The Doctor Takes a Princess / Pregnant with the Prince's Child. Leanne Banks

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      Six minutes later, the elevator doors opened with a swarm of firemen, paramedics and Bridget’s security guard standing outside.

      “Your Highness,” her security guard said, extending his hand to her.

      “Just a second,” she said, putting Tyler into his stroller seat.

      “Your Highness?” Ryder echoed, studying her with a curious gaze. “Why didn’t you—”

      “It—it causes a fuss,” she said. “Will you be okay? Will the children be okay?”

      “We’re fine,” he said, and she felt foolish for questioning such a capable man.

      “Well, thank you,” she said and extended her hand to his, noting that his hands were smooth, but large and strong. She felt an odd little spark and immediately pulled back. “And good luck.”

      “Your Highness, a medical professional is waiting to examine you,” her security said as she stepped off the lift.

      “I don’t need a medical professional,” she murmured. “I need a cosmetic miracle.”

      Chapter One

      Sitting at the kitchen table of her brother-in-law’s ranch, Bridget watched Zach Logan hug her sister Valentina as if he were leaving for a yearlong journey. Instead, she knew he would be gone for only a couple of nights. Bridget resisted the urge to roll her eyes. Zach and Valentina just seemed so gooey in love.

      “Call me if you need anything,” he told her, then swung his young daughter, Katiana, up into his arms. “Are you going to be good for your mommy?”

      Katiana solemnly nodded.

      “Give me a kiss,” he said.

      The toddler kissed his cheek and wrapped her little arms around his neck.

      Despite her earlier reaction, the scene tugged at Bridget’s heart. She knew Zach and Tina had gone through some tough times before they’d gotten married.

      Zach shot Bridget a firm glance that instinctively made her sit up straighter. He was that kind of man, confident with a strong will. Although she was happy Tina had found happiness with him, Bridget knew she would want a totally different kind of man. Charming, average intelligence, playful and most likely Italian.

      “You,” he said, pointing his finger at Bridget. “Stay out of elevators.”

      She laughed. “I can only promise that for a few days. When I go back to Dallas, I’m sure I’ll have to face more elevators if I’m going to complete Stefan’s latest job for me. If I have anything to do with it, I’m going to take care of it as quickly as possible.”

      Tina shot her a sideways glance. “Are you saying you’re already tired of us?”

      Bridget shook her head and walked to give her sister a hug. “Of course I’m not tired of you. But you know I’ve had a dream of having a long-delayed gap year in Italy and studying art for years now. I want to make that dream come true while I’m still young.”

      Tina made a scoffing sound, but still returned the hug. “You’re far from losing your youth, but I agree you deserve a break. You’ve taken on the bulk of public appearances since I left Chantaine and moved here. I don’t understand why you didn’t take a break before coming here. I’m sure Stefan would have let you.”

      Stefan, their brother, the crown prince, could be the most demanding person on the planet, but what Tina said was true. He not only would have allowed Bridget a break, he had also encouraged it. “I want a year. A whole year. And he believes Chantaine needs more doctors. I agree. Especially after what happened to Eve—” Her voice broke, taking her by surprise. She’d thought she’d gotten her feelings under control.

      Tina patted her back with sympathy. “You still feel guilty about that. I know Eve wishes you didn’t.”

      Bridget took a careful breath, reining in her emotions. “She saved my life when the crowd was going to stampede me. Pushed me aside and threw herself in front of me. I’m just so glad she survived it and recovered. I don’t know what I would do if she hadn’t …” Her throat closed up again.

      “Well, she survived and you did, too. That’s what’s important,” Zach said and pulled Bridget into a brotherly hug. “And now that you’re in my territory, I want you to think twice before getting on elevators.”

      Tina laughed. “So protective,” she said. “It’s a wonder he doesn’t find some kind of testing device for you to use so you won’t get stuck again.”

      Zach rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Not a bad idea. Maybe—”

      “Forget it,” Bridget said, the knot in her chest easing at the love she felt from both her sister and her brother-in-law. “I’ll be fine. Think about it. How many people do you know who have gotten stuck in elevators? Especially more than once?”

      “You were a good soldier,” Tina said in approval. “And you still showed up for your appearance at Keely’s charity event.”

      “She probably wasn’t expecting me in my sad state with droopy hair and a dress with baby-food stain on it.”

      “Oh, she said they loved you. Found you charming. Were delighted by your story about the elevator. Most important, the donations increased after your arrival.”

      “Well, I guess baby-food stains are good for something, then. I’ll leave you two lovebirds to finish your goodbyes in private. Safe travels, Zach.”

      “You bet,” he said.

      Bridget scooped up her cup of hot tea and walked upstairs to the guest room where she was staying. Her sister had redecorated the room in soothing shades of green and blue. The ranch should have given Bridget a sense of serenity. After all, she was miles from Stefan and his to-do list for her. She was away from Chantaine where she was recognized and haunted by the paparazzi whenever she left the palace. But Bridget never seemed to be able to escape the restlessness inside her. That was why she’d decided to skip a short vacation and take care of this significant task Stefan had asked of her. After that, she could take her trip to Italy and find her peace again.

      No one had ever accused Bridget of being deep. She voiced her distress and upset to her family at will, but presented the rest of the world with a cheery effervescent face. It was her job.

      Some of the conditions she’d witnessed during the past year and a half, the sights and sounds of children sick in the hospital, Chantaine’s citizens struggling with poverty, cut her to the quick and it had been difficult to keep her winsome attitude intact. It irritated her how much she now had to struggle to maintain a superficial air. Life had been so much easier when she hadn’t faced others in need. Life had been easier when someone hadn’t been willing to sacrifice her life for the sake of Bridget’s safety.

      Even though Eve had indeed survived and thrived since the accident, something inside Bridget had changed. And she wasn’t sure she liked it. Eve and Stefan had fallen in love and married. Eve cared for Stefan’s out-of-wedlock daughter as if she were her own. On the face of it, everything was wonderful.

      Deep down, though, Bridget wondered СКАЧАТЬ