The Last Romanov: Book One

Geoffrey's Surprise

We got in the car that Geoffrey had picked out, and took off for the hotel with the room that Geoffrey had already rented out the other day.

The drive from Jackson to Vicksburg was not terribly long, only about forty-five minutes. Thank goodness, we didn't have to worry about stopping during the drive. All I could look at was the lush, green countryside of Mississippi as we drove. The sun beat down on us with an unusual amount of heat.

"Stace, we're here," Geoffrey finally said.

I'd been so engrossed with watching the countryside fly by (and an occasional deer sprinting away from the car) that I didn't even realize that we'd approached the house.

I got a good look as we drove up to the Bed & Breakfast.

The house on the right side looked large. White paint covered the front of the house. The door facing us was black, as well were the shutters. It looked just like a traditional house. As we climbed out of the car, a new voice rang through the air.

"Welcome to Canemount," the woman greeted.

I turned to face her. She approached us and shook mine and Geoffrey's hands, smiling warmly at us. A man came out and also greeted us.

"My name is Diane. And this is my husband, Jim. Would you like for me to show the two of you your room?"

"If you wouldn't mind," I answered politely. "Yes, please."

"Follow me, please."

Diane, one of the owners, led us to our suite. When we came to a stop, she handed Geoffrey the keys, and smiled at him.

"I believe your room is on the first floor, right next to the lawn. The latest breakfast that we'll have is at ten o'clock. Earliest breakfast is at eight o'clock. Do you have a preference?"

Geoffrey and I glanced at each other.

"Ten o'clock sounds perfect," Geoffrey answered.

"Perfect. We'll be sure to prepare for that, Your Royal Highnesses. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

She bowed slightly before going away, back to the main house. Once she left, I glanced over at Geoffrey, and I smiled slightly.

"I'm excited to see the main house tomorrow, love," I finally said.

"Me, too," he agreed. He wrapped his arm around mine and gently pressed a kiss to my forehead. "Are you ready to unpack?"

"Definitely. And a nice, warm bath would be nice, too."

"Don't worry. I'll get that all set up for you. Just relax."

A blush crept up my cheeks.

"Geoff, you don't have to —"

Geoffrey pressed his pointer finger against my lips, immediately shushing me.

"I want to do it for you, love. Don't worry about me."

"This is one of the many reasons why I love you, Geoffrey Windsor," I said softly.

He brought me into a hug, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead.

"I love you, too, Stace."

We let go of the hug and began to unpack. When Geoffrey unlocked the cozy suite, I noticed that there was only one bed, and I felt my cheeks begin to heat up. I knew that I should have gotten used to sleeping by Geoffrey's side. But for some odd reason, snoozing in the same bed as him made me feel awkward.

"I'm going to make your bath, love!" Geoffrey shouted from the mini sink that stood right next to the bathroom in a little nook.

"Okay! Thanks, love!" I hollered back.