Chapter 266

Jackson just stands, staring, having no idea what to do or say. I panic a little, getting ready to step in and introduce some new topic of conversation, but luckily mom comes to the rescue.

“Jackson!” she says, stepping forward to wrap him in a warm hug, giving him a little kiss on the cheeks as she steps back and beams at him. “Welcome, darling boy, we’re so pleased that you’re here. Are you hungry? Cold? Come inside – we’ll fix you up.”

“But there’s nothing wrong with me,” Jackson murmurs, though he smiles at her in his confusion, unable to help it.

“Oh, sure there is,” she says, wrapping an arm around his waist, smiling up into his face. “And even if there’s not, you should make something up so I have something to fuss over.”

“She’s not kidding on that,” my dad says, his voice lighter than it was a moment ago, “if Ella doesn’t have someone to care for she gets bored – and then we’re really in trouble.”

“Quiet, you,” mom says, laughing a little and giving my dad a playful glare as she turns to the rest of us, keeping an arm around Jackson’s waist. “If you tease me too much I’ll just go and have another baby to shut you up.”

Dad just shakes his head, laughing, as mom reaches her spare hand for Luca. “Luca! Such a pleasure to see you again!”

Luca gives her his most charming smile – which, quite frankly, even stuns me a bit – as he takes my mom’s hand and bows over it a little. “Your highness,” he murmurs, grinning. “I’m hoping to make it a full five minutes before you kick me out of the room this time.”

My mom laughs as Luca stands straight, and I marvel again that he’s apparently said just the right thing – who else would have the guts to tease the Queen on their second meeting? “Well,” she

says, wrinkling her nose at him and glancing at me, “that depends on how many of my daughter’s secrets I’m trying to balance this time. But I’m sure we’ll have lots of time to chat, Luca, love. And this,” she murmurs, stepping forward and peering at his wounded face, taking his chin between her fingers, “don’t worry, Luca, we’ll get you fixed up and looking pretty again in no time.” noveldrama

And then mom steps forward – somehow managing to keep hold of Jackson even as she leans forward to press a kiss to Luca’s cheek as well. Then she sweeps into the palace, calling everyone to come along with her, because there’s a party upstairs. I don’t miss – at all – that she keeps Jackson firmly at her side.

“Looks like your mom has a favorite,” Luca murmurs, walking slowly at my side as we follow the mom and Jacks into the main entrance, heading almost immediately up a set of stairs that will lead us to the family suite where I’m sure everyone is gathered with food and drinks and a great deal of anticipation.

“Oh, don’t, Luca,” I say with a sigh, pouting at him and glancing behind me to see where everyone else has ended up. Daphne, I’m pleased to see, is being led upstairs on Rafe’s arm, while my dad laughs with Jesse at the bottom of the stairs, apparently being introduced to Ben. “Mom just… knows where her attention is needed.”

“Well, if that leaves me alone with you,” Luca says, grinning at me and raising a hand to my cheek, “then who am I to complain?”

I grin at him, pleased, and take his arm when offers it, proud to be escorted by my gorgeous mate. “You ready for this?” I ask as we reach the second floor and approach the door of our tiny living room, which I know will be packed with people.

“Oh, for sure,” Luca says, nodding eagerly with a big smile. “I love a good party – and I’ve got sixteen cousins who all shout over each other – I was born for nights like this. Plus, a Royal party,

filled with the people who made Jesse?” He grins at me, a little wicked, “this is going to be one for the books.”

I laugh and turn to watch as my mom pulls the door open and steps inside. Jackson almost literally falls back at the shout of joy that comes through, everyone pleased and thrilled to greet us.

Mom laughs, pulling Jackson forward, and he looks back at me – a little panicked – as he slips through the door.

Before we come into sight of the room I grin, and stand on my toes, and accept the little kiss that Luca drops to my mouth just before we, too, step into the living room to a big cheer.

And my eyes fill with unexpected tears the moment they land on the first people I see in the room full of people – my Grandpa Henry, with my little sister Juniper and my baby brother Mark on either side of his chair.

Mark shouts and dashes for me while Juniper hangs back, giving me her trademark scowl.