The Prince's Pregnant Challenge (The Royals of Monaco, #2) by Leslie North

baby. He was so loving and gentle. It was clear that he loved her.
    Jean Pierre put Simone in her bassinette. Liane had fallen asleep on his bed and he did not want to wake her, as she looked so peaceful. He lay there watching her sleep. She was beautiful when she was not arguing with him or throwing something at him. He grabbed his phone and took a picture of her sleeping.
    Liane opened her eyes to an unfamiliar room. She had slept so comfortably. She stretched her arms and yawned. “Oh God,” she whispered when she remembered where she was. She turned to her side and saw Jean Pierre still sleeping next to her and Simone sleeping in her bassinette next to the bed.
    Liane got out of bed and kissed Simone before she left the room. She headed to the kitchen to start making breakfast. When she heard footsteps, she turned to see Jean Pierre walking in with Simone in his arms.
    “Sleep well?” he asked her.
    “I did. Sit down,” she said to him and put a plate of food on the table for him. He raised his eyebrows. He did not expect her to make anything for him.
    “Is it poisoned?” he asked. Liane narrowed her gaze at him. “It’s a joke.”
    “Just eat quietly,” Liane said as she joined him at the table with her plate. Jean Pierre smiled at her and started eating his breakfast.

Chapter 14
    B ridgette had been coming to see the baby regularly for the past several weeks. She had fallen in love with her granddaughter but she still did not like the mother. It was the same thing with Mrs LeBlanc. She did not like Jean Pierre because of his reputation. She also did not like his mother. Liane was happy that the drama had reduced considerably, as she hated being the centre of conflict and drama.
    There was a dinner being held at the palace. Liane was excited to go because she was going to be able to show off her new toned body. She had been working very hard these last few months to get back her figure. She chose a knee length blue dress with lace sleeves and black heels. She slipped on her wedding ring, pleased that it fit her now. Jean Pierre wore a suit without a tie.
    Jean Pierre was pushing Simone's stroller as they walked into the dining room at the palace. Macee and Francesca rushed towards their niece they were so excited to see her.
    “Hello to you, too,” Liane said to her sisters who ignored her as they lavished their attention on Simone. They both looked at her and laughed.
    “Sorry, dear,” Francesca said and kissed her on the cheek.
    “She is just too adorable,” Macee said.
    “May I see the baby?” Princess Katherine asked as she approached Liane. She was the only one who had not seen the baby since she had been away studying in England. She kissed Liane on both cheeks.
    “Of course,” Liane said with a smile.
    “She is beautiful,” Katherine said. “She looks like you,” she added.
    “Hallelujah,” Liane said. The girls laughed together.
    There were different conversations being held during dinner. Bridgette did not like the LeBlancs and they did not like her either. The queen was still furious with the LeBlancs for lying to her. The king stayed out of all of it. Lord Jacques was present and unaware of most of the drama but he felt the tension.
    Lord Jacques was the Crown Prince's new advisor. He did not speak much throughout the dinner, as he was still unfamiliar with most of the people in attendance. He could not take his eyes off Francesca, but she barely noticed as she talked and laughed with her sisters. This was the second time he had seen her and he found himself quite taken with her and hoped for the opportunity to get to know her.
    Liane discussed the christening of Simone. Now that they had a name for her and sorted out her birth certificate, they were ready to have her christened. That was one decision she and Jean Pierre had come to easily. Everything else was a struggle. Her mother was happy to hear it and was already planning a christening party.
    Liane was glad to be home and