Chapter 40

The next couple of days were relatively smooth. Heather had a schedule to which she had become accustomed. She would work all day, spend a little time at Mabel and Mathilda's cottage, return to her cabin, eat dinner with Alexander and Juan, and fall asleep in Alexander's arms.
This was almost as perfect as it could be.
She no longer felt uneasy with Mabel, in contrast to earlier. She actually seemed to be enjoying it. Even though the woman was a little eccentric, there was always something about her that made her fall in love with her every single time. Further, it was heartfelt how she took care of her in the little moment she had spent.
It definitely lessens the ache which she always endured whenever she realized that Alexander folks did not like her. They still haven't accepted her. The most discouraging aspect is that they even refuse to give her a chance. She had her last conversation with them when she entered their residence. Since that time, they have managed to ignore her in every possible way. They did not even bother with her to learn about her progress with the towns people.
Regardless of everything, Alexander still very much adored her. However, she did not wish to be with Alexander in defiance of his parent's wishes. The very thought just evokes sadness.
Fortunately for her, she had new hope the next day. Juan burst into Alexander and Heather's cabin grinning broadly just as they were ready to head into the kitchen to prepare breakfast.
“Heather has transformed you into a domestic man. I like it.” He stated as he looked at his elder brother.
“What else can I say? Heather brings the best out of me.” Alexander shrugged.
“That she does, and it is for the best. Having a cook make everything for you is very stereotypical. Indeed, I believe I ought to begin taking cooking lessons from the two of you." Juan mumbled his thoughts aloud.
Heather's eyes sparkled at the very words, “It is an excellent idea, Juan. Nothing compares to a man who is skilled in preparing delicious meals. Your future wife will be quite lucky.”
At the mention of the word ‘wife,’ Juan grimaced a bit. “Learning to cook for my 'future wife' will be the wrong motivation. I want to do it for myself.”
“He does have a point. When did my brother get so wise?” Alexander responded by slapping his younger brother's back.
“Alexander, I have been wise all my life. Simply put, you failed to notice it.” Juan dramatically wiped his tears off.
“So what brought you here, my beloved wise brother? Will you be joining us for breakfast?" Alexander enquired.
“As much as I would love to, but no. You two are coming to have breakfast with us.” Juan said.
“Us?” Heather and Alexander both had scowls on their faces.
“Yes. Mother and father invited both of you for breakfast, so they asked me to get you.” Juan stated.
He was taken aback when his mother asked him to join them for supper and to invite Alexander and Heather. He was very certain that it wasn't because of their change of heart regarding the relationship between Alexander and Heather.
Over time, they might alter their views and decisions, but not at this time. Both he and Alexander were too familiar with his parents. He could tell that his older brother was thinking the same thing he was when he glanced at him.
The invitation was not merely extended out of politeness but also because the monarch and queen had something special in mind.
Alexander, however, felt really uncomfortable accepting the invitation. He had a sinking feeling that something was about to go awry, yet he was unable to decline their invitation. This could be his parents' chance to meet Heather and the ideal opportunity to learn why he fell in love with her.
They had to face the music one day or another, and today was that day.
He looked at Heather and nodded with a hopeful expression. "Are you okay with that?"
"To be completely blunt, I am terrified, nervous, and experiencing a range of emotions, but I truly want them to like me. I want them to give me a chance and get to know the real me. Therefore, I cannot avoid them, especially when they are the ones who took the first step to invite me.” Heather said with a slightly nervous smile.
“It's true, Heather. But I must warn you. It might go either way and knowing my parents, they may behave a bit harshly.”
Alexander did not want to escalate her worry, but he needed to prepare Heather about them. He did not want her to feel hurt.
“It is okay. I will be fine. Let me get the pie we made the previous night, and then we can go. Should I change since they are noble people?” Heather could not help but ask, feeling insecure. She wants to make a good impression on them; even though she was certain that her dressing sense wouldn't affect their perception of their older son being married to a woman of comparable class, she still wants to make a good impression on them.
“Heather, you do not need to change. You look beautiful.” Alexander pecked her lips.
“He is right, Heather. You look just perfect. Don’t worry too much about it. And you do not need to make a pie for me; I have already given you my approval.” Juan winked.
“Pie is not for you, stupid. She made it specially for me.” Alexander stated while grinning smugly.
“I did make it for Juan, actually. You love apple pie, but I made chocolate pie….”
“Which is my favorite. I love you, Heather.” Alexander's brows narrowed as Juan went to hug Heather.
“You changing sides now?” Alexander looked up at her.
“Nope. I just wanted to express my gratitude to Juan for accepting me.” Heather said, kissing Alexander’s cheeks.
“You can appreciate me more, but just so you know. Father does enjoy chocolate pie like me. So I am sure this is going to give you points.” Juan pointed.
“It might, but mother won't like it if she has an ulterior motive for inviting us over,” Alexander stated.
“I hope she likes it,” Heather mumbled.
“Me too, Heather,” Alexander said.
Juan had the same thought and fervently hoped their parents did not have an extended agenda for this meal. Because, at present, even he was unaware of what his parents had planned. When he had tried to ask them subtly, but they had skillfully disregarded him and kept him in the dark.
If things do go bad, hopefully, he will be able to contain the damage without opposing any of them.