Page 3 of Big, Burly Bodyguard

“Nothing. We’ll take care of everything. Mike will handle the paperwork. Lawyers. Optics. Whatever else is needed.”

“Mike? Is that his name?”

“It is. He’s a good guy, Evelyn. Even if things don’t work out between the two of you the way things did between Harrison and me, he won’t make you miserable.”

I swallow past the lump in my throat. “Thank you.”

“You won’t be alone,” she says. “Not at any point. Harrison’s already worked out the details with Mike. Quietly. We’ll keep this small. It’ll be a private ceremony. No cameras. No public announcements. Or trumpets.”

“That sounds… blissful,” I say.

“No giant bows in your hair,” she adds.

That makes me laugh. “Maybe I’ll bring this one with me so you can try it on.”

“How generous of you.” She stretches her back, and then one of her hands disappears, no doubt to rest on her baby bump.

A pang of jealousy pricks at me and I shove it away. I wouldn’t ever want to take anything away from Birdie. She’s an amazing person. I just want what she has too.

“Once you leave, things will move fast. Your parents will be angry. The press will speculate. There will be consequences.”

“I know,” I say again. This time steadier. “There are consequences if I stay, too. They’re just quieter. And more permanent. If I stay here and marry Harold, I’ll disappear, Birdie. It’s been hard enough staying myself with just my parents at the helm. But to be his wife.” I shudder.

She gives me a genuine smile. “I’ve been waiting for you to ask for help for a long time, Evelyn.”

That does it. A tear slips free before I can stop it.

“Hey,” she says gently. “No crying. This is the part where your life starts to belong to you.”

I laugh weakly. “You make it sound so simple.”

“It’s not simple,” she says. “But it’s worth it.”

I take a steadying breath and straighten my shoulders, even though no one of importance is watching. Old habits.

“Thank you,” I say. “For doing this. For not telling me I’m selfish or foolish or⁠—”

“Don’t,” she interrupts. “You’re brave. And you’ve been brave for so long, enduring life in your gilded cage. Soon you can be brave and spread those wings.”

The words settle into me.

“I’ll send you a list of what you need to pack. Keep it light. We’ll buy anything else here.”

The idea of packing my life into a suitcase makes my chest flutter with equal parts terror and excitement.

“Okay,” I say. “Tomorrow.”

She smiles again, brighter this time. “Get some sleep, Princess.”

I roll my eyes. “You know I hate it when you call me that.”

She grins.

The call ends, the screen going dark.

I stare at my own reflection for a moment longer, then I close the laptop.

For the first time in my life, the future feels terrifying in the best possible way.