Page 24 of Royally Redeemed
“Not her. I think I am treading on thin ice gifting her anything, mate. I want to. She's alone on Christmas and trying to be all brave and chill about it. But how bloody sad is that?”
“Dreadful. You should stay and keep her company. Might have no choice either way. If the weather gets any worse, you might be grounded, Wales.”
I groaned. “They say that, but it will never deliver.”
I could only pray to get stuck. It would never happen. There was a big storm on the horizon. I expected to get off shift and board a plane north. The forecast said ice and half a meter of snow. Well, maybe we would, maybe we wouldn't.
“So what is it you can choose from?”
“A bathrobe, a knit scarf, and perfume. The type my cousin Leah recommended.”
“Don't go with the perfume if you aren't sure. It’s too personal as is the robe. Go with the scarf. It's a classic gift. Give her a bottle of something nice to go with it and she'll think you're brill, mate.”
It wasn't half bad.
I nodded. “Cheers, mate. That is what I will do.”
“Anytime. Now, back to it?”
I agreed. “My mandated break is about up. Back to the grind.”
The problem with tower work was the painfully obvious weather. I saw the windsock pick up. Two hours before my shift ended, we diverted any incoming aircraft due to crosswinds.When they calmed, the snow increased, but we were able to get everything out of the pattern and shutter the place with twenty minutes remaining on my shift.
I was about to mis Christmas dinner. At first, I rejoiced! No reminders about how I was a fuck up from all my successful, well-adjusted cousins and their beautiful, perfect children. I realized I had no dinner prepared, no plans, and not much food. And I thought about Leah's dear kids—her twins in particular—and I got sad. They were my favorites. I'd miss the baby. I didn't let anyoneknowI was sad, even if I were.
“Sir,” my detail on shift said. “We will take you straight back. The weather is bad. And they are bound to close the bridge.”
“Of course,” I said.
I escaped in the car. It was slow going across the bridge. What usually took twenty minutes took about ninety. At one point, we became bogged down in the slush and slid into a rut, but thankfully made it out by the hair of our chin. I was sure I was about to be pushing the 4X4.
When we arrived, the house lights were off.
“We've lost power, sir,” the detail on site said. “We will get the generator going.”
“Brilliant,” I sighed. “Just a wonderful, happy Christmas to all of us.”
“We will be fine, sir. The inn where we are staying has power still. At the very least?—”
“No, I can tough it out. I did survival training in the wilderness just out there and froze for two weeks. I can manage a couple cold nights. I pray your heat stays.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The lights flickered on.
“Well, cheers, gentlemen, we're back in business!” I chuckled. “Why don't you head back to safety while you can? I'mnot going anywhere now. Just going to ring Mum and apologize. The usual.”
16
MAKING DO
ELOISE
24 December
London Daily Times
We are here with Leo Hayes, our Royal Correspondent all weekend. It is an exciting time to watch the Royals arrive at Sandringham for Christmas. The first to arrive, of course, were the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh. The Queen was spotted this morning taking tea in town with the Duchess of Lauderdale and Her Majesty’s most beloved niece, Leah Roughy. With them as well was Lady Roughy's youngest child who the Queen was incapable of setting down for even a moment. Someone should tell Prince Duncan he should hurry it up! Ladies, if you are out there, now's your chance. The Queen might be on your side here!
