Everly

Logan and Joey are in our suite within half an hour.

“Okay, what’s the plan?” Logan asks as he walks through the door.

“Can he really do this?” Joey asks right behind him.

“Yes, unfortunately, he can. It’s written in our by-laws, especially since he’s saying our marriage is null and void,” I respond after giving them both a handshake.

“There’s the girl of the hour,” Logan calls out, holding out his arms to me for a hug.

I sigh. “Really?”

“You know I’m just kidding. If he loves you, I do too. And I don’t believe in marriage, so that means a lot.” He narrows his eyes at me.

“You don’t believe in marriage?”

“That’s a conversation for another time,” Sage butts in. “Let’s focus on ours first.” He places his hand on Logan’s back.

Joey gives me a hug, and we all sit around the dining room table in our suite.

“Okay, so how can we fix this?” Logan asks, stretching back in his chair and placing his hands behind his head like we’re discussing what’s for dinner, not if we get to stay in the country or not.

Sage let’s out a breath. “I’m still trying to figure that out.”

That gets Logan’s attention, and he sits up straight. From what I’ve seen of them in the past, Sage always seems to have a plan, and Logan and Joey are there to make it happen. Seeing that Sage was at a loss brought the reality of the situation slamming down on all of them.

“Well, let’s think about this.” I stand to get a piece of paper from the notepad sitting next to the television. “He said our marriage is null and void. Is it?”

“No, I’ve already told you that.” He gets up, heading toward our room and grabbing a folder, setting it down on the table. “Everything is in there.”

“Yup. I had to get the judge myself.” Joey laughs. “You should have seen his face when I told him what was going on. I don’t think he believed me until I had my dad call him directly.”

I shake my head and chuckle to myself. I never thought about how this all happened, it just did. I flip through the paperwork, seeing the judge’s signature on the form I signed after our ceremony.

“Then how can he say that?”

“Because he’s the king. He can say whatever he wants,” Sage deadpans.

“Then let’s prove him wrong. About everything.”

Sage glances at me with a smile growing on his handsome face. “I get the feeling your wheels are turning. Do share.”

“You know Madame Callista loves you. How many other countries have you helped change the lives of the people who live there?”

He nods, knowing where I’m going with this. “A few…”

“Your father is all about public perception, right?” He nods again, leaning in closer. “Then let’s prove him wrong and show everyone in Canterbury who you really are.”

“But how? We can’t take them all there?”

“No, but through video production, we can.” I hold out my hands proudly to my side, happy I can contribute my expertise. “Let’s go visit these places and show Canterbury what you’ve really been up to.”

“I knew you were perfect for me.” Sage wraps his arms around me, bringing me in for a kiss. “Wait. Shit. There’s no way I’ll get access to the plane.”

“I got you,” Logan speaks up. “We’ll use good ole dad’s plane. You know he has a thing out for your dad ever since he put that sanction on import goods. He’ll be happy to help.”

“Looks like we have a trip to plan,” Sage says, standing to get his laptop while Logan dials his dad.

* * *

Within twenty-four hours, we were on a plane. I’m in awe of what Sage can accomplish in such a short amount of time. We’ve already made one stop and are on our way to a second location when he gets a text from his sister.

Please let me know where you are.

Sage shows me before sitting back in his chair to contemplate the message.

“What are you thinking?” I ask after I sit on his lap and wrap my arms around his neck.

He shakes his head. “I don’t know. She’s always been on my side, but this is a completely different ball game.”

“You don’t trust her?”

He meets my gaze, and I see the pain behind them. “I do trust her. But”—he sighs—“I just don’t know what to feel. My mom sent me a text, too, and Logan’s mom said she’s been searching for me.”

My heart hurts for him. I know he loves his family, but this is all such a mess. “Did you not respond to your mom?”

He shakes his head, rubbing his lids. I can only imagine the tears forming behind his gorgeous, hazel eyes.

I drop my head to his chest, holding him closer to me. “You should at least let them know you’re okay. They care about you.”

He nods, taking a deep breath before typing out:

I’m fine. I’ll be home soon.

She’s quick to respond:

Thank God! Mom and I have been worried sick we’d never hear from you again.

You can’t get rid of me that quickly ;-)

He lets out a little chuckle.

You won’t tell us where you are?

He pauses for a moment before responding:

No, not yet. How’s Mom?

A worried mess. I’ve never seen her act this way. Especially toward Dad. She finally stood up to him yesterday. It wasn’t pretty, but I must say I was proud of her.

Sage stares at the phone, and I notice his eyes filled with tears. When he blinks, one slips out and down his cheek. He’s quick to rub it away. Before he can respond she continues:

Everyone is speculating that you’ve already left the country and never plan to come back. Since we couldn’t get a hold of you, Mom started to believe the rumors.

Tell her I'm sorry. I had some things to do. I didn’t want anyone to know and have it get back to him.

We understand. I really hope Dad comes to his senses.

Me too.

He motions for me to get up, and walks to the bathroom, I’m sure to calm his emotions in private. When I pick up his phone, I see the last text from his sister.

We’re behind you. We love you and can’t wait to welcome Everly to our home.

I drop my head back and close my eyes. Praying our plan works.