“Is that a yes? You’ll stay? You’ll be mine?”
“It’s a yes. It was never a no. Even when I tried to make it one. It’ll always be us.”
EPILOGUE
MARCELLA
After four weeks of rest with a lot of restrictions and being homebound thanks to my prince, I’m starting to go insane. Rowan has been dividing his time between me and searching for Antonia. I’ve been rehabbing with Emily, getting stronger as my ribs heal and the full extent of the toxin works its way out of my system. Per my doctor, given the concentration of the cyanide, it could take a couple of months.
The twins are set to come home, hopefully next week, but Bellamy is here today, spending time with the children even if I can see she hates being away from the twins.
The children, including Jaqueline, and I are all in the pool while Bellamy sits on the edge with her legs dangling in. She’s still recovering from surgery but has started light yoga with Althea, which is helping her body and her mind recover.
There’s recovery needed for all of us.
Jaqueline and I have started therapy. She was having nightmares, and I clearly have a lot to work out from my past. We’ve been doing it three days a week to start, and so far, it’s been immensely beneficial for both of us.
“Mommy, watch!” Sabrina cries from the top of the high diving board. “I’m going to do a flip!”
“I’m watching, legendary princess!” Bellamy calls back with a wave. The renovation plans are in full swing now that parliament has approved the ones for the palace, and Rowan and the children signed off on the ones for the pool. “Sebastian mentioned a nanny to me again last night,” she murmurs to me.
This is where I attempt to hold in my smile. Ironically, I mentioned this to Rowan the other night, and he thought it was brilliant but wanted to mention it to Sebastian first.
“Oh? And?”
“And he said I need a nanny, but I trust no one. Especially not right now. I mean, think about what’s happening. Charlotte was Marie’s daughter. Who knows how far and deep this all goes?”
That was a kick I hadn’t known. Unfortunately, we have no leads on Antonia. She’s slipped into the void and disappeared completely, but that won’t stop them. Not ever. They’ll find her. No one can stay hidden forever.
“Rowan was supposed to talk to Sebastian, but you’re here now, so I’ll just bring it up, and you can tell me no and that’ll be that.”
Her brows furrow and she tilts her head. “Huh?”
“What if I were the children’s nanny? At least for a little while or until you find someone better. Jaqueline is going to be starting school this fall here at the palace, but she can help me with them—I know she wants to—and the three of us can go from there.”
Bellamy blinks at me, astonished. “You’re serious? You’d want to help me with the children?”
I gnaw on my lip as my hands move in the water. “If you’re comfortable with that, yes.”
“Oh my god! I’d fuc—er, I mean, I’d really, really love that. Like, seriously love that. The children already adore you andfeel so comfortable with you, and Jaqueline is so sweet and helpful. Yes. If you’re sure, it’s a big yes from me.”
I laugh. “I’m sure.”
“Oh hell, Marcella, you’re going to make me cry. These freaking hormones are a beast. I’m so happy. I’m going to call Sebastian and tell him?—”
“Tell me what?” comes from the sliding doorway that leads to the pool area. Sebastian and Rowan close the slider behind them and head out toward us.
“Marcella wants to be our nanny with Jaqueline as a nanny helper.”
Sebastian appraises me. “You do?”
“I was going to mention it, but never quite found the right time,” Rowan says. “I love the idea.”
“I do too!” Bellamy states, standing up to face him.
“What about you, Marcella? It’s a lot of work, and I don’t want you to do this out of a sense of obligation.”
I shake my head and climb out of the pool. “Honestly, it would give me so much joy, and I think taking care of children in a happy, positive environment would be good for my soul.”