Royal Holiday Baby by Leanne Banks

road.
    Tina gripped the door with one hand and the edge of her seat with the other. “Are we in a hurry?” she asked.
    Hildie shrugged and turned the country radio station to a higher decibel. “Not really. I just don’t like to waste time getting where I want to go.”
    Tina swallowed over a knot of panic in her throat. “How far to the store?”
    Hildie waved her hand and guided the steering wheel with her knee. “Not long,” she said and cackled. “You can be sure I’ll get there in no time.”
    If we don’t meet our maker first, she thought and continued her death grip. Hildie gave a running commentary on the history of the area and talked about her niece, Eve, apparently her pride and joy.
    When Hildie pulled into a parking lot and screeched to a stop, Tina breathed a sigh of relief.
    â€œHere we are,” Hildie said and winked at her. “They have a maternity department here.”
    Tina walked into the store and felt as if she’d stepped into a foreign country. The truth was that her assistant often shopped for her. Tina rarely visited retail stores. She was too busy.
    She felt Hildie studying her. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “Don’t they have what you want?”
    â€œThey seem to have everything. I just don’t know where to start. I’m overwhelmed,” she said.
    Hildie laughed. “Okay, let’s start with the basics, then. Underwear,” she said and led her to the intimates department.
    Tina chose several pairs of stretchy panties and a couple bras.
    â€œYou’ll get bigger there, too,” Hildie warned.
    Feeling self-conscious, Tina shrugged. “I’ll deal with that later. I’d like to get a couple of skirts and a few tops.”
    â€œThe maternity department is over—”
    â€œI’m not quite ready for that,” Tina said. “I’ll just buy a size larger than usual.”
    â€œIf you’re sure,” Hildie said.
    â€œI’m not that big yet,” Tina whispered. “I’m not that far along in my pregnancy. I’m not ready for everyone to know—”
    â€œYour Highlyness, if Zach noticed your baby bump in that newspaper, then everyone knows,” Hildie said dryly.
    â€œEveryone doesn’t know at first sight, though. I could just use a little breathing room,” Tina said.
    Hildie studied her for a long moment. “I can understand that. Let’s find you a nice little skirt or two.”
    Less than fifteen minutes later, they left the store with toiletries, underwear, two skirts, three tops and a dress.
    â€œYou won’t be able to hide it much longer, dear,” Hildie said.
    Tina’s stomach knotted. “I know. I’m just buying a little time.”
    â€œAre you ashamed?” Hildie asked.
    â€œWell, you have to admit it’s not the optimal situation,” Tina said, gazing out the window as they whizzed past the barren landscape.
    â€œAre you ashamed of Zach?”
    Tina whipped her head around to look at Hildie. “No. I’m embarrassed because I should have been more careful, more responsible. It’s not as if I were a teenager.”
    â€œFrom what Zachary told me, you were busy being an adult when you were a teenager. No time for impulsiveness or getting into trouble.”
    â€œThat still doesn’t excuse—”
    â€œPardon me, Your Highlyness, but nobody’s perfect. Evenprincesses aren’t perfect. You’re just lucky Zachary was the man who got carried away with you. He’s a good man,” she said. “And it’s time he got past…” Hildie’s voice trailed off and she sighed.
    â€œGot past what?” Tina asked.
    Hildie frowned. “It’s not my place to say.”
    Tina blinked, shocked that Hildie would consider any subject outside propriety. After all, Zach’s housekeeper had freely given her opinions on underwear, pregnancy and