“Listen,” Emma cut back in, “I never expected a kid from suburban New York would be the biggest monarchist at this particular table, but I’ve done a lot of research for my last few books, and the problem most people run into when they say things like, ‘there’s got to be a better way’ is that the better way they envision involves them getting richer, when in reality, there’s a possibility the entire region gets a lot poorer.”

“Archie and Charlie would certainly be worse off,” Brogan said, “and honestly I suppose we’d have less tourism as well if the castle or the beaches fell into the wrong hands, which would hurt the whole village.”

Vic nodded solemnly. “You know that’s not what I want, right?”

“Of course,” Emma said quickly.

“But it’s not within my control.” Her voice sounded strained even to her own ears. “No one ever asked my opinion on any of this, and if I could snap my fingers and just magically have everything I owned put into a community trust or some iron-clad conservation status where everyone kept their jobs, I would without a moment’s hesitation or regret.”

“No one’s asking you to do the impossible,” Brogan said.

Vic laughed, trying not to let any tension or bitterness seep in. “That’s the first time you’ve been wrong all night, my friend, but I’ll forgive it if you provide us with some of your famous sticky toffee pudding.”

“Fair.” Brogan rose from her seat and placed a kiss atop Emma’s fair hair. “But for what it’s worth, I think you’d likely find a way to serve the area as well as anyone could.”

“Hear, hear,” Emma echoed as her wife headed for the kitchen. “I just wish more people around here could get to know you better, because I think they’d definitely rather have you at the helm than some random land-grabber.”

“Thank you for your vote of confidence.” Vic forced a smile. “I appreciate the sentiment even if I don’t agree with your assertions. Either way, though, it’s not my decision to make, and no one will make it tonight.”

“Fair enough.” Emma sat back. “Besides, I think I’ve been polite long enough. I’m ready to hear the story of how you two went from fighting over a sword to . . . whatever it is you’re doing here tonight.”

Vic turned to Sophia, who met her gaze with a spark of mischief in her eyes and a little smirk across her beautiful mouth. Warmth spread through her, causing the tension to dissipate. “Shall we tell her?”