Just a Holiday Hangout: A Royal Christmas Romcom (There's Gotta Be Something More Book 3) by Katie Nelson

Author:Katie Nelson [Nelson, Katie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-11-01T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Arlo

“Mom, why on earth do you guys think we’re engaged?”

Arlo and Ada sat in the living room across from his parents at their quaint lodging while Brooklyn watched TV in her room.

Francisca held out her hand. “Because we saw the picture.”

“What picture?”

Arlo’s father, Paulo, sat back with his legs crossed—silent and stoic.

“The picture of you proposing,” she explained.

“I’ve never proposed to Ada."

“Paulo, show him the picture that was sent to you.”

Paulo pulled out his phone and tapped a button.

Holding up the screen, they saw a photo of Arlo down on one knee at the rooftop coffee shop in Big Bear. Ada had her hands covering her mouth, shock on her face.

Ada inhaled sharply. “Arlo…”

“Explain that.” Francisca crossed her arms over her chest.

Arlo muttered, “That’s not… what it looks like.”

Swiping right on the screen his mother said, “Big Bear Coffee posted the photo along with the caption, ‘Congrats to the cute couple that got engaged on our rooftop today!’ That’s the two of you, correct?”

“Yes, that’s us, but I wasn’t proposing. I was… groveling. It wasn’t real.”

Francisca sniffled and held her hand over her mouth. “You mean… it was… just a hoax? I… I thought you wanted to surprise us. That’s why you hadn’t told us you were coming home.”

Arlo ran his hand through his hair. “How did you find out I was coming home?”

“After I saw the photo, I spoke with Luiz to see if you’d told him you were engaged. That’s when he mentioned he wasn’t supposed to say anything, but that you were coming home to DJ the New Year’s Eve party. We just assumed…”

“Mom, I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. Ada and I are just friends…” Then he looked at Ada. “We’re friends, right?”

She shrugged.

“I was going to surprise you with a visit. Luiz wasn’t supposed to say anything.” Arlo rubbed his hands together.

Francisca buried her head into Paulo’s shoulder. More sniffles could be heard.

“Mom, what’s going on? What’s wrong?”

His mom began full on sobbing.

Paulo patted his wife’s shoulder. “Your mother… and I… just hoped you getting married meant… good things for you, for the island. Things have been tough the last few years. Everyone at the palace has been abuzz with excitement over a royal wedding and what that could mean… for all of us.”

“Dad…” Arlo hung his head.

Ada closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I’m sorry, I’m so lost. Palace, royal wedding…”

“She doesn’t know?” Francisca straightened. Paulo pulled out a handkerchief and she patted below her eyes.

Putting a hand to her chest, Ada tried to steady her breathing. “What don’t I know?”

Arlo turned toward her and blew out a breath. “My parents are…” he paused and rubbed his forehead. “The king and queen of Ilha de Segredos.”

After a moment, Ada burst out laughing. “I’m sorry. I swear you said your parents are… royalty.” She relaxed back on the couch. “That’s a good joke. You almost had me.”

“Henrique, I can’t believe you didn’t tell her.” Francisca shook her head at him.

“It’s not the easiest topic to bring up.

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