Whenever-kobo (20 page)

“Grand-père helped me with something.”

“French or physics?”

I opened my small handbag and lifted out the necklace, a ruby set in a gold backdrop on a gold chain. “We had them made.” I held it out to her. “This one is for you.”

Mom took the glimmering gem. “Oh, no dear, this is yours.”

“Well, they really belong to the Irish royal family, but they said as I found an ancient treasure that they didn’t know about, that part of it should be mine.” The
found an ancient treasure in the old church
was the royal spin on time travel. Not wanting to be locked away in a mental institution, I kept their secret. I dug the other two identical necklaces from my purse. “One for me and Lisette. We’ll match. Grandpa’s keeping the rest safe for me.”

Mom kissed my forehead and helped me put the necklace on. I touched my hand to the image in the mirror. The dark rounded red stone gleamed against my white skin. I looked the same as the girl who’d left, but different too.

Mom said, “Seems like a day for gifts. Did you see what arrived for you?”

I stood up. “Is it the roses? I saw the roses.” Callum was the best long distance boyfriend. Roses arrived once a week and it didn’t get old, but I really wished we had more time together. Talking to him about this mess and what happened to us kept me sane. And I think my American attitude of,
you make your own life and destiny
, helped him deal with the scandal of losing a throne.

“Come along, downstairs,” Mom said. “Come see.”

In the living room, underneath a vase of dark red roses was a gold-wrapped box. “Ooh, chocolates.” I pulled at the ribbon. “If you have to go to Homecoming with your friends because your boyfriend lives in another country, at least he sends chocolates.”

I handed her a truffle and popped one in my mouth. The chocolate melted in a perfect treat. Corresponding via a secured line on the computer wasn’t the same. I wished Callum were here. Waiting until Christmas break to see him felt too far, but on the other hand, maybe we wouldn’t have talked as we did now.

“Curfew’s midnight,” Mom reminded me as I went out the door.

I waved and went down to the limo. Grand-père insisted I use his limousine and driver for stuff like this. As many adjustments as we’d had to make, this wasn’t one I was fighting. I gestured for the driver to stay where he was and let myself in the back. I sank into the leather for one second, and then everything in me froze. I wasn’t alone in the car.

“Homecoming seemed kind of appropriate for our first date,” Callum said, from the bench seat along the limo’s side wall. “As I should have been here with you all along.”

A charge jolted through me at the sound of his lyrical accent. I threw myself at him and held on. “How are you here? I thought you had to stay in Ireland. I mean, I know Austin is the prince now, but you’re sort of an adopted member of their family and all. Are you moving to Texas?” My voice rose and I spoke too fast.

“I’m just here for a visit. To see my town. To see you.” Callum smoothed my hair behind my ear. He gave me a quick soft kiss on my mouth and his hand wrapped around mine, pulling it down. With his other, he draped a white gold bracelet around my wrist. Tiny blue and purple gems led toward the clasp tipped with diamonds.

“Pretty. What’s this?”

He trailed a finger over the stones, murmuring in appreciation of the dark gems against my white skin. His glancing touch was warm, exciting.

“I didn’t want you to have to wait until the spring for your bluebonnets to bloom. Not when I can I can bring them to you.”

“I love it.” My voice sounded soft, my Texas twang melted at his thoughtfulness.

He twined his fingers with mine. “You’ve been my kidnappee, my time traveler, my wife. We’ve done it all backwards. How about we try again?” His midnight blue eyes peered into mine. “Will you be my date to Homecoming?”

“Yes.” I kissed him with a light glancing kiss. “Welcome to Texas Callum.”