§ § § -- November 1, 2004

“It’s absolutely the weekend that changed ma life,” Robia said, slowly shaking her head, but her face bright. “I know there’ll be a lot o’ adjustin’ and sae much ta tell each other, just a million an’ a half bits o’ info wee an’ giant. But we’ve got a good runnin’ start. I’m callin’ him Dad, an’ he’s tellin’ me what I was like as a wee bairn afore I was taken. We’re makin’ plans. I need ta be back at work o’ course, an’ Dad an’ Her Highness should ha’ their chance at a proper honeymoon, but after that I’ll travel to Lilla Jordsö an’ we’ll all spend time together.” She grasped Roarke’s hands. “Thank ye sae much, Mr. Roarke, for givin’ me ma real identity back. Noo I can start fillin’ in all the blanks in ma life.”

Roarke smiled warmly at her. “That’s why I am in this business. The fulfillment of a fantasy such as yours is the greatest reward I can receive. Have a safe trip home.”

Robia laughed. “Och, home. Hard ta know where home is. Born in Minnesota, raised in Scotland, ma dad in Lilla Jordsö, livin’ in Minnesota…” She giggled at Roarke’s, Leslie’s and Louisa Karlsen’s laughter. “We’ll ha’ citizenship issues ta work oot, an’ knowin’ ma dad means ta live in Lilla Jordsö makes me wonder if I oughta take up ma new stepmother’s tongue. I’ve got some decisions ta make, but a wonderful dilemma ’tis, Mr. Roarke.” She bade him and Leslie goodbye, had a quick word with Louisa and trotted off to the plane.

“Well, Miss Karlsen, did we fulfill your fantasy?” Roarke inquired.

Louisa looked reflectively up at him. “You know, it sort of seems obvious that you must have. After all, I met a prince, and he actually likes me enough to want to stay in touch with me—if that isn’t glamorous, I don’t know what is.” Leslie and Roarke chuckled. “I know it won’t be possible if I miss out on that job in Lilla Jordsö that I mentioned at the wedding reception last evening. But Rudolf seems to think I’ve got a good shot at it, and even Princess Amalia said I have an edge, knowing Swedish and German already, and seeing there’s been such a lack of good candidates applying—that’s what she said.”

“So you have something to brag to your sisters about after all,” Leslie prompted.

“Yeah, maybe I do,” Louisa agreed slowly, meeting her gaze. “But you know what? I don’t care so much anymore what they think, especially Kristen. Maybe ‘getting out from under their shadows’ didn’t so much mean that they were eclipsing me, but that I just had to have some impetus for breaking away and living my own life.”

Roarke smiled broadly and said, “Then in that case, your fantasy most certainly has been fulfilled. I wish you the best of luck in landing that job.”

“And with Rudolf,” added Leslie.

Louisa giggled. “Thank you, both of you. What a great weekend…for me and Robia both.” They exchanged goodbyes, and Louisa headed for the plane.

“That’s one fantasy we won’t have heard the last of,” Leslie mused. “Carl Johan’s likely to keep Christian apprised of Rudolf’s budding romance with Louisa; and Anna-Laura will probably mention Gregory’s and Robia’s reconciliation process to us as well.” She met her father’s gaze. “It’s going to be fun to watch the evolution of both of them.” Roarke smiled back at her and put an arm around her shoulder, and they both waved after their departing guests.

Next: someone comes to the island who brings back a raft of poignant memories for both Roarke and Leslie...