The Princess and the Pauper (Arabella) novel Chapter 1925

Romeo planned to ask the chef for the recipe later, so when Bella married him and longed for a taste of home, he could whip up a comforting cup for her, or perhaps they could make a trip back together.

"Did your family's thing wrap up that quick?" Arabella asked offhandedly.

"Yeah, grandpa and grandma were both eager to get cooking, thinking of impressing you tonight with their skills. Mom and dad were not to be outdone. When I left, all four of them were battling it out for kitchen space, with the chef standing by, totally stressed out, unable to intervene but also unable to watch them turn the kitchen into a disaster zone." Romeo said with a light chuckle, "They know you love seafood, so tonight's feast is mostly seafood-themed."

"That's so considerate of them." Arabella said with a laugh, "Dinner here should be over by six or seven; then we can head over to your grandparents' and nibble on something."

"If they heard you say that, they'd be thrilled." Romeo pulled out his phone, "I'll shoot them a message to hold back on the experimental dishes. Otherwise, I might ban you from next year's feast."

The elders weren't sure if Arabella would make it today, but they were all vying to cook, hoping she would come and get a taste of their culinary efforts.

If they knew Arabella was definitely coming tonight, they would be over the moon, eagerly awaiting her arrival.

"You're really crashing our dinner?" David stood by the long banquet table, watching Romeo stroll in hand in hand with his sister. He felt a twinge of jealousy, "Can you maybe show a little restraint in public? The deal isn't sealed yet, and here you are, all over each other. Does Bella's reputation mean nothing to you?"

"What can I say? You're just jealous you don't have a girlfriend," Romeo let go of Arabella's hand only to drape an arm around her waist, drawing her even closer, looking like the perfect pair.

"Just because you've got Bella on your side now, doesn't mean you can do whatever you want around me. Listen here, she calls me bro, and you better show the same respect! Otherwise, you can forget about stepping through this door!"

"If just saying 'bro' can get me such an amazing fiancée, then I'm making out like a bandit." Romeo said with a playful grin, acknowledging his friend's tacit approval, "Thanks for acknowledging me as your future brother-in-law so soon, David. I'm looking forward to all the advice you'll give me."

"Advice, my foot." David grumbled, pulling Romeo's shoulder away from Bella, "If it weren't for the fact that you're my longtime buddy and the whole 'keep the benefits in the family' thing, I'd never let Bella end up with you."