Nonsense! Diane Fields, smart, practical, single mother of three, didn't believe in happily-ever-afters—even if her sister was married to the king of Elbia. But here was Earl Thomas Smythe, the rugged, debonair bodyguard to Diane's royal brother-in-law, standing in Diane's kitchen offering to whisk her away to Elbia's luxurious palace—and for a little rest and relaxation, no less! Why, Diane almost took the earl's suggestion as a joke—except there was no doubting the fiery ardor in the eyes of the king's emissary. And there was no doubting that Thomas was stirring up a very passionate response deep in Diane's soul....