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CHAPTER SIXTEEN

“THIS IS A MOMENT we’ve been waiting for” The king’s deep voice rang out loud and clear

Annabelle quietly sat at the heritage dinner that evening Back at the palace the note had been brushed with chemicals that hopefully would illuminate the print on it And while she waited, she’d been treated to thehome-cooked food

She wasn’t alone in her enjoyment Everyone had oohed and aahed over the entrees before devouring thehtful desserts had just been served, but before people could dive in, the king wanted to make a special toast

Grayson sat next to her at the long wooden table They were having dinner in the village streets of Portolina It was a coh for such a large turnout Annabelle sazed around at so many familiar faces

Her eyes paused on the man next to her—Grayson He’d surprised her today when he’d opened up to her hat ic moments of his life And the fact that he’d done it because he orried about her was not lost on her This man who said that he wasn’t interested in a relationship was now throwing out very confusing signals

And the fact that he’d been willing to keep her secret for just a little while longer made him even more attractive He was not like the otherand insistent on having his way He illing to listen and consider both sides of the argue for her And it wasplus in her book

Not tohim next to her—really used to it She didn’t knohat she was going to do when he left Mirraccino Because nobetween them, she realized that he intended to leave and return to his life in California

“And that’s why I’d like you to help ’s voice interrupted Annabelle’s thoughts

Applause filled the air as Grayson got to his feet He smiled and winked at Annabelle before heHands were shaken The contract for the South Shore Project was signed And Grayson offered a brief thank-you

Annabelle hadn’t realized how ht that it would be monumental because at last she could show her father that she could take care of herself But she realized that this moment meant so much more because Grayson now had a per his Mediterranean operations right here in addition to starting one of his famous cafés Maybe it wasn’t such a far-fetched idea to think that theyreal

“Annabelle”

She turned to find her father standing behind her “Poppa, what are you doing here?”

“Is that the way you greet your father?”

“Sorry” She ive hi ?