”I chuckled as I headed for the door, “Let your dragons know so they do not bit him if you decide to bed him.”She laughed as I opened the door a...d gestured her guards back in. I did not have to go far to find one of the protectorate. I felt him long before he appeared to walk beside me. He glanced at me and smiled, “You are in a good mood.”I smiled, “Her majesty will consider a union but wants to meet the prince first. What I want to know is who you are guarding him from and why he needs you. . really skip your opening?”“I did.”I shook my head and took a few breaths. “And did you finish the photos?”“All of them.”“Well, that’s good to hear, at least. I’m sure they’re amazing. Was Leila disappointed that you couldn’t be there?”“She...” Heather was silent for a time. “No. She wasn’t.”“Oh ... Did something happen?” I asked gently.She sighed. “I ... Can we talk about something else? I just can’t—not right now.”“Yeah, of course. I’m sorry. I just feel really bad about it, and it seems. Finding another guy like that, who we could trust to do that, seems like an impossible task. I knew you well enough that I knew you could handle it. And, as I said, you’ve done a perfect job.“That presents the problem of finding the guy who meets Josie’s general criteria, but who would not only butt out, but give up all parental rights of any kind, forever. And sign a legal agreement to never see Josie, me, Jesse, or the child after Josie conceives.”“That’s a tall order,” I said.“I know. And. Their fiftieth wedding anniversary is quite a milestone, wouldn't you say? How many couples stay married that long?" I hoped she might sense a little irony in that.Debbie sobbed and returned to the kitchen. Just as the game ended, her parents rang the bell. I opened the door and welcomed them with big hugs and hearty congratulations. An hour later we were sitting at the table, having dinner. Our two daughters had come home from their weekend jobs at the local mall. We all toasted Deb's folks. I.