Royal Secrets by Traci Hunter Abramson Page B

time do you like to eat?”
    “We normally eat between five and six, but I brought a few things with me. I can fix something up here.”
    “Don’t be silly.” Patrice shook her head. “You’ve been driving all day, and you need the chance to settle in. Dinner will be ready for you in the dining hall at six.”
    Brenna emerged from the boys’ room and offered Alora a warm smile. “I will come back at dinnertime to show you to the dining hall.”
    Alora started to refuse but then reconsidered. She imagined that her embarrassment earlier when she met Prince Stefano would pale in comparison to getting lost in the chateau in search of food. “That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome,” Brenna said as she and Patrice left Alora alone to explore her new home.

Chapter 11
    “What did you do to my father?” Janessa eyed Garrett suspiciously as they stood outside on her parents’ front porch. “When you left, I thought I might have to send your bodyguards with you for protection, and now you two are acting like you’re best friends.”
    “Your dad’s a good guy. You know that.”
    Janessa’s eyebrows lifted. “And?”
    “And what?”
    “What did you say to him?”
    “Have you ever thought about working in interrogation? I think you’d be good at it.”
    “Ha ha. Very funny.” Janessa leaned back against the porch rail and crossed her arms. “Tell me what happened.”
    “Nothing happened. Your dad asked questions. I gave him answers.”
    “And which answer changed his mind about you?”
    Garrett fought back a smile and shrugged. When Janessa continued to stare at him, he shook his head and laughed. “Okay. He might have been swayed a bit when I told him we’re planning to get married in the temple.”
    Janessa chuckled. “I can see how that might change what he thinks of our engagement.”
    “I invited your parents to come visit us in Bellamo after they finish with their harvest this fall.”
    “Really?”
    “Yes, really.” Garrett nodded. “The first phase of the naval base should be well underway by then, and I thought you would enjoy showing them your new home.”
    “I would love that.” Janessa reached for his hand and linked her fingers with his. “Thank you.”
    Garrett leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. “You’re welcome.”
    * * *
    “Alora’s already there?” Janessa said into her cell phone as she stepped outside onto the front porch.
    “Yes. They’re settling in as we speak,” Stefano told her.
    “Stefano, I am so sorry.” Janessa raked her fingers through her hair. “I hope the boys aren’t bothering you. I didn’t think they would get there until Tuesday at the earliest.”
    “Janessa, it’s fine,” Stefano assured her. “Brenna is getting them settled in, and Patrice has insisted on making them dinner tonight. I’ll let Alora know you’ll be back in a few days.”
    “Thanks. I appreciate it.” Janessa let out a little sigh. “How are you feeling?”
    Stefano hesitated for a brief moment. “I’m a bit sore, but I’m doing better. How is everything going with Garrett and your family?”
    “When my dad and Garrett went out for a ride earlier, I was afraid they weren’t both going to come back,” Janessa admitted.
    “I gather your father is the protective type?”
    “Apparently so. I guess he warmed up to Garrett though when he found out he’s Mormon.”
    “Garrett told him?”
    Janessa’s eyebrows drew together, surprised by the sudden tension in Stefano’s voice. “Stefano, my father understands that this information is private.”
    “Look, Janessa. It’s nothing against your father. It’s just that every person who knows about Garrett’s choice is another potential security risk. I thought he had planned to keep this information to himself.”
    “My parents can be trusted,” Janessa said, immediately defensive. “Besides, they were bound to find out eventually since they will obviously attend our ceremony in the temple