She passes me a cell phone. �Ring PR. Talk to Christopher, and follow what he says.�

        I make the call and am still on the phone with Chris when we arrive at the center. I put him on hold as we walk in surrounded by flashing cameras then continue talking with Chris once we get in. After a minute or two, Gen appears. Quickly, I ask Chris if I can physically declare her my girl. Cautiously, he agrees, as long as it�s nothing too risqu�. I agree and beckon Gen over with my eyes. Like always, she reads me easily and comes to me, uncertainty plainly visible on her face. She curtsies to Gran and Grandfather as she is introduced, again, then comes over to me. I cut Chris off and smile at her. Taking her hand in my own, I kiss it then move in closer, though not making physical contact.

        �I�m on the phone with the family�s head of public relations. Gran�s seen the light, I don�t know how, but we are official,� I whisper.

        Gen smiles happily, �Really?�

        �Really,� I wrap my arm around her waist and kiss her forehead. Being a good eight inches taller has its advantages. I don�t have to worry about being too mushy while maintaining my posture.

        �Imagine yourself in a giant bear hug. I may not be able to give you one, but I definitely want to,� Gen leans against my chest for a moment then steps back and curtsies to me. I almost burst out laughing at the look on her face. She is very plainly mocking the rules.

        A moment later, I return to my call with Chris and agree that she will walk with me to the limo, and I will carry one of the smaller children out with me, hand her to Gen, then give each a kiss somewhere on the face. Tomorrow she will join me in the hospital. She is turning into a regular humanitarian under these conditions. Chris refused to let me bring her to dinner tomorrow unless she was invited. Also, the palace will put out a press release tomorrow morning saying we are a couple.

        Unfortunately, my conversation took a little longer than planned and lunch is nearly finished by the time I get off. Gen is sitting half way down the table from where the woman who had met us sits besides Gran at the head. As I enter, Gen seems to instantly realize I�m in the room and begins to rise. I quickly signal her not to; she nods and sits back down. The seat next to Grandfather has been left for me, I assume and take it. Gen is across and down two from me. I send a smile her way before turning towards Gran who is about to speak.

        �Everything work out, Wills,� she implies.

        �Splendidly. There will be a press release in the morning.�

        I can feel Gen�s eyes shoot towards me. I would turn and answer her look, but propriety demands I give my attention this way until Gran leaves me be.

        �You�ll take care of everything over here?�

        �With pleasure.�

        She nods and begins to speak with the woman to her left. I turn to Gen.

        She has changed again and is wearing a simple skirt and blouse. If she hadn�t let her hair down, its wild curls falling as they please, I would think she was going in to the office. Her eyes question me and I answer with an assuring smile. We don�t speak to each other a lot through the remainder of the meal, but due to my late arrival, I am not finished with the rest of the group. I tell them to continue on without me and Gen volunteers to catch me up with the rest of the group. At least we are alone.

        Gen moves to next to me as I eat and suddenly I�m no longer hungry. Well, for food at least. I put my fork down and turn to her. Instantly I am getting the promised hug which I return then kiss her gently.

        �You are all mine now, Gen. The Queen has declared it and in the morning the entire world will know it,� I pull her into my lap.

        �When do we show up somewhere together?�

        �Chris has decided today is good for suggestions, then tomorrow you�ll come with me to the hospital.�

        �What do you mean by suggestions?�

        �Chris wants to make sure you have the right image, so he�s come up with the brilliant idea,� my voice holds a trace of sarcasm, �of making you a humanitarian.�

        Gen laughs in agreement. �I wonder where he got that idea?�

        I then explain about the plot with the child. She nods in agreement.

        �Sounds like he wants me to be a mothering figure too.�

        �I was hoping you wouldn�t notice. They want a �family� image. My parents� generation wasn�t too successful in their relationships. Uncle Edward is the only one who hasn�t had a divorce yet, but that marriage is on the rocks, too. �England needs guidance from a solid home�, they tell me. There aren�t many who believe in the strength of a King who can�t even get along with his wife. And that leaves me doing this to you.�

        Gen gives me a beautiful smile. �Don�t say that. You always give me the choice. And I choose you. The image I�ll be getting isn�t that bad. It�s pretty accurate, actually.�

        �Everyone will be looking at you as my possible wife...�

        �I don�t know that I really mind the idea,� she moves closer, her eyes filled with a come-hither look.

        �Gen!� a young voice calls from the door.

        Talk about a mood killer. Gen slips off my lap and moves to meet the child. Following the girl in is a woman with a toddler in her arms.

        �Winnie! How are you?� Gen asks as she lowers to her knees, hugging the little girl.

        �Good. Look what the tooth fairy left me!� she holds out her hand.

        �Wow! Two dollars! The price of teeth has gone up. I only got a dollar.� Gen looks up. �How are you doing, Lynn?�

        Lynn, I�m guessing, is the woman, because when Gen addressed her she instantly looked in my direction and a look of mixed shock and fear cross her face. I try to give her a reassuring look, but she doesn�t relax. Gen picks up on this immediately and rises.

        �Lynn, may I introduce you to Prince William. Your Highness, allow me to present a regular visitor here at the center, Lynn Fong, her daughter Winnie, and her son, Lee.�

        �It�s a pleasure,� I proceed to shake Lynn�s hand then kiss Winnie�s.

        �Lynn, how long are you going to be here?� Gen asks.

        �I can�t stay long. I just came to drop Winnie and Lee off before I go to work. The daycare is on today, isn�t it?�

        �Of course. I can take them if you want.�

        �Thank you, Gen,� she says in a grateful voice, then, more uncertainly, �Your Highness.� She quickly retreats from the room.

        �Are you finished, Wills?�

        �If we take much longer Gran will send someone looking for us.�

        �Winnie, will you join William and me for a walk?�

        �Sure,� she says to Gen then turns to me. �Are you Gen�s boyfriend?�

        Out of the corner of my eye, I can see a shocked look on Gen�s face, but I nod and answer, �You could say that. But don�t tell anybody, all right? Gen and I want to keep it a secret for today.�

        ��Kay.�

        The little girl takes me by the hand, drags me over to Gen, who is now holding Lee and takes her hand, and we walk as a group out of the room. We walk slowly, Gen telling me about where we are as we go. About ten minutes into the tour, she stops to switch arms she is holding Lee in again.

        �May I take him for you?� I offer.

        �You don�t ��

        I want to,� I cut her off. �And I think we�ve found the perfect set for today.�

        Gen agrees and hands me the child. We continue on and meet up with everyone else by the playground behind the building. Gen smiles and waves to the older woman who is leading the rest around. Gran greets us and Gen takes the Fong children to play with the other kids on the equipment. She is quickly hauled into the sandbox to help build a castle. When she notices me watching her I smile, and she returns it. Grandfather finally gives me a push and tells me to go join her.

        �Is this your castle, princess?� his voice says from behind me. I turn and stifle a sigh at the roguish picture he makes. A quirky smile crosses his lips as he sits down next to me.

        �This is my castle,� one of the girls says. �Gen helped make it, though.�

        �It�s beautiful,� Wills says. �Just like its creators.�

        Wills brushes his hand over mine and gently lifts Heather�s face to look in his eyes.

        �Very beautiful,� he adds with a smile at me.

        I laugh. �Heather, I�d like to introduce you to Prince William. Take note of what he does today. If he keeps acting like this, you�ll have an awesome story once he�s king.�

        Heather looks at me in confusion.

        �Just remember for now. One day you will understand.�

        �Gen!� Wills protests.

        I lean towards him and whisper, �Stop flirting with kids to get my attention, then.� I laugh at his response and resume work on the sandcastle.

        �You understand me too well, Gen,� he mutters.

        �It�ll be my own undoing one day.�

        �If it doesn�t get to me first.�

        I smile. Wills and I play with the children and talk with the older folk, but don�t get any time for just us. All too quickly, the afternoon ends and everyone lines up to say goodbye. I stand at the end of the line of children with Lee in my arms and Winnie beside me. I curtsy to Elizabeth and Philip as they pass, Phillip taking my hand and kissing the back. Wills seems a little surprised by this, but takes Lee from me and we both take Winnie�s hand and follow his grandparents out, the other children and volunteers following. Just before we step out, Wills turns to me with an unidentifiable look on his face.

        �You have no idea how much I admire you,� he whispers.

        �We agreed to do what we had to for this to work. This is my part.�

        �You are so ready to give everything up. Why?�

        �I don�t know how I�d have gone on without you. I want this to work. My selfless act is as selfish as just being with you for the publicity.�

        �Not when I want you here with me as much as you want to be here.�

        �Are we going?� Winnie interrupts.

        Wills and I stop our bantering, realizing what we were doing, and exactly how long we were at it. Laughing, we nod and exit.

        Not surprising, there is a hoard of photographers waiting, and calling for our attention. Just as Wills instructed, I smile politely, but focus most of my attention on him and Winnie. Winnie is amazing and continues to chatter as she did while we were walking. Lee is playing with Wills nose as we reach the limo. I laugh at the adorable child as Wills hands him to me, and, child in hand, I curtsy to him and he gives all three of us a kiss on the cheek (well, on the forehead for Lee).

        �I�ll call you,� he whispers just loud enough for me to hear.

        I nod and he steps into the car, closing off the visit. The three of us wave and the other children run forward to join us. The volunteers come up to me as the limo turns the corner and we begin herding everyone back inside. I keep up my appearance until we are finished then allow myself to sit and begin to contemplate what happened.

        As the children were eating a snack, Sandy came and sat across from me. She is the head of the center and has been here for me for years.

        �For a moment I thought I saw you with Scott on the playground,� she says after a few minutes.

        �You basically did,� I answer. �What am I doing, Sandy? I can�t make sense of any of this.�

        �You have found what you need to move on,� she answers, �and I�m pleased to see you taking advantage of it.�

        �Do we stand a chance?�

        �I can�t tell you. You are the only one who knows that,� she pauses. �Are you being honest with each other?�

        �You mean did I tell him about Scott?�

        She nods.

        �Yes. He, believe it or not, is the reason we�re together.�

        Sandy gives me a puzzled look.

        �It was my sad eyes that caught Wills� attention at the airport.�

        �I hope he doesn�t want them to keep that haunted look. It�s so nice to see you with a smile in your eyes again.�

        �It�s so nice to not hurt. Scott�s loss is just an ache now. One day I will be able to let go of the pain completely. When that happens, I have a feeling England will have a new princess. God, what does He have planned for me?�

        �Great things, hun. Great, wonderful, beautiful things. One day you will be a Queen.�

        �What have I gotten myself into?� I ask, flabbergasted.

        Sandy just smiles knowingly at me and I try not to cry out in frustration.

        �I�ve falling in love again, haven�t I,� I say. �Dang it, why do I have to fall for the ones with all the strings attached?�

        This afternoon had been so hard. It was like a movie scene as I left - everyone crowding around the heroine as she bid farewell to her lover.

        Whoa! Don�t go there, Wills. You know better than to endanger yourself like that. Gran would kill me for such thoughts. But to hold her... Right now, I�d be happy to talk to her. Where did I put her number?

        I search around my hotel room; you�d think that in a small room like this I could find a piece of paper! And being so clean! I hope the maid didn�t throw it out.

        There it is! Sitting next to my suitcase on the table. I pick up the phone and dial her family home number. It rings several times then a feminine voice picks up. Gen told me she has her own line, but this doesn�t sound a think like her.

        �Could I please speak to Gen?� I ask.

        �She�s kinda busy right now. May I ask whose calling?�

        Shit. What do I say? �This is Will. Is there a good time for me to call back?�

        �Actually, if you hold on a second, I�ll see if I can get her to talk to you.�

        I mutter a thanks and the next thing I know a cheerful voice is on the other end of the line.

        �Hi, Gen,� I say.

        �Wills,� she says in a relieved voice. �My parents� phone has been ringing madly, so has the Hudsons�. Carlie answered for me to make sure no one had gotten my number and just wanted an interview. I think they got the idea today.�

        �Are you doing alright?� I ask, concerned.

        �I�m fin. Actually, I was about to see if we made any of the Hollywood gossip shows.�

        �I�d image you did. It was like watching one of those old movies as we drove away. You looked wonderful.�

        �Thanks, Wills.�

        �I can hear you blushing.�

        �Only because of that comment.�

        �I meant every word,� I say. �Do you know who has been calling?�

        Gen sighs. �The question is who hasn�t? Our number hasn�t been listed since I started seeing Scott, so I have no clue how they got it, and we�ve changed it since then. Oh well, they�ll die down soon enough.�

        I smile. �You brush them off so easily. Don�t they irritate you?�

        �I just don�t let them get to me. Though if the ones in front of my house hang around much longer I�ll have to send them away. The neighbors will start to complain. And they can be annoying as hell!�

        My laughter fills the room. �Glad to know you�re human.�

        �Thanks,� her voice is laced with sarcasm.

        �So, what�s the plan for tomorrow?� she asks a moment later.

        �Aaron, our tour guide, has decided that it will be best if you are in the limo when it picks us up after brunch. We�ll then show up at the hospital together and leave together. We�re booked for lunch with some charity, but it looks like you and I could go out if you�d like?� I ask nervously.

        �That sounds good. I know a nice, quiet place we could go. It�s not too far from my apartment.�

        �So if we can get the limo to pick you up there everything would be good. Things are working out pretty well, all things considered.�

        �We get time together. That�s all I care about,� she says.

        �I agree. They�ll want us to do a photo shoot soon. I don�t think that I�ll mind it this time. Actually, it�ll be kind of enjoyable.�

        �Think we could have it out on the Hudsons� farm, or out by my parents? There is a beautiful berry patch out here.�

        �That sounds like it�d work.�

        �And you�ll get to meet my parents.�

        Gulp.

        Gen laughs. �At least you have notice.�

        �I owe you for that, I know,� I say guiltily. �I�ll try to be as brave as you were when meeting Gran.�

        �You�re too cultured to not be. Just be yourself with them and they should like you.�

        �Should?� I question, suddenly feeling nervous about this unset date.

        �You are English.�

        �Did they not like Scott?�

        �Not at first. But I didn�t care. I didn�t let it change my mind then, and I won�t let them change it now. Mom seems to like you, though. And Bill put in a good word with Dad, so you stand a pretty good chance. Charlie has been in love with you since Laura first showed her your picture.�

        �Why me?�

        ��Cause you are a handsome Prince Charming, who just happens to be my guy.�

        �As long as you are willing to lay claim.�

        �Any day,� she says. �You are all mine.�

        �And in the morning the world will know it. I feel like the luckiest man on the planet.�

        �I know I�m the luckiest girl. And probably one of the most envied. How many girls get to lock lips with the �hunkiest prince ever� as Jess says.�

        I laugh. �I�m flattered.

        �I don�t know what I did to deserve you, Gen, but I am so grateful that you are in my life,� I say after a moment. �Whenever I so much as talk to you I feel more, I don�t know, complete, than normal. What you do for me, Gen, I can�t even put it to words.�

        �I feel the same way. And what we have is different from what Scott and I did. I don�t know what it is, either, but it seems *more*. I like it.�

        �Gen, I promise you that we�ll work through any problems. This relationship will last.�

        �I like the sounds of that. Us together for always.�

        �We�ll make it. One day we�ll stand at Westminster together.�

        �How much of your life do you have planned, Wills?� Gen asks, surprising me. I wish she hadn�t asked, but I will be honest with her. I will always be honest with her.

        �Too much,� I say quietly. �I�ll finish school, join the forces for a few years, then get married within three or four years on the outside of finishing that, and having at least two kinds in the next five years. Or at least that�s what I�m supposed to do. And somewhere in there, I�ll probably be crowned. As much as I love Gran, I don�t think she has many years left. Royal life takes a lot out of a person.�

        �Is that what you want?�

        �No. I would be perfectly happy to get a job, marry when I want to, have a few years with just us, and then have kids when I�m about thirty. Maybe tour the world for a few years. Spend time with you. And definitely no crown or press.�

        �Oh, Wills,� she says desperately.

        �Don�t worry, Gen,� I comfort. �All my life I�ve known what is expected of me. Dad�s death put a bit more pressure on, but this is what I�ve been given as my challenge in life. I�m just sorry that I�ve gotten you into it. And don�t tell me not to be, nothing can change that. But I�m grateful that you are so willing to take it.�

        �Wills, being with you is one of the last things I�d ever thought of happening, but I�m looking forward to the future for the first time since Scott�s death. I�ll wait as long as I have to.�

        �What do you see your future as?� I ask.

        �Well, mine is pretty simple. Until I met you, anyway. I have two more years to get my degree, then I�d help Jim with the corporation, in time taking it over, and when they passed on, I�d keep the family going. I didn�t think that I�d ever love again. But everything has changed for the better.�

        Wow. Her world really fell apart with Scott�s death. But did she just say what I think she did? I know I�ve fallen for her, but with her broken heart, I didn�t think it could � could she mean she loves me? Or does she just know she could love again? I want to tell her how I feel, but I don�t want to scare her off. Could I risk it?

        �What about since you met me, Gen?�

        �Now I�m getting back into girlfriend-mode. Everything is up in the air for now, but one day I�ll see only you in my future. Our children, living together in some castle, touring the world, our wedding. It�s all becoming tangible.�

        �One day I�ll give you it all, including your choice of castles.�

        Her laugh fills my ears and I smile.

        �Just make it a small one. I�d get lost if it was too big!�

        �That�s fine with me. Otherwise we could be living under the same roof as perfect strangers and never know it � or see them.�

        �Or each other. That�s one thing I don�t like about the Hudsons�. It�s too big.�

        �Alright, we�ll have a small home then. Say, 20 bedrooms?�

        �At the most! We can go somewhere besides our home for large parties. I�d like 15.�

        �Alright. How many will we reserve for our family?�

        �Four, including ours. Or what do you want?�

        �That sounds perfect. I�ve always know I�d have to have two, but have never given a lot of though to it. Three would be nice, though.�

        Truly, I never thought about children. Well, until I met Gen. Now I find myself planning everything about our future. Well, almost everything. There are some areas that aren�t for a man.

        �Two years apart?� Gen interrupts my musings.

        �Unless twins run in your family.�

        �Why would that be a factor?�

        �Put a few more months between them so we only have two small children at a time.�

        �And if we had triplets?�

        �Then we�d have to hire extra help.�

        �Do you want to have a nanny?� Gen asks.

        Another test question. This one is easy to answer, though. �Only to help. I want to do the actual raising. Besides, it�s the parents� job, not the hired help to bring up a child,� I say. �But you never answered my question; do multiple births run in your family?�

        �A few generations removed on Dad�s side, but I think that was from their side, not ours. So we�re pretty safe. And I don�t think I�d care much for giving birth to two at once, anyway.�

        I laugh at the tone of her voice, �You�ll make a wonderful mother one day.�

        �Thanks. Someday I�ll look into it. For now I�ll enjoy my youth.�

        �Only if I can join you.�

        �You�re welcome to.� She pauses for a minute, �Wills, are we really ready for all this? We haven�t even known each other for a week and we are talking about married life. It seems kind of weird.�

        �I understand, Gen,� I say, a little depressed. Maybe she isn�t as ready for this as I thought. No, hoped.

        �No you don�t,� she says plainly. �You�ve always known that any girl you get serious with will have to be wife material. It�s not nearly the same for me. I haven�t had the press on my ass all my life, looking for some juicy gossip. Guys can come in and out of my life with relative ease; I don�t have to commit my future to them just because we�re going steady. But with us...

        �Wills, we have moved really fast, we both know it. And it hasn�t left me with a lot of a chance to adapt. I�m not one to run away, and won�t. I don�t want to. I just feel weird talking like this.

        �The oddest part is that it feels natural. I want this to be going the way it is. It�s how it�s supposed to be, I guess.�

        Waves or relief flow through me. I really have to get off this roller coaster. But I guess that�s part of falling in love. Being willing to be burned, and not knowing what�s happening next. I want it. I want the loss of words I seem to experience the moment Gen enters the same room as me, the hazy thoughts, even the roomers. It all comes from her love. And I�m loving every minute of it.

        I don�t want to loose it.

        �Gen, I don�t know what you need from me. I�m afraid I don�t have much experience with relationships.�

        �All I need is you. Your understanding, your patience, your tenderness. Your love.�

        Silence fills my ears. I guess that would send him for a loop. It wasn�t a direct declaration, but it was a pretty good kick in the butt. It should get the message across.

        God, I�m being bold with him. Scott wouldn�t recognize me. �You already have it all,� Wills says quietly. I wait to let him elaborate, but am grateful he returns my feelings.

        Thank you, God, for giving me another chance at love.

        �I�m falling hard for you. I want to give you everything, anything you could possibly want, but my hands are tied. I feel like I�m feeding you to the wolves. In three days, I�ll be leaving you, and I really can�t say when I�ll see you again. And it hurts.�

        Emotions! What did I do to get a guy who will actually tell me what he feels without having to pry it out? I like this.

        �But at least we can talk,� I say. �Whenever we need each other we can at least hear the other�s voice. We may not have the comfort of each other�s arms, but that is the problem with long distance relationships. In all likelihood, we�ll be closer because of it.

        �It does hurt though. Love does. Plain and simple. It�s also the most wonderful feeling in the world. And I love you all the more because you reminded me of that.�

        Am I ever going to let him make the first move?

        �Gen,� he says his voice full of love and desire.

        For several moments there is silence as Wills collects his thoughts and I consider what this means for us. We have grown so close so amazingly fast, but still know so little about each other. Yet I am certain that I love him. I don�t know how I know this, but I do know that for all my life, no matter what, I will love my prince. And this is a different love than what I had with Scott. We were high school sweethearts. The mushy love that isn�t supposed to last except for the rare occasion, and then everyone looks on in wonder at the miracle couple. And we would have had the fairy tale life.

        Wills and I... We have a love built on granite. We have both had so much pain one would think our hearts would have turned to stone, wary of being broken again. But we must have a diamond bit somewhere in each of us, because we have broken though and are making a good hole in the walls. One day we�ll break them all down.

        �Gen,� Wills says again. �I�ve told you once I don�t have much experience with relationships, but I know that I love you unlike anything else. In just these few days, you have gotten closer to me than anyone has. When she was alive, Mom was the one person I trusted above all others, but even now, I feel I can tell you more than I ever told her, and you wouldn�t judge me for it. Yet I would be perfectly happy to just sit with you in my arms for hours, not saying a word. I don�t want to let you go, and as soon as I leave your side, I�m thinking about the next time I�ll see you. I feel like I�m not complete without you.�

        I sigh. What else can I do? God!

        �You say that you don�t have much experience with relationships, Wills, but you have exactly what a woman wants figured out. You are completely willing to talk to me,� I say.

        �I guess I�m lucky to have had a mother who will teach what it takes to get the right girl.�

        Thank you, Di!

        �What else did she teach you?�

        �Not to give away all my secrets in one night.�

        �Smart woman. I wish I could have known her. She must have been a wonderful mother.�

        �She was,� Wills says his voice sad and quiet. �You would have gotten on well. She had a love of people that I�ve never seen in anyone else. And she was always there for Harry and me. Dad was used to the traditions of the family, but Mom wasn�t about to follow them. We never got a normal childhood, but it wasn�t a royal childhood either. She taught us how to deal with what we would encounter in life. It would be nice to have her around still, though. It�s been hard. I miss the hours Harry and I would spend with her just being people. With Mom, we were never royalty. To everyone else it is always there, but with her, we were her boys. Nothing more, nothing less.�

        �She would have been wonderful. With a guide like that, you�ll make a great father. She really loved the two of you.�

        �She did,� Wills says. In the background, I hear another voice. �Will you excuse me for a second, Gen?�

        �Sure,� I say.

        Wills must have put his hand over the phone, but I can still here what he is saying.

        �What can I do for you, Steve?� he says. I hear a muffled response along the lines of telling him to go to bed, to which Wills responds with a laugh. �Not until Gen kicks me off the phone. I�m not giving up any time I have with her. Go to bed. I�ll see you in the morning.

        �Sorry, Gen,� he says into the phone. �You�d swear I can�t do anything for myself.�

        �What�s wrong?�

        �Apparently they expect me to just leave you and go to bed. They seem to think sleep is more important.�

        �Obviously, they aren�t in love,� I say.

        �Not nearly.�

        �Go to bed, Wills,� I whisper. �I�ll see you in the morning.�

        �I�d rather see you now.�

        �Then sleep and I�ll be in your dreams.�

        �We�d ride all over the countryside behind a perfectly matched team of Clydesdales on a white carriage. Stopping at a wooded brook for a picnic lunch. Then we�d find ourselves in a small cottage on the coast of the Thames and the Channel. Perfectly decorated to reflect you.�

        �There would be one bed. Large, with curtains we could draw around us, all in a rich red � no burgundy velvet. And a roaring fire in the fireplace.�

        �You are going to take this farther than it is safe to go, darling!� Wills laughs, yet I can sense the seriousness behind it. �There are some ideas best left out of my head.�

        �I understand, Wills,� I say in a sincere voice.

        �I�m sorry, Gen,� he says. �I just can�t let myself even think about you like that. I�m so damned attracted to you, it would be real hard to keep form fulfilling those fantasies, and even though I plan on marrying you someday, I can�t have a child out of marriage. And no matter how slim a chance � I just can�t risk it.�

        �It�s alright, Wills,� I say.

        �You�re taking this so gracefully. Surely you must miss ��

        �Wills, Scott and I never � that is, we agreed to wait until we were married. I�m still a virgin.�

        �Here I am making a complete � I�m sorry, Gen...�

        �It�s not your fault, Wills! I was in a serious relationship for over two years. In this day, there are those who don�t even wait a day. I probably would make the same assumption.�

        �I still feel like a complete ass.�

        �Well, while I do appreciate the one you�ve got, I must prefer kissing the lips on your face. And that handsome grin couldn�t belong to an ass. Nor could one kiss back that well,� I joke. �All transgressions forgiven, if that is what you want to hear. Now picture yourself kissing the living daylights out of me, and go to bed.�

        �That thought could lead to some interesting dreams.�

        �Maybe you�ll tell me about them in the morning.�

        �Maybe. I�ll see you then, lovely,� Wills whispers in my ear.

        �Night,� I say and on his response hang up.

        I sit and stare at the wall for a good five minutes before sighing and getting up to go kick the paparazzi off my front lawn. Our kitchen has half a dozen neighbors in it to whom I say hello to as I walk to the front door.

        �How�s my hair?� I quickly ask before opening the heavy thing to an onslaught of flashing lights.

        �Evening, everyone!� I greet with a smile. �If I give you a minute will you please leave after I go back in? My neighbors all have to work in the morning, and I�m afraid that your racket will keep them up most of the night. I�d rather not have the RCMP out here to get you off my family�s lawn.�

        I now get several questions shouted at me, all having to do with Wills.

        �I�m afraid I can�t answer any questions directly related to the Prince. Anything else?�

        �That mean there is as much to that kiss he gave you as we think?�

        Thankfully, I have the grace to blush, but otherwise ignore the comment.

        �You leaving the past behind, Miss Delarier?� one of the local guys asks (they always call me by my family name � the English don�t want to mix blood, the French too proud to loose one of their own).

        �I�m working on moving forward, but I�ll never forget my roots,� I answer, something in it for both local and international press.

        �Miss Hudson, we�ve heard about a Scott Hudson. What is the connection?�

        I knew this one was coming. At least it�s out right away and not appearing like some giant scandal later.

        �We were very close. His parents named me as heir when he died. If you gentlemen will excuse me,� I say as I turn to go back in the house. �And I won�t be coming back out again tonight,� I add over my shoulder.

        I hear a few groans and complaints, but also sense the awe from some of the guys. I guess they aren�t used to a subject who will give them limits.

        �Gen, did you get rid of them?� Mom asked as I enter the kitchen.

        �Hopefully. They should be quiet at least.�

        �Then you sister should be able to sleep. Would you be able to give her a ride in the morning? I have to go out to Oromocto and she has a test. I�d like to let her sleep in a bit.�

        �Sure. I�ve got to go in, anyway.�

        �Meeting Wills again?� Dad jokes.

        �However did you guess?� I laugh.

        �Well, you did just spend an hour on the phone with him,� Carlie put in. �He has a real sexy voice.�

        �I�m sure he�ll love to hear that,� I retaliate.

        �You wouldn�t!�

        �I tell him as much as I would Scott.�

        �There goes the neighborhood. A prince knowing everything there is to know about us,� Dad says.

        �Our daughter knowing all about that prince�s life,� Mom says.

        �It must be wonderful,� Carlie says dreamily.

        �Not nearly as glamorous as you think. Pretty similar to mine, actually. Mandatory appearances, volunteer centers, charities, sick kids. It can be very depressing; very demanding.� I sigh. �I�m going to bed. If they stick around much longer give them a reminder, then call the RCMP.�

        �We know,� Mom says. �Sweet dreams, honey,� she adds as I give her a hug.

        ��Night Daddy,� I say, giving him a kiss on the cheek. �We�ll leave at quarter after seven, Carlie?�

        �Twenty after.�

        �Lazy butt!� I joke as I leave.