The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella and Romeo) novel Chapter 1405

"The McMillian lad is quite the catch. I'm looking forward to raising a glass at your wedding someday soon."

Romeo's eyes softened as he gazed at the girl before him, her long eyelashes framing her bright, smiling eyes.

"Uncle Sampson, Romeo and I are also looking forward to celebrating your big day," Arabella interjected before he could respond, "But enough about that for now, I've got to run."

Sampson chuckled, turning to his excited mother who was already busy packing for tomorrow's trip. It was clear that it had been a long while since she'd been this happy.

"Is Grandma coming over tomorrow?" Romeo asked quietly after they had hung up.

"Yeah, she should be here by noon," Arabella put her phone away. "It's getting late, you should head back."

"You're kicking me out already?" Romeo feigned disappointment, knowing that once Grandma arrived, it might be hard to spend time with Arabella. He wondered when they would see each other next.

"Who knows? Maybe Grandma will want to see you tomorrow and we'll meet up again," Arabella reassured him, seemingly reading his thoughts.

"What does Grandma like? I want to prepare a gift, just in case I get the chance to give it to her in person," Romeo said, then added, "And what about your grandpa, uncle, and aunt?"

"Trying to charm the whole family in one go?"

"Well, if I'm going to take their precious granddaughter, niece under my wing, I've got to make a good impression." Romeo's gaze was tender as he looked at Arabella.

From her room, Serena watched through the gap in the curtains as Romeo held Arabella in a lingering embrace, his hands refusing to leave her for even a second.

He seemed so enamored with her.

A pang of envy struck Serena. She wondered what magic Arabella had cast to hold Romeo's heart so firmly.