The Unexpected Neighbor

The Future

As I look out over the railing of the balcony, cradling my very pregnant belly, I see the beautiful rolling hills dotted with little cottages and farms, as well as more modern homes. The beautiful mountains looming on the horizon. It seems like so much has changed since Lars and I married.

I think back to the beautiful wedding that took a full year to plan. I walked down the isle of a beautiful Roman Catholic church, with stained glass windows seemingly everywhere. I wore a beautifully handmade dress that was custom made with over 20,000 hand beaded crystals and jewels. There were so many people in attendance, that I only got to speak to a small handful. Everyone from royals to commoners were there. Princess Maria insisted that my dress show up Kates' dress. She was so gracious and told me that my dress was stunning. I was so star struck all I could do was smile and nod! Of course, Lars had a good chuckle at that one. The day was perfect, and I couldn't have asked for anything more than it was. It was already way more than I had ever dreamed of.

"Lost in wonderland again are we Alice?" I feel Lars wrap his arms around me and kiss me on the neck and I smile.

"I am still in awe of this beautiful country Lars. This place never ceases to amaze me, and everyone is so wonderful to me." I respond.

"Speaking of wonderful. Someone is here to see you." Lars grins. Something I know means he's done something either that I'm going to fall apart in tears of joy or frustration.

"Oh?" I respond with a lifted eyebrow.

"It's a good surprise, I promise!" Lars laughs. Lars takes my hand and guides me through our lovely home. It's filled with beautiful paintings, sculptures, and furniture that has been collected throughout the years. The walls are adorned with rich woods and plaster and the floors are often lined with exquisite rugs from all over the world. We walk down the halls of our magnificent and spacious home. We ran into a few of the staff along the way, and I couldn't not stop to talk to some of them, least I be rude. Lars waits patiently every time, and always reminds me that I won't be seen as rude if I don't talk to them afterward. "Here we are." Lars stops in front of the kitchen and I look around.

"Someone in the kitchen needs me?"

"Yes my Princess." Lars grins micheviously again. I narrow my eyes at him and grin back.

"What are you up to huband of mine?" I laugh.

"You better get in there. He's not known to wait around very patiently." Lars says as he turns and walks off.

"Lars!" I hiss. "Who is it?"

"Just go in and see!" he retorts.

I pace in front of the door to the kitchen for a few moments and finally get the gumption to open the door a crack and peek in. There standing in this amazing kitchen of the castle that I share with my royal husband is Gordon Ramsey, my chef idol.

"Oh my Gosh!" I exclaim. "Gordon Ramsey? Is that really you?"

"Hello dear." he says with his diluted Scottish accent and smiles. He comes around the large prep counter and kisses me on the cheek.

"I never imagined I would actually met you! This is like a dream come true!" I gush.

"A bigger dream than marrying a royal from Liechtenstein?" he chuckles.

"I'm not sure which is bigger." I laugh. "Did Lars have something to do with this?"

"Actually, it was your mother in law that set this up. I've been quite busy, but, I promised her that I would stop by and cook with you." he smiles.

"Oh Maria!" I wipe a tear from my eye.

"Oh don't cry darling!" Gordon chuckles.

"I'm so sorry! My emotions are all over the place! This little future Prince has me in tears over the strangest things! I couldn't fit my slippers on the other day and I started crying. Lars helped me put them on and couldn't contain his laughter." I smile at the memory.