Free Royal Holiday Baby by Leanne Banks Page B

gets greener,” he said, putting the truck in gear and turning around.
    He drove past the swimming hole where he learned how to swim, then past a field of bluebonnets, then past his parents’, his grandparents’, and his great grandparents’ graves. She wanted to get out, but he shook off her suggestion to linger. They passed fields and fields of cattle, then he came to another stop, this one overlooked rolling green hills. Looking at the beautiful vista, she felt something inside her ease. “Nice,” she murmured.
    â€œYeah, it does the same thing to me,” Zach said.
    She studied his face and saw the same peace she felt insideher. “You’re in love with your kingdom,” she said, unable to keep a smile from her face.
    He did a double take and lifted a dark eyebrow. “In love with my kingdom? That’s a first,” he said.
    â€œYou are,” she insisted. “You’re as devoted as my brother is, except not as arrogant, thank goodness.”
    He shook his head. “I wouldn’t call myself in love. Maybe committed. Maybe I need to be committed,” he muttered under his breath.
    â€œHere’s the important question. On your worst day, would you want to be doing anything other than taking care of your ranch?”
    He searched her face. “Where did you come up with that?”
    â€œSomeone in a very poor village in Africa once told me that on her worst day she wouldn’t want to be doing anything else. It was so wise. So magical. I’ve always wanted to find something that made me feel so strongly.”
    â€œSo being a princess didn’t do it for you?” he asked.
    She hesitated, swamped by guilt. “No, it didn’t. I don’t want to be ungrateful—”
    â€œYou’re not,” he said, covering her hand with his. “You’re just being honest. I like that,” he said, his gaze wrapping around her heart and squeezing. “I like that a lot.”

Chapter Seven
    T he next morning when Tina awakened, she found a note from Zach under her door. Eat an early dinner. I’m taking you to town for a meeting at 6:00 p.m.—Zach
    The abrupt language jarred her after the tour of the ranch they’d shared yesterday. He clearly hadn’t learned the proper way of addressing royals, she thought wryly recalling all the invitations to her that had read, The honor of your attendance would be greatly appreciated… Oh, well, maybe that was part of the reason he appealed to her. Nothing fake or flowery about him. He put his motives flat out in front of her.
    After giving her sister Bridget some tips for her upcoming appearances via e-mail, Tina sat in the swing on the front porch, contemplating her and her baby’s future with no lightning bolts of decision.
    Hildie must have known about the appointment because she called Tina in for early dinner. “Do you know what this meeting is about?”
    Hildie glanced at her in surprise. “Meeting?” she echoed. “Zach’s taking you into town for an appointment with Dr. McAllister. Dr. McAllister’s the best ob-gyn doctor in the area.” Hildie shook her head. “We just wish she would have moved to town sooner.”
    Tina frowned, feeling more than a ripple of indignation. “Are you telling me that Zach plans to choose my doctor? If the royal doctors aren’t going to deliver the baby, then I think I should be the one—”
    â€œâ€”It’s just a checkup,” Zach said from behind her. “Don’t most pregnant women visit the doctor by the fourth month?”
    â€œYes, but the doctor usually just confirms the pregnancy and gives prenatal vitamins. I’ve been taking prenatal vitamins since I realized I was pregnant. I didn’t want the information to be leaked. Unfortunately not everyone at a medical office is discreet.”
    â€œThat’s why I pulled a few strings and arranged an after-hours