The Outlaw Prince's Captive - Holly Rayner Page 0,62
There were lobster rolls and king crab legs, scallops and onions, and seafood soup. It was all immaculately prepared, and Francesca helped herself to everything.
“Mother and Father have an in-house chef here at the palace,” Viggo explained as he passed her a basket of bread. The bread was piping hot, freshly cooked. “That’s why the food is always so excellent.”
“It is wonderful,” Francesca said.
“Viggo tells us you’re a police officer, Francesca,” his father said.
“She’s with the FBI,” Viggo said proudly. “And she’s the top agent in her division. She’s gained a lot of notoriety over the past year. She always gets first crack at the best cases.”
“That sounds like a very exciting line of work,” his mother said.
“I enjoy it,” Francesca said.
“It’s very different from what Viggo does,” his father noted.
“Yes,” Francesca said. “Viggo’s stores amaze me. They’re so innovative. I’ve been to health food stores all over the city, and nothing comes close to what Friska can offer.”
“Is that right?” his mother asked, sounding impressed. “I hadn’t realized the stores were so well thought of, Viggo.”
“Well, we’ve had a lot of success expanding the franchise lately,” Viggo said.
“He’s being modest,” Francesca said. “There are Friska stores all over the United States now, and Viggo is looking at expanding further into Europe.”
She was surprised, but pleased, by how easy it was to talk to Viggo’s parents. The family spent the rest of the evening getting to know one another better, and by the time they were ready to leave, Viggo and Francesca were both feeling relaxed and happy.
His mother walked them to the door. “You must come back tomorrow, Francesca,” she said, embracing her gently. “I would love to show you the palace grounds. They’re beautiful in the daylight.”
“We can’t come tomorrow,” Viggo said. “We have other plans. But perhaps the day after. I’ll keep in touch.”
She nodded. “Thank you for coming home, Viggo,” she said. “It was a pleasure to be introduced to your girlfriend. I hope to see more of you both.” She hugged her son, then turned and went back into the palace.
“I felt like that went well,” Francesca said when they were both in the car. “Don’t you think it went well?”
“They loved you,” Viggo said. “It couldn’t have gone any better.”
“What plans do we have tomorrow?” she asked him. “That’s the second time you’ve mentioned it.”
He smiled. “You’ll just have to wait and see.”
The next day, after breakfast had been eaten, Viggo led her into the woods behind his house.
“I love these woods,” Francesca said. “I admired them when I was staying in the guest room on your third floor. It was one of my favorite features of your house.”
“Our house,” he reminded her.
She felt a happy little shiver run through her. She was used to living with Viggo, but this was the first time they had been back to Konäs since moving in together. This was the first time she had been to that house as a resident instead of a guest.
“Our house,” she agreed.
He led her down a trail and around a sharp bend. “Here we are,” he said.
Francesca gasped.
They had stepped into a clearing in the middle of the woods. A low waterfall trickled gently over smooth stones and into a pool that looked deep and clear. Wildflowers grew all around the banks of the pool.
“This is beautiful,” she said, twirling around to see all of it.
“It’s my secret spot,” he said. “I’ve never brought another person here. I discovered it a few years ago when I was hiking behind my house, and I come here sometimes to think, or to relax.”
“You’ve never brought anyone, and now you’re bringing me?”
“There are a lot of things I’ve done with you that I’ve never done with anyone else,” Viggo said. “And there are a lot of things I want to do with only you in the future.”
He sank to one knee, taking her hand.
Francesca’s heart beat out a rapid staccato.
“Francesca Bellucci,” he said, “my life changed the day I met you. You’re the bravest and most caring woman I’ve ever known, and you make me a better person by being in my life.”
She covered her mouth with her hand, her eyes filling with tears.
“You gave me the life I wanted when you helped me clear my name and return to New York,” he said. “I’m asking you to give me the life I’m dreaming of one more time. Say you’ll marry me.”
“Yes,” she whispered. “I most definitely will.”
He fitted an ornate ring of diamonds