her hand on the open door. She turns to me, giving me a pinched smile. “You don’t need to come with me. I’m sure you have a lot of work to do at the castle, what with the coronation to plan and all. I’m sure Dante will want to talk to you, too. Hopefully he has some good news for you.”
My heart sinks as my stomach twists. It feels like a weight is crushing my chest, making it hard for me to take a full breath. This is goodbye. I know it is, and I knew it was coming. As soon as the sea plane landed back at the main island pier, I knew that Cara would be slipping away like sand through my fingers.
I just didn’t expect it to hurt so much.
I clear my throat. “When will you leave on your trip?”
“I don’t know. As soon as I feel better, I guess.”
“I’m sure you’ll want to be going soon.”
Cara sucks in a breath and shrugs. “I don’t know what I want anymore.” Her eyes flick up to mine and her lips drop open, but then she glances at the driver, who’s waiting a few feet away from us. Instead of saying anything, she takes a step toward me and lays a soft kiss on my cheek.
“Thank you for a wonderful three weeks, Theo. You’ve given me so much, and I’m not sure I can ever repay you.”
“You don’t need to repay me. Having you with me made the whole tour better.”
Why is it so hard to speak? It’s like a hand is wrapped around my chest, squeezing the air out of my lungs. I can hardly breathe, let alone make words.
“Let me know what Dante says. I’ll be in Argyle for a little while longer, and I won’t leave until you tell me you don’t need me anymore.”
Yep, this is definitely goodbye. My chest feels hollow as I struggle to keep my composure. Cara gives me one last sad smile and ducks her head into the car. I close the door behind her and nod to the driver.
Then, I step back and watch Cara Shoal drive away from me. The car rolls down the long driveway and through the tall palace gates, and my heart sinks down, down, down.
I knew our relationship was temporary. I knew I had no right to be with her, or to stand in the way of her plans and dreams. I knew that this was going to come to an end.
I didn’t know it would hurt this much to watch her leave.
18
Cara
When I get back to my parents’ house after being away for just three weeks, I feel like a completely different person. Before I left, I was convinced that I’d be gone by now. I’d be in Los Angeles or New York or Farcliff. Either that, or stay and be miserable in the life that’s been built for me.
Now, I’m not so sure.
I’m carrying Prince Theo’s baby. That changes everything.
Leaving seems silly. Staying seems crazy.
How am I supposed to tell Theo? This whole relationship was meant to be temporary. It was a way for me to stay protected from family pressure while he sorted his problems out. A way for me to leave Argyle on a good note. It was a final goodbye to the islands of my youth.
But leaving with a newborn baby on the way? Exploring a new country with an infant in tow?
Insanity.
The royal chauffeur opens the car door for me, and I stare up at my parents’ sprawling home. It’s the only place I’ve ever lived. The only home I’ve ever had. I’ve memorized every crack and crevice in these walls.
After spending three weeks with Theo, I’m realizing that there’s a lot to Argyle that I haven’t seen. I want to visit the rest of the world, of course, but my need for adventure was quenched with our tour through the islands.
Maybe Theo himself helped cure my itchy feet.
Thanking the driver, I make my way up the steps toward my childhood home. I push the front door open, listening for noise in the house. It’s quiet, except for the distant sounds of the cooks in the kitchen. I slip through the open door, closing it silently behind me.
I need some time to myself to untangle my chaotic thoughts.
Being with Theo feels good…but is that enough? Is it enough to feel good with someone for a couple of weeks to then commit to a lifetime with them?