“May I have this dance?” he asked, extending his hand to her.
Adelaide didn’t miss the amused twitters of some of the onlookers—as if they were privy to this little joke. Ignoring them, she smiled. “Of course.”
The ensemble started to play “The Blue Danube,” and Anton took her into his arms. Suddenly they were waltzing and happily whirling around the ballroom as other couples, the royal counselors, and Parliament members joined them. Not for the first time since coming to Montovia, Adelaide was grateful for the classical dancing lessons her mother had forced her to take as a preadolescent. And for a brief happy moment, she imagined her beautiful mother and handsome father, both whole and well, energetically waltzing together in heaven right now. The image was so sweet that her smile grew even bigger.
After the number ended, Anton led her from the dance floor. “I’m sorry I was late,” he said as they strolled along the sidelines.
“I’m just glad you made it.” She kept her arm looped in his as he led them out into the main hall, stopping to admire the enormous Christmas tree with its colorful lights and decorations.
“I got distracted by my sister at her restaurant.”
“How is Elsa?”
“She’s fine. I was helping her to prepare for a little Christmas Eve party she is hosting at her restaurant. She wants me to invite you.”
“Tonight? Another party?”
“Yes. It will begin around nine. Just an intimate gathering. Good food and drink, singing and merrymaking.”
“Interesting. Who will be there?”
“Elsa, her husband, my parents, a few others. My family always celebrates Christmas Eve together. Usually at our parents’ home, but since Uncle Albert and a few others had to be at the palace, well, Elsa offered her restaurant for after the party. It’ll be a family thing.”
“A family thing?” She paused in front of the nativity she’d set up a few weeks ago. She leaned over and straightened some of the straw in the manger, making baby Jesus more comfortable.
“Yes. Aunts, uncles, cousins . . . just a small, happy crowd. And you must bring your American friend. And anyone else for that matter.”
“What about my uncle?” she asked with uncertainty.
He laughed. “The king is most welcome. After all, he is your family. Invite Lina too, if you like. We will be one big happy family.” His dark eyes twinkled as he looked down at her.
“Family,” she repeated quietly. “You know, I’ve never had much of that before.”
“You have it now.” He took her hand in his. “That is, if you want it. If you’re ready to make Montovia your home.”
“It is my home,” she admitted. “I think I’ve known that for a while.”
He beamed at her. “Can we seal that with a kiss?”
She nodded eagerly. It was a done deal.
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of more than 250 books with sales of more than 7.5 million, including many bestselling Christmas novellas, young adult titles, and contemporary romances. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, and her novel All Summer Long has been made into a Hallmark movie. The movie based on her novel The Happy Camper premiered on UPtv in 2023. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at