“I agree.” He noted the flush of pleasure in his daughter’s cheeks. “Speak with your uncle Elliott about having designs developed.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“You said there were two things.”

She offered him the file folder she held. “Levi asked me to give this to you.”

He took it from her and opened the file. The evidence inside left no doubt as to who the inside source had been: a $10,000 deposit into Leon Cordova’s Swiss bank account six months ago, followed by another $50,000 three days before the shooting.

As much as Alejandro wanted to trust his staff’s loyalty, after seeing the evidence against Cordova, his confidence wavered.

“It appears your friend has found the culprit.”

“He isn’t convinced Cordova was the only person involved, but as he says, it’s his job to keep looking.” Cassie took a deep breath and straightened her shoulders, a sure sign she was preparing to ask for something. He missed the days when a pony was the golden prize.

“What is it?” Alejandro asked.

“Levi has been here for two weeks now. I would like to make his position official.”

“What did you have in mind?” Alejandro closed the file and focused solely on his daughter. “I already have a captain of the guard, and Levi doesn’t strike me as someone who is going to be happy working for someone else.”

“That’s true. He’s been running the security at the chateau for the past two years,” Cassie said. “I have something else in mind.”

“Such as?”

“Well, dating someone who works for me would raise all sorts of issues, both personally and professionally.”

“Not to mention the media when the story breaks.”

“Precisely,” Cassie said. “I propose he be hired as a security consultant.”

“Whether you call him a consultant or an employee, he’s still going to be working for you, and we’ll still be paying him.”

“That’s true, but I believe the distinction is an important one, especially if our personal relationship continues as I hope it will.”

Twenty-six years flashed through his memory. The moment Cassie was born, her first step, her debutante ball, the day she graduated from college, and so many other moments in between. His baby had grown up, and he’d barely had time to blink.

Alejandro forced himself to ask the dreaded question. “What are you hoping for?”

“The same thing I’ve always hoped for.” Cassie’s blush returned. “I want a happily ever after.”

“You’re in love with him.”

“Yes.”

“I see.” And he did see. The confidence Cassie drew from Levi’s presence, the adoration in Levi’s eyes anytime he let his guard down, their afternoon rides together. “I will leave it to your discretion on how you want to handle his employment contract, but I must insist his living arrangements be adjusted.”

“I realize having him in the residence can create an air of favoritism, but I truly don’t feel safe when he isn’t nearby.”

“What about the tower apartment? It’s close by but not officially part of the royal residence.”