Bachelorette No More: Josie Has Finally Snatched Herself A Man - And It's No Royal!
Seems like the last Bolton daughter has finally found herself a man worthy of her heart. Last night, Josephine Bolton has been spotted walking hands in hands with a handsome tall blonde man with turquoise eyes named EDWARD ROTHSCHILD! The couple has also supported Josie's sister and brother-in-law as the Duchess had her first engagement after her maternity leave. Ed, Josie and the Duke of Oxford were watching the girls, while the Duchess played tennis on the court.
Even back then, Josie and Ed couldn't help but be all smiles and giggles. They completely ignored the cameras, just like last night when they left the famous Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester. The couple didn't hide their feelings for one another before they disappeared in a black Jaguar limousine.
The Rothschild family is one of the most powerful and wealthy in the world, so Josie really didn't go under her standards here. We hope this love will last and is not just for the cameras and her redemption after the dress scandal at The Duke and Duchess of Windsor's wedding, two months ago.
OFF THE MARKET: JOSIE BOLTON HAS A BOYFRIEND!
The undoubted hottest bachelorette of the world is officially off the market! Josie Bolton has been spotted hand in hand with the handsome Edward Rothschild through Hyde Park on Sunday morning! What looked like a typical Sunday morning stroll through the park for the couple, was a shocking and heartbreaking discovery for bachelors all over the world.
For those, who weren't quick enough to snatch the Bolton beauty, don't be sad, you most probably didn't have the bank account that needs to come to please such a woman. But her new boyfriend, Edward Rothschild certainly does. Being worth over 3 trillion pounds, the Rothschilds are the wealthiest family in the world - but fear not, the Boltons are on place number two.
Josie and Ed ere giving each other some seriously loved filled gazes as they enjoyed the nature of Hyde Park. It is also rumoured that the couple is currently living together in Ed's flat in South Kensington.
We can already hear the wedding bells ringing, can you?
Power families merge: Bolton and Rothschild are an item!
With Josephine Bolton and Edward Rothschild's relationship unveiled, the couple truly embody the term 'power couple'. With the Rothschilds being with 3 trillion pounds and the Boltons at roughly 2.98 trillion pounds, it's safe to say the couple, if they will wed, will combine the world's most powerful families of the world!
Josie may have not chosen a Royal, as predicted, but she certainly doesn't have to hide Edward Rothschild. The Rothschilds as well as the Boltons are regulars at Royal events and high society events, so it's a miracle we only found out about the couple now! Josie has definitely perfected the hide and seek game with the press as none of her previous boyfriends have ever been seen - the same goes for Edward Rothschild. But the couple is clearly tired of hiding and ready to show their love.
A close source has revealed that they even met each other's parents already as well as spending their first holiday in Mexico. Josie is said to be living with Ed in his flat in South Kensington. Edward has even already asked for Josephine's hand in a private meeting with her parents. I think it's safe to say we can all get prepared for another high society wedding next year!
NEW STRUCTURE FOR THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF WALES, THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF OXFORD AND THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF WINDSOR
The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Oxford and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor has today announced the conclusions of a review into the structure and how it will best support Their Royal Highnesses with their future charitable activity.
Later this year, The Royal Foundation will become the principal charitable and philanthropic vehicle for The Prince and Princess of Wales and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The Duke and Duchess of Oxford will establish their own new charitable foundation with transitional operating support from The Royal Foundation. In addition both parties will continue to work together on projects in the future, including on The Foundation's mental health programme, Heads Together.
These changes are designed to best compliment the work and the responsibilities of Their Royal Highnesses as they prepare for their future roles, and to better align their charitable activity with their new households.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Oxford and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor are incredibly proud of what they have achieved together during The Royal Foundation. They are especially proud to have established a charity that has had, and will continue to have, significant long-lasting impact, changing lives for the better.
BREAKING NEWS: George and Lorelai leave Royal Foundation!
CONFIRMED! The Duke and Duchess of Oxford have officially split from the Royal Foundation of the Duke's parents, The Prince and Princess of Wales, and the Duke's sister as well as the Duchess' brother, The Duke and Duchess of Windsor. What started as the ultimate family foundation, has turned into a disaster.
But let's rewind and look for the real reason for this split.
Rumours about feuds between Lorelai and Catherine have started shortly after the couple announced their move to Frogmore House after breaking away from their shared Kensington Palace household, setting up new offices and household at Windsor Castle. And since April they have their own Instagram, having previously shared social media accounts with the Cambridges.
Royal aides said the decision was a mutual one between all six royals, as the three couples are on divergent paths. The Prince and Princess of Wales are taking on more formal and restrictive roles as future king and queen while the Oxfords, and even more so the Windors, have more flexibility. But why did the Oxfords split from the foundation and not the Windsors?
Could it be that the Oxfords want to enjoy their time before having the same responsibilities as George's parents? Or is it really Lorelai that caused the split? Have the differences between Lorelai and Catherine grown too big?
Aides denied rumours of a rift between the couples and pointed out they will continue appearing together at royal engagements and on shared passions such as the Heads Together mental health initiative.
Edward wraps his arms around me from behind as we both listen to the last minutes of the annual Aching Hearts concert. We are backstage and met lots of famous singers and bands. As always, my Mum has overdone herself! Rory and George even sung on that stage with Rory's favourite singer Tom Walker. It's the first time that Royals sung in public, let alone on a stage and in front of thousands of people. The press will go wild over this and that was exactly their aim. They want to raise awareness about children with a cardiac defect. I'm sure the donations made to Aching Hearts have already reached the hundreds of thousands as per usual. I don't know the exact numbers because I don't work for the Bolton Foundation. But I'm really curious about the good that can be done with this money.
I lean back against Edward's strong chest and wrap my hands around his forearms. "Thank you for coming."
"Are you kidding me? This is amazing! I've never been backstage to a concert!" Ed kisses my left cheek. "Thank you for taking me."
"This is definitely different from our usual restaurant dinners or a movies visits." I agree with him as my mother thanks everyone on stage for coming, being here and donating for Aching Hearts.
"You know, unlike Rory and George we don't have a song."
I chuckle, "Why would we need that?"
He shrugs, "To dance to."
"Finding a song for us is like trying to find something more valuable than gold. Ain't going to happen."
He chuckles before squeezing me softly. "True. You can't put a label on us."
"Exactly." I agree with him as my Mum walks down the stage. She's in her fifties but she looks like she's in her thirties. She and my Daddy hardly aged so naturally a lot of people start spreading rumours over cosmetic surgery. It's ridiculous, my parents always taught us to love ourselves for who we are. They would never get anything done. Never in a million years.
"This was so much fun!" My Mum breathes out with a grin on her lips.
"Thank you for inviting me." Edward says.
But my Mum waves with her hand, "You're practically family. Wherever Jo goes, you go and vice versa."
I smirk, she's not so wrong about that. We have been sticking together like glue for the last weeks. "How much did you raise?"
My Mum takes a sip out of a water bottle before getting her iPhone that she left backstage. "8.5 million pounds!"
"Wow, that's amazing!"
My Mum nods, "I'm sure a lot has to do with Rory and George. They helped with the event a lot."
Edward looks down at me, "Can you sing?"
I gulp. He has never heard me sing. Not even under the shower or when cooking in the kitchen.
"She does. Very well but she's not using the potential her father and I gifted her with."
I blush at my mother's words. "The stage is not my world. I like to work in the background. You know that."
My Mum nods, "Of course, Sweetie." She looks at Edward. "Just wait for Thanksgiving, that's when she allows us to hear her golden throat."
Edward looks at me in confusion because he knows we won't be in the country on Thanksgiving. But I haven't told that my Mum and Dad yet.
"What's wrong?" My Mum asks me. "You don't celebrate Thanksgiving?" She asks Ed.
"No, I do. It's just-"
"We won't be in the country on that day." I explain to my Mum.
"What? You guys already have something planned?"
"Yes. With George and Rory. A Royal tour through all commonwealth countries. Ed and I will be the babysitters for the girls."
"All commonwealth countries?" My Mum asks us shocked.
I nod, "Privately paid by the Duke and Duchess."
"And how long will you guys be gone?"
"Sixteen weeks." Edward answers.
"Four fucking months?!" She asks me, now even more shocked.
"We'll be home shortly before Christmas. In time for the birth of the twins." I tell her.
My mother closes her jaw and looks at me before looking at Edward. "When will you guys leave?"
"August 22nd. A day after the Oxfords' Cup is over."
"That's in less than three weeks!" My Mum breathes out. "But you guys haven't published anything yet."
"It's going live right now."
"Well, then we need some kind of dinner together before you guys leave."
I chuckle, "Mum, it's not the Lord's Supper. We'll come back in December."
"I know, it's just so sudden... Have you started packing yet?"
"Yes and we're at four suitcases currently." Edward answers for us.
My Mum nods, "Considering you'll be travelling through different climates and seasons it's not too much, I think."
"Evening attire will travel separately in a dedicated suitcase." I tell her.
"Will you have some time for yourselves?"
"I hope. I'd like to show Jo the Great Barrier Reef when we're down under." Edward tells my Mum.
The Great Barrier Reef - that has been on my bucket list forever!
"Great Barrier Reef, isn't that on your bucket list?" My Mum asks me with a smile.
I nod. "Yes. Rory and George want to see it as well. It'll be part of the tour."
NEW ROYAL TOUR OF THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF OXFORD
Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to announce they will go on a Royal tour through all commonwealth countries to raise awareness on animal and global protection. During the trip Their Royal Highnesses will shoot yoga videos with Mr. and Mrs. Spicoluk (known for their YouTube Channel and lifestyle blog Boho Beautiful) in various countries. All money made will be donated to a local animal shelter in the country in which the video was shot in.
On August the 22nd, the Royal tour will start in the Pacific and last for sixteen weeks. During those 4 months, Their Royal Highnesses will visit all Commonwealth Countries. The planned route is the following:
Pacific: Australia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu;
Asia: Bangladesh, Brunei Darussalam, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka;
Africa: Mauritius, South Africa, Botswana, Cameroon, The Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Kingdom of eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Twanda, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia;
Caribbean and Americas: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Canada;
Europe: Cyprus and Malta
Their Royal Highnesses will also visit Costa Rica and Mexico on invitation.
The tour will be accompanied by Miss Josephine Bolton and Mister Edward Rothschild, who will take care of Their Royal Highnesses Princess Alexandria, Princess Eleanor and Princess Grace of Oxford.
The Royal tour will be the first tour that is privately paid by The Duke and Duchess of Oxford, not by the taxpayers. All costs, including travel, accommodations and security, is paid by Their Royal Highnesses. Their Royal Highnesses have decided to not fly commercial but use a plane owned by the Bolton family instead due to logistics. The media team that's flying with Their Royal Highnesses includes three camera men, six photographers and three royal commentators. For the carbon emissions that are to be made, the Duke and Duchess of Oxford will make a donation to CNCF (Carbon Neutral Charitable Fund), a charity that plants trees to neutralise the made CO2.
This will be the first trip as a family. Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to showing their daughters the amazing home we call earth and how important togetherness is.
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford are ready to take on the world!
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford have just released the news of a Royal tour! And while Royal tour usually last two weeks, not so this one. Lorelai and George have chosen to visit ALL 53 COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES in 16 WEEKS!
This is the first Royal tour that is paid privately by The Duke and Duchess. All costs from security to accommodations will be paid by the two royals themselves. In addition, they paired up with Yoga and Lifestyle Gurus Boho Beautiful! Their YouTube channel have raised 130 MILLION subscribers overnight! The married couple who runs the channel is known for their yoga videos which are shot in stunning locations all over the world. They will film yoga videos with the Duchess and the raised money will be donated to a local charity in which the video was shot at.
The little Princesses Alexandria, Eleanor and Grace of Oxford will of course join their parents' world tour. But who will look after them when Mummy and Daddy are on walkabouts and state banquets?
Look not further than sister Josephine Bolton and her new boyfriend Edward Rothschild! There won't be a nanny joining them on the tour, instead the Duke and Duchess are determined to keep it in the family.
It's going to be an epic tour with fantastic photos of all five Oxford Family members. We can't wait to see the little princesses and their gorgeous parents!
Edward and I ignore the many paparazzi that take photos of us as we stroll down New Bond street, a few blocks away from Oxford Street. We're far away from tourists but as we're in the middle of the most expensive street in whole Europe, we naturally attract people's interest.
"Where are we going?" I ask Ed. He still hasn't said anything since we left the flat in South Kensington. We even used an electric black cab to get to New Bond Street. I thought we would get out wherever he wanted to go with me but instead we ended up strolling down the street like a happy couple.
Not that I mind.
"Well, I thought about buying a new car and who better ask than my amazing girlfriend who has a weakness for cars?"
I grin, I do have that weakness. "Okay. Where are we going? Bentley? Porsche? Aston Martin? Lamborghini?"
"Try a little more eco friendly."
"Tesla?"
"Pininfarina."
My jaw falls open. "No! We're going to Pininfarina?!" I ask him shocked. I just read an article about them introducing the first luxury electronic car. 3 million dollars have never looked better.
My boyfriend nods with a grin on his lips. "I thought you could help me decide. You're the expert."
"Help you decide? Hell no, I'm going to get one myself!"
"Oh, I seem to hit a nerve there."
"I always wanted to own one but they are so bloody rare!"
"Then I guess today's your lucky day." He says as we stop at the Pininfarina store. A man in a black suit opens the double glass doors for us.
"And I thought we'd go birthday gift shopping." I mumble as we walk in. Rory and mine birthday is in a little less than a week.
"Trust me, I've got that one covered."
"I thought you would need my help with that. But if you want to but me a Pininfarina than I'm good with that."
Ed chuckles, "Nice try, but I thought we have a rule there. Not more than a million for a gift."
"I'm just surprised you remember."
"Hey, I listen to you."
"Yeah, we haven't talked much in the last two weeks because I was so busy with the foundation."
"You're here now with me. I'm just happy I got you away from your MacBook for a few hours." He says before lighting out laced hands and kissing mine. "Ready to buy some cars?"
I grin as my eyes spot the three variations of Battista all-electric coupe: one a dark grey with blue accents, one in Pininfarina's signature blue and a third in pearl white with red accents. The first, known as the Grigio Luserna Battista features accents in satin blue on its dull grey finish, complemented by anodised aluminium details, with a unique, striking wheel design and beige in black interior. The second, dubbed the Blu Iconica, is the closest to the traditional Pininfarina brand colour among the three vehicles shown, with the carmaker using multiple layers of paint to create a deep blue to represent the electrical power in a luxurious package that is the Pininfarina Battista. Modifications to the roof and a visual connection of bonnet and windshield with carbon fibre fins give the vehicle's aesthetics a spectacular touch. The front fender absorbs the lines of the rear flanks by its optical division above the LED strip of light, thus making the overall picture appear harmonious. The third model, finished in a pearlescent white with red accents is the truest to the Italian luxury carmaker's signature design language, says the carmaker. One of these design details is a red aluminium line that runs between the sill and door along the flanks and right in front of the front wheel, as well as enclosing the rear from the rear wheel arches. Red brake callipers and a dark chrome line above the window are the only other decorative elements. With the equivalent of 1,874 horsepower, 2,300Nm of torque and the ability to top speeds of 400km/hr, the limited production, hand-built luxury Battista hypercar can reach 100km/hr in less than two seconds.
I am in car heaven - and I'm definitely getting the white version.
"Are you ready to publish the news?" I ask my sister and her husband. Lenni is sitting on my lap while Grace and Alex are sitting on Rory and George's laps.
Rory and George both nod with big smiles on their lips.
"I'm so excited! I always wanted to lead my own foundation! It's going to be fabulous!" Rory claps into her hands that gets mirrored by all three babies with a matching sound.
I chuckle, "Your parents are very excited about this, Lenni." I tell my niece while bobbing up and down. Lenni produces a high pitched sound, that her two sisters mirror. I swear, those three are talking in their own languages. It's so fascinating to watch how they interact with each other. They seem to understand the babble of another.
"Let me read this just one last time." Rory says before pulling my iPhone out of my hand. Her icy blue eyes scan through the words that announce the following:
THE ROYAL FOUNDATION OF THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF OXFORD
Their Royal Highnesses are delighted to announce the launch of their Royal Foundation named Oxford Royal (OR).
Oxford Royal is an umbrella charity to support a wide variety of organisations. It develops programmes and charitable projects based on the charitable interests of Their Royal Highnesses by working with organisations which are already making a proven impact in their respective fields and launching new initiatives, cooperations and organisation by Their Royal Highnesses. Oxford Royal provides additional investment, mentoring, support and partnerships for these programmes, and lends its own profile and leverage to enhance the effect of their good work.
Oxford Royal has three fundamental pillars: Protection Shield, Animos Hominum (Heart to Humanity) and Corpore (Body And Soul). Each pillar alone is strong, but only as a united front the change is possible.
The first pillar is Protection Shield. This includes the protection of the environment and life in humanitarian as well as animalistic form. The focus is on ecological issues that affect people worldwide: clean energy, sustainable fishing, restoring ecosystems, unethical hunting practices, conservation funding and pollution. Global warming, deforestation, sustainable food, wildlife extinction and plastic pollution are just a few keywords here. Tree for Flight, a charity founded by The Duke of Oxford, is part of this pillar. Save the Oceans, a charity founded by Their Royal Highnesses, is cooperating with Plastic Change to fight plastic pollution. Wildlife Doctors, another charity founded by Their Royal Highnesses, is also part of the pillar as well as Save the Bees, an initiative founded by Their Royal Highnesses.
More on Tree for Flight, Save the Oceans, Wildlife Doctors and Save the Bees will be announced in due course.
More initiatives and cooperations for this pillar will be announced in due course.
The next pillar, Animos Hominum, is all about having a heart to humanity. The pillar includes initiatives to heal people, prevent diseases, feed homeless and help deprived families. Hand-in-Hand, a charity founded by Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Oxford, is also included in this pillar. In addition, there will be a cooperation with Healing Hands, Heartwork and Centrepoint. Finally, The Duke and Duchess of Oxford have decided to work with SunCrafter, cleantech startup developing off- grid solar generators from upcycled solar panels. SunCrafter manufactures maintenance-free solar generators from so called early-loss solar modules. The products can produce power without depending on a battery or other fragile electronic parts. Off-Grid: Requires no infrastructure. Independent from grid, fuel and storage medium. No Maintenance: Elimination of breakable parts lowers cost of use drastically. Plug Play: No installation required. Connects with any DC device up to 14.5 V. Expandable: For additional power, systems can be connected in series and batteries attached. Safe to touch: Super safe through Safety Extra Low Voltage output (SELV). And lastly, it's built to last: Waterproof, short-circuit resistant and wind resistant for up to 150 years. SunCrafter, together with Their Royal Highnesses, aims to bring electricity in form of the solar modules to the one billion people in developing countries, who don't currently have it.
More details will be announced in due course.
The third and finale pillar is Corpore, meaning body and soul. This includes initiatives for stress reduction, sleep enhancement, digital detox as well as the training of the body and the mind. The three books written by The Duchess fall under this pillar. So does her lifestyle series called Life in Balance. The Oxfords' Cup, a tennis tournament in the name of Their Royal Highnesses, is another part of this pillar. More information on The Oxfords' Cup will be released soon. Their Royal Highnesses will continue working with Heads Together, a mental health campaign founded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales and The Duke and Duchess of Windsor.
Initiatives for digital detox will be announced in due course.
All these pillars can be found under the umbrella of Oxford Royal. Oxford Royal will be the vehicle for Their Royal Highnesses philanthropic work. More initiatives, cooperations and organisations all led by Their Royal Highnesses will be announced in due course. For more information visit www. OxfordRoyals .uk.
Their Royal Highnesses are looking forward to using their platforms to change mindsets, spark conversations, make a difference and do good.
Because charity begins at home.
Tree for Flight, Save the Oceans, Save the Bees and Wildlife Doctors are all initiatives that Rory and George have worked on behind closed doors over the last year. Every meeting, every decision has lead them to this step. Their very own Royal Foundation. George and Rory have always wanted their own foundation because they got inspired by Wills and Catherine's work. They loved working for The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales so much but they also had other interests and ideas, simply desires that needed to be satisfied. And now they can. With their foundation, that mirrors their interests.
"It's still the same as an hour ago." George reminds her.
Rory nods, "Okay. Publish it." She says as she hands me back my iPhone.
"No, actually I think George should do that. As the future King and stuff." I say with a shrug. I don't normally reference to them as Their Royal Highnesses but over the last weeks that I've been working for them the imminent future for them has been slapped into my face over and over again. To the point where I can't ignore their titles and have to acknowledge their positions.
"Okay." George grabs my iPhone. To my surprise, he grabs Alex's hand and wraps his forefinger around hers. "Future King and future Queen. If we're doing it in the name of the crown it has to be done correctly." He explains before placing Alexandria's forefinger against my iPhone. I guess you can never be too young to start serving the crown.
It's out. It's online.
It's real.
"You did very well." The blonde future king says before kissing his daughter. "You'll be a great Queen one day." Alex chuckles at the kiss before grabbing her father's blonde hair.
"So, what are we doing for our birthday?" Rory asks me.
We'll be turning 25 in three days. Time has flown by so fast that I didn't even think of our birthday yet. "I don't know. I haven't planned anything. I was too busy."
"Well, I'm sure there's going to be Mummy's cake as every year."
"Oh, I'm so excited for the cake!" George rubs his hands together.
I chuckle. Yes, Mummy's cakes are a hit at every birthday. She even makes one for George, Char, Louis, Kate and William's birthdays now as well. It's more work as we now have more birthdays to celebrate but Mummy doesn't seem to mind. She loves baking. It's therapeutic to her.
Just like making the dishes is therapeutic to Oliver.
My throat tightens at the thought. I haven't thought of Oliver for a very long time but I guess he's still present in my subconsciousness somewhere.
"Edward will be there?"
"Yes." I say with a firm nod. Edward has become my second half in the last weeks. He helped out Rory and George with the girls as well as me with work. He was the one who had the idea to appoint me as director of the foundation. He gave me advice as George, Rory and I started thinking about a Royal foundation. He's a crucial part of this... of us... maybe even of me.
I don't know why this surprises me but we seem to work together and fit together perfectly. It's effortless. We don't fight. We don't even argue about doing the dishes. We enrich each other and our lives have blended together. We've become a union. We are an union.
"Good. I think we should do that at home in Richmond. It has enough space and it gives us enough privacy. Plus, the guys are all eager to jump on the trampoline park. Do you think Ed has planned anything?"
"If so he hasn't mentioned anything towards me."
"I'll call him and clear that." George offers.
I yawn. The last weeks have been very tiring. "Okay, good. Then I'll inform Mummy and Daddy."
"No, I'll do that. You will go upstairs and take a nap. You need to catch up on some sleep. A sleep deprived director of Oxford Royal is useless to the foundation."
"Okay." I give in and rise from the couch. "But just so you know, we're celebrating the launch of Oxford Royal the old fashioned way."
Rory chuckles before looking at George. "I hope you're ready for a Nicholas Sparks movie marathon?"
George smiles, "I'll make sure we have pizzas from Luigi."
My throat tightens again at the mention of Luigi. I'm sure he's wondering where the heck Oliver is. Maybe I should pay Luigi a visit and explain the situation. Oliver's not a bad guy, the circumstances made him do this.
Brand Oxford gets a Foundation!
George and Lorelai have done it again! If you thought the first year of Lorelai as a Royal was eventful with launching a charity, becoming a patron of eight different organisations, going on three Royal tours and giving birth to triplet girls, think again. Because as of yesterday, the day after the Duke and Duchess' first wedding anniversary, the couple have announced their Royal Foundation called Oxford Royal (O.R.). And with that, the couple has just given us a glimpse of their second year as a married Royal couple. We've all known that charity is very dear to their hearts but this even shocked Royal watchers. Because no one thought they would launch their own foundation, especially since they just split from the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Rumours have it, there's a new Royal tour coming up as well. It's tradition to bring the new heir to Australia as the first Royal Tour, so we can expect the triplet girls very soon down under!
But back to the Foundation, O.R.
The press release was just published on Windsor Castle's website, where the Duke and Duchess have their household, as well as their official website and Instagram page. The launch comes just a few days after Their Royal Highnesses launches their official YouTube Channel, also called Oxford Royal. But this time the duo as stroke again, leaving us all with open mouths.
O.R. has three fundamental pillars: Protection Shield, Animos Hominum (Heart to Humanity for those who don't speak Latin fluently) and Corpore (Body And Soul). Under each pillar, the Duke and Duchess have announced charities, organisations or initiatives. Protection Shield is all about protecting the environment and the lives of the animals and us humans. Animos Hominum is about humanitarian work and Corpore is about exercise and mental health.
With the launch of OR the Duke and Duchess have also revealed a few new charities that will come our way: Tree for Flight by the Duke and Save the Oceans by both. In addition, there will be a tennis tournament called the Oxfords' Cup! The tennis Queen is coming back to the court! More on all those amazing things will be revealed 'in due course'.
We've dug a little deeper and found out that the Duchess's sister Josephine has been appointed as director of the foundation.
But we can expect for the Oxford Royal to be as successful - if not more - as the Royal Foundation of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
I roll over in my bed as my dream is once more filled with me dancing with Oliver's ghost. Tonight, we're swinging to Bill Whiters' Ain't No Sunshine in my open living room. London's skyline is glittering in the darkness behind us. A soft lightning coming from above illuminates us. I can feel his hand in my right and his left on my shoulder. It's been over two months after I broke us up and whenever I'm sleeping in my bed in my penthouse, I still dream of dancing with his ghost. I'm not safe in my own home anymore.
I stare into his sea foam coloured eyes and allow him to lead me. Trusting him was the easiest thing I've ever done. Being with him, even if it's just dancing, gives me a high like nothing ever before. Whenever I'm dancing with him, I am in the moment. I don't think of anything but him and his beautiful sea foam coloured eyes that I allow myself to get lost in. His smell fills my nostrils as my body reacts with goosebumps. His warm breath touches my face as we dance to the music.
I wake up totally drenched in sweat. Edward's out of the country for the weekend so there was no reason for me to sleep at his place. I didn't want to taint his space with dreams of another man.
Oliver promised me he wouldn't leave me and I guess he doesn't. My subconscious just can't let him go.
But I have to let him go. I brush through my hair and lift myself in my bed. This can't go on forever. I can't dream of Oliver whenever I'm in my penthouse, sleeping in my own bed. It's unfair to the potential Edward and me have. It sabotages us. I love Edward in a way I never could have loved Oliver.
I have to move out of here as quickly as possible.
THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF OXFORD LAUNCH THE OXFORDS' CUP
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford will host the inaugural tennis tournament The Oxford's Cup in summer 2048 to raise awareness and funds for eight of Their Royal Highnesses' patronages. The Oxfords' Cup is part of Oxford Royal, the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Oxford.
The event, which will start on Friday 14th August until Friday 21st August in the Royal Tennis Court at Hampton Court Palace, will see The Duke and Duchess go head to head as a team against The Duke and Duchess of Windsor in a tennis double. Following that, in seven days, sixteen teams (8 doubles of a patronages by the Duke and Duchess of Oxford) coached by the Duke and the Duchess play against each other. The winning team will be awarded The Oxfords' Cup, a trophy especially created for this event. It will feature the conjugal Royal Coat of Arms of Their Royal Highnesses.
The eight teams taking part in The Oxfords' Cup will each represent one of the charities that are being supported this year by Their Royal Highnesses. The Duke and Duchess are strong advocates for sport, and have undertaken work both in the UK and overseas to highlight the positive impact that sport can have on the individual and within local communities. The Duchess in particular champions how the benefits of sport, nature and the outdoors can impact childhood development, and lead to improved physical and mental wellbeing for all. Their Royal Highnesses hope that The Oxfords' Cup will become an annual event, bringing greater awareness to the wider benefits of sport, whist also raising support and funds for the causes that The Duke and Duchess support.
The Oxfords' Cup, which is being sponsored by Rolex, Wilson, May Lindstrom, lululemon, Burberry and Deliciously Ella, will take place ahead of the last Grand Slam tournament, the us open. Members of the public are very much welcomed. Food and beverages will be provided by Deliciously Ella's catering team. Members of the public can watch the matches for free, all money paid for food or beverages will be donated to an animal welfare organisation called Halo Animals. Footage from the match will play on screens across the town and there will be a number of family-friendly activities and exhibits to promote tennis around the event, including initiatives and programmes for babies, toddlers, children and young people.
All tournaments have a watchmaker as an official partner. Watches and tennis are a perfect sponsorship match when considering the image of both, with characteristics like precision and elegance. In addition, Wilson, a company who is famous for making tennis rackets, has chosen to sponsor the Oxfords' Cup. Sportswear brand lululemon, from Canada, as well as the luxury fashion brand Burberry will raffle gift cards off. Natural cosmetic brand May Lindstrom will provide facials during the breaks.
The Duke and Duchess of Oxford wish this to be a whole family event.
I wake up to the smell of hot coffee. I stretch my limbs under the warm bedsheets as I slowly wake up, being now 25 years old. I open my eyes and watch my boyfriend walking into the bedroom that we share with a cup of hot coffee and a muffin with a lit candle.
I smile as he sits down across me. "You're so sweet!" I breathe out.
He places the mug on the nightstand next to me. "Happy birthday, darling! Make a wish."
I look at the lit candle that's been pushed into the muffin. For the first time in my life I have nothing to wish for. I have a loving boyfriend, a great job, my family's healthy and I have a roof over my head. So, I close my eyes and wish for the first thing that comes to my mind: happiness for Oliver. May he feel what I feel, wherever he is and whatever he's doing. I blow out the candle and hope my wish will come true. He deserves happiness after I destroyed him. "Thank you." I whisper before kissing Edward.
"25 years have never looked better on anyone."
I chuckle, "Perhaps your view will change tonight when we meet up with Rory and George at my parents' place."
"I can't wait to meet all the Boltons in one place." He runs his finger through my shoulder length hair. Over the last weeks we went to dinner with Ana and Sasha as well as Della and Wlad. But he hasn't met George yet or seen Nate again after his wedding because they were busy with royal engagements. Plus, my brothers are now home for their summer holidays.
"My little brothers will love you, so don't worry about it." I tell him and blush as the thought of Edward jumping up and down in the trampoline park in my parents' backyard with my little brothers.
"I'm not worried. I'm excited." He whispers against my lips. "You're getting your birthday gift this evening by the way."
"Can you give me a hint?"
"It's life changing."
I frown, "That's not a real hint."
He gets up from the bed, "You'll get it tonight."
"We're sleeping over at my parents' place tonight by the way." I pick up my mug and watch how he opens his drawer. He picks up a cognac leathered weekend bag and opens it.
"Does that mean I'll sleep with you in your old bedroom? Or will we have separate bedrooms?"
I frown, "Of course. Why would we have separate bedrooms?"
He shrugs as he starts filling up the bag with undergarments. "Because we're unmarried."
"Ah, yeah no my parents aren't so traditional. My Mum was pregnant with Della when she married my Dad, so..."
"Really? Was she?" He closes the drawer before walking into the en-suite bathroom. "How far along?"
"I think fifth month or something." I explain with a shrug. "My point is, we will sleep in my old bedroom together."
"Good because there's no way I won't fuck you on your birthday."
I chuckle, "That's not what I meant!"
His head appears in the open doorway. "No?"
I blush, "Okay, fine. I want to have sex tonight as well."
"I knew it!" A triumphal grin is on his lips that makes me chuckle. "What shall I pack from your skincare?"
"Just the pink moisturiser from Weleda and my gel cleanser that's on the sink!" I cry back before climbing out of the bed. I stop in the doorway of the en-suite bathroom. Edward's the perfect man for me. No wonder I fell in love with him so quickly.
He picks up the two tubes, "Just those?" He asks me.
"Yes."
"You don't need more?"
"No."
"You're the first woman I met that doesn't have an arsenal of skincare products piling up in her bathroom." He says as his eyes scan the countertops of the two skins. "Really, it almost looks like I have more skincare products than you!"
"I occasionally use retinols." I tell him.
"Maybe that's because you're so into natural skincare..." he mumbles before looking at me with a smile. "I love how easy you are. Most minimal bathroom I've ever shared with a woman."
"Ever? Who were the women before me?"
"I never lived with another woman. Apart from my sister, if that's what you're asking." He reads between the lines. "And the bathroom I shared with her was a mess. Nearly bursting with skincare and hair care products."
"I'm the first woman you lived with?"
He nods before walking over to me. "And I love living with you."
I wrap my arms around his waist, "I haven't even moved in fully. Most of my clothes are still in my place and to be honest, I don't think your flat is able to hold half of it."
"Well, you don't have to move all of your gowns and cocktail dresses. And hats. I know from my mother that those hats can be giant. Especially the ones for Ascot."
I laugh, "Anything else you want me to keep at my penthouse?"
He shakes his head, "No."
I smile, "Okay. Rory and George are launching the Oxfords' Cup today. Do you want to join them?"
He grins, "Depends. Do I get to babysit their beautiful daughters again?"
He loves the girls as much as we all do. To be fair, he looks good with Lenni in his arms. "I'm sure I can arrange that for you, Mr. Rothschild."
"Then I'm saying yes."
"The event starts at ten."
He looks at the clock that's hanging behind me in the bedroom. "That means we better get dressed because it's already eight. Where is it?"
"Hampton Court Palace." I tell him. Eventually, it will be their forever home. But for now it's still a tourist magnet because it's a beautiful palace with lush gardens and wildlife.
"Oh, that's a nice location."
I nod. "And it already has a tennis court so it's very convenient."
"Do you want us to match?" He asks me because he knows of the importance of colour coding and branding.
"I'd say we both go with Armani shirts in grey, a straw hat, light washed linen trousers and white sneakers."
"And aviator sunglasses?"
I nod, "Yes. We don't want to attract too much attention."
"The girls will do that on their own."
True, the Princesses of Oxford attract attention wherever they go. Just like their parents.
I grab Edward and mine hats from the wardrobe before slipping into my sneakers. "Ready?" I cry and Edward appears out of the bedroom. He puts on his ROLEX that has his coat of arms engraved on the back.
"Yeah." Edward says, "Oh wait no. I've got something for you to snack on during the match."
I frown as I watch him rushing past me and into the kitchen. "Will I like it?"
"I hope so. I flew to Belgium yesterday to get these for you." He says before appearing out of the kitchen. He's holding a square box.
My jaw drops open. No way! "You bought me my favourite pralines?" I ask him shocked. Rory and I had a chocolate class with Catherine as a birthday gift from her when we turned sixteen. Ever since then, my favourite pralines can only be found in a tiny local shop.
"Yes. Mango filling, salted caramel truffles and sour cherry."
I grab the box out of his hand and open it. They're all there. Six of each. I grin at him. "If I didn't already love you, I sure as hell would now."
"You know, they say love goes through the stomach, so..." he shrugs.
I pick up one with a mango filling and feed him one.
"Oh, that's really good!"
"It's not good. It's the best in the whole world!" I say before eating one with sour cherries. Perfect combination of the finest fruits with the finest chocolate. It just doesn't get any better than this! The tennis match just got a lot better.
"I hope they won't melt in the sun."
"Then we'll just have to eat them very quickly. That's fine by me."
"You really love them, don't you?"
I nod. "I actually learned how to make them with Catherine and Rory."
"The Princess of Wales?"
"Yeah. It was her birthday gift to us. For our sweet sixteen. It was a blast. Two days just us. No crown. No title. Just three women in a chocolate paradise. Rory and I love those pralines ever since that one special day."
"Maybe I should have brought one for Rory as well."
"If she's smart enough she's going to eat them with me before going on court and playing tennis with her hubby."
"You won't tell her you have her?"
"Are you insane? I will never ever share these! I'm a humanitarian but that's where it ends."
He chuckles, "So it ends at Belgian chocolate pralines?"
"Don't say it like it means nothing. You just had one - your last one by the way - and were blown away!"
He picks up my hat and puts on me. "Alright. I don't kiss and tell, you know that."
"But you will call someone to get the pralines delivered before we leave for my parents place."
He smiles at me as he puts on his hat. "You know me inside out by now, darling."
I watch how Rory and George play on the court. They're playing against their siblings which I'm sure is a lot of fun but also pretty unfair because Rory's a pro. Rory is going easy on them but we all know it's just for show. She could win this in her sleep. We're watching the match from a save distance on a tribune. The people around Edward and I are taking photos of the royals in court as much as of the royals on our laps. The Oxford Princesses are sleeping magnets already.
Thousands of people came to the Oxfords' Cup. There are lots of activities for families. People get free gifts from their patronages and the sponsors of this event. There's even a chance to win a ROLEX.
The Oxfords are both wearing white T-shirts with their Royal Coat Of Arms embroidered on the front left chest, their Royal cypher on the right chest and their number 1 on the back along with the royal blue words saying Team Oxford. Nate and Char are wearing the same shirts on theirs is white with emerald green words on the back saying number 2 and Team Windsors. It's a blast. I haven't seen Char smile this genuinely in weeks! Her pregnant bump is clearly visible underneath the tight shirt but shows that exercise and pregnancy can go hand in hand.
I even shared a few pralines with Rory before she went on court. After all, she's my sister and this is her birthday as well.
I look at Edward, who is smiling from ear to ear while playing with Grace. We're going to make a few headlines with this but I don't care what the press writes about us. "Ed?"
"Yes?"
"Do you want children?"
"Looking at this very pretty lady, I think I do." He says with a grin on his face. Grace giggles at him as he makes a funny face.
I never wanted children. But I also never wanted a relationship. Ever since Oliver, I'm starting to rethink who I am and who I want to be. Maybe children are part of the new me. Just like Edward is.
"Do you?" Edward asks me as Rory and George make another point.
"I don't know. I've never seen myself as a mother."
"But you like kids."
"Yes. As long as they don't give me sleepless nights."
Edward chuckles, "Okay. But you're okay being full of vomit, pee or shit?"
I shrug, "Yeah, I guess so. It's the raising of a baby that sounds daunting. And the pregnancy, to be honest."
"Are you afraid it's going to ruin your figure?"
I bite on my lower lip, "Somehow, yeah. I mean, it's hard for a woman's body to produce a baby. You're full of hormones that mess up your emotions, thoughts and eventually your body. Plus 15% of the women have postnatal depression. My own mother faced depression after she gave birth to my oldest sister Della. You can develop high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, infections... It's not the fun, glamorous thing everyone wants to make you believe. Yes, you are producing a baby but it comes with risks."
"But you wouldn't be against adopting, would you?"
I shrug, "I don't know. I don't think so but I haven't thought about it. It's not something you discuss while you watch your siblings play tennis and babysit three British Princesses." I end the subject.
"You asked, not me." He says as he swings Grace up and down. She giggles in joy that makes Ed smile.
I did, but I don't know why.
I slip into my black stilettos and smooth my silver Givenchy dress one last time before walking out of my walk-in wardrobe in my penthouse. I haven't been at my penthouse for weeks, but on a special occasion like my birthday, I do have to come back and change into something fancy.
"Jo, come on we're going to be late!" Edward's cry fills my ears as I rush down the hallway.
I stop in my open living area. Edward's wearing a black suit without a tie or bow. He looks so handsome! "I'm the birthday girl. The dinner won't start without me."
He smiles at me. "You look breathtaking!"
"So do you." I give the complement back and run my fingers through his hair. It's always so perfect.
"You know, if you really need the space for your clothes, I could move in here. I kind of like the view."
"No. I love your flat." I can't have another man live here with me. I wouldn't sleep with Ed in my bedroom. I would confuse Oliver's ghost with Edward's body. I don't trust myself anymore whenever I'm here.
Moving to South Kensington is better.
"You're downsizing quite a bit."
"They say love comes with compromise, don't they?"
Edward's turquoise eyes glow with love for me. I don't know why I didn't see earlier but this man fell for me as quickly as I fell for him. "I love you, Josephine Bolton."
"I love you, too." I promise him.
Being in my childhood home with all my siblings, aunts and uncles brings back the best memories. Nowadays, we, of course, are far more as Della and Rory have added five girls to the family and by the end of the year Charlotte will add another two girls... And next year Ana will give birth to a boy or girl. Husbands, wives, babies... It's even going to get fuller within the next year and I love it!
Only Char and Nate are not here because they were sent to the Scottish Highlands by His Majesty. The King is trying everything to make life a living hell for those two and for now they're playing along but I don't know how long they will be able to deal with this.
Luckily, we have eight birthdays to celebrate in my family so we see each other at least once a month. But I still miss them and on days like these I get reminded of that. I'm just a huge family person and there's nothing to be ashamed of. I love the busyness, the loud chatter that lulls me in and the occasional elbow touch when someone passes me by. But most of all, I love that Edward's blending in perfectly with my family. It's like he's already a part of it.
My Mum's in seventh heaven.
"Jo,"
I tear my eyes off of my handsome boyfriend as Sasha's voice fills my ears. "Yes?"
"Ana wants to talk to you."
"Where is she?"
"In the atelier." My green eyed brother-in-law says.
I nod before leaving my boyfriend alone with my family in the living area. He's pretty comfortable around my brothers, brother-in-laws, sisters and parents. He gets along with everyone. I walk down the wide hardwood floored hallway, passing the massive closed doors of the indoor spa, gym, my father's study and six guest bedrooms before I finally reach Ana's atelier at the end of the hallway. I open the heavy black wooden door and get greeted by the smell of fresh paint immediately. The room was a gift from my parents to Ana when they first noticed her amazing talent. Up until this day, she uses it to create art whenever the muse kisses her.
And today seems to be one of those lucky days.
I walk past the room divider that is filled with cans and glasses full of different paintbrushes. I spot my older sister looking out in the backyard from the window front that's the back wall. "You wanted to talk to me?"
My blonde sister turns around, "Yes." She walks over to me.
"Is this about your pregnancy? Have you told Mum and Dad yet?"
"No, they don't know about it. We want to tell the rest of the family tomorrow at breakfast." She tells me. "And I guess this meeting does have something to do with my pregnancy. Ever since finding out about the bun in the oven, I started having unique dreams."
I frown. "Unique dreams?"
"Yes. They have inspired me to paint again. I guess now that my visions are on a hiatus, the dreams came to replace them."
Dreams instead of visions? "I see. That's why we're here?"
She nods. "I painted you something."
"As a birthday gift?"
She shrugs, "Something like that." She walks past me and picks up a canvas on the backside. "But before I show you what I painted, I'd like to know if you heard something from Oliver."
"Oliver?" I ask her confused. "No. I haven't seen him in over two months. From what I know he is in Brazil with his family. He was an illegal immigrant and the FEDs caught him."
Ana's light green eyes widen, "Really?"
"Yeah but I only found out about his status after we broke up. Otherwise I would have helped him. But wherever he is, he's better off there."
"Is he though?"
"What do you mean?"
She sighs, "I saw Oliver in my dreams a few weeks ago. From what I saw, he was definitely not better off in Brazil with his family. I saw a heartbroken, hard-working man trying his best to hold it together for the sake of his mother and brothers. I didn't saw a shiny happy guy. I saw a broken man, Jo. You broke him."
I gulp, "Well, he broke me, too. But Edward has managed to fix me."
"Fix you? Does that mean Oliver broke your heart?"
I lick my lips at the question and sigh. It's a question I can't answer. "Ana,"
"Are you happy with him?"
"Yes. He makes me very happy. He loves me and I love him in a way I never could before I met Oliver." I sigh. I feel like a broken record explaining that Oliver and I are over. This is why I never wanted anyone of my family to meet him. "I enjoyed my time with Oliver. I really did. He managed to defrost my stone cold heart but Oliver and I are over."
"Okay, then this painting is not for you. I'll keep it to myself until I think you're ready for it."
I frown, "Why?"
"Just trust me on this."
Suddenly the door swings open and I watch our Dad walking in. "Can I talk to you?" He asks me.
I nod. "Here?"
"My study."
Oh, it's serious if he asks me to come to his study. I wonder if it's about the Royal tour. "Okay."
"We're done here anyway." Ana says to our father.
I follow him out of the atelier, down the hallway and into his study. I notice that Rory and Mum are already at his mahogany desk in front of the transom windows. "Is this because of the Royal tour?" I ask them.
"No." My Mum says as Daddy sits down in his chair.
"We're here because of this." Daddy hands Rory and me each an envelope.
"What's this?" Rory asks before opening the envelope.
"It's a birthday gift." Mum says in her soft angelic voice.
"From your grandpa Franklin."
Rory and I freeze in our movements at the mention of our grandpa. We'll never know if he's still alive in Middle America, but we all assume he's dead by now. It's just easier. Grandpa sacrificed himself for our family - it was the biggest sacrifice a Bolton has ever made.
"What's in it?" I ask, holding tight on the envelope.
"Access to your Trust fond. 55 million pounds for each of you. Plus a special gift for you, Jo." My mother says to me.
I rip the envelope open and ignore the check of 55 million pounds. Instead I pull out another piece of paper. My eyes widen as my brain only slowly processes the written words. "He's gifting me a ranch with 12 horses in Dover?!" I breathe out in total shock.
"Yes. We took care of that ranch over the years in secret. He didn't want you to know until your 25th birthday."
Wow, I own a ranch! I have 12 horses! What the hell do I do with 12 horses?! "What do I do with the ranch?"
"I recommend to not sell it." Daddy tells me.
"We can take care of the ranch until you're back from the tour and then you can decide." My Mum says.
I nod, still a bit perplex about this gift. I didn't see that coming at all.
"Happy Birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday dear Rory and Jo! Happy birthday to you!" My family sings in a choir for Rory and me. The adults are all holding a glass of sparkling champagne while the kids are holding diluted homemade raspberry juice.
"Make a wish!" Mum says to us while holding our sugar free cake that's in an octagon shape this year. There are mixed berries laying on top of the naked cake that has layers of homemade strawberry jam and chocolate spread. Two long burning candles are stuck in it.
Rory and I look at each other for a moment as every year. We grab each other's hand before inhaling deeply and blowing out the candles at once. The sound of many clapping hands fill my ears and for a moment I feel pure bliss. I am surrounded by the people I love and I couldn't wish for more.
Suddenly, the shrilling sound of someone clinking against a glass silences the cheers. "Could I have everyone's attention please?"
I turn around at Edward's voice and watch him hand my father his glass of champagne. What the hell is he up to?!
He reaches into the inside pocket of his jacket and pulls out a red ring box.
No! God no!
"Josephine Ophelia Elise Bolton, you've stepped into my life in a time I wasn't looking for love. But love, as your parents can tell you, has no timing. It finds you when you least expect it. You swept me off my feet in Paris that evening and I'm pretty sure I swept you off your feet as well." He grins and I chuckle. He definitely swept me off of my feet. I was with Oliver during that time but even being bound to someone else didn't stop me from being with him. "I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you." He opens the box, goes down on his right knee and takes my left hand. My pulse is humming in my ears. This is happening. "Will you do me the honour to marry me and spend the rest of our lives together until death do us apart?"
I stare at the sparkly ring inside the red box. It's a huge yellow diamond cluster ring. It's sparkling so much that it nearly blends me. My lips are shaking as much as my right hand. Did he really just ask me to marry him? Did he really just propose to me? Is this really happening?
"Jo?"
I blink as my vision becomes blurry. "Yes!" I say and realise how horse I sound. I clear my throat and nod. "Yes, Edward Rothschild I will marry you." I answer in a strict voice.
Edward grins as he slips the huge ring on to my left ring finger. It feels heavy. But not as heavy as it looks like. Edward gets up from his knee and before I know it he has sealed his soft lips over mine. The cheering vanishes in my ears as I wrap my arms around his neck. I've never kissed a man in front of my family.
But now I'm kissing my fiancé.
Fiancé! I am engaged! I'm bloody engaged! "Did you know about this?" I ask my grinning parents.
"Of course. He asked for our blessing." My Dad answers.
"You did?" I ask Ed.
"You may be a feminist but that doesn't mean you don't sacred some traditions." Ed answers. "Besides, it's how I've been raised."
"Welcome to the family, Edward." My Mum says to my fiancé.
"We're not married yet." I tell them.
"I want to see the ring!" Rory says before pushing herself through the big crowd that our family is. She grabs my left hand and stares at the ring. It's the first time I look at the yellow diamond cluster ring as well. An enormous emerald-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond centre stone is surrounded with 42 marquise, pear-shaped and round brilliant diamonds. The sparkling cluster is set in 18K yellow gold and platinum. "Wow, it's huge! Far bigger than mine!"
And I'm sure just as expensive as hers was. Suddenly the imagine of helpless, hungry Brazilian children fills my mind. The vision is so strong that I nearly burst into tears.
I shake the thought away and put on a smile. "Yes, it's quite a statement."
A Rothschild statement.
Suddenly the sound of a landing helicopter fills my ears. Charlotte and Nate. I thought they couldn't make it because they had an engagement in the Scottish Highlands today but I guess not even the King can keep those two away from their family.
"That's Nate and Char." My Dad explains to Edward.
"I'm looking forward to meet Charlotte."
Nate has always been on Team Edward and I guess I'm now part of that team.
I watch the men of my family jumping on the trampolines in the backyard with the kids. Eli, Cal, Gideon, Bella and Carol are having way too much fun but so are their Daddies and uncles. The sun has started to set but I have a feeling that won't keep them from jumping. Even Nate is letting go of all of his stress right now.
"Jo?"
I wince at Charlotte's voice. We haven't talked since Trooping the Colour, which was three weeks ago. She's a stubborn busy pregnant woman and I'm a stubborn busy woman myself. Whenever we fight, which hasn't happened a lot during our friendship, it can take us weeks for one of us to show the white feather.
"Yes?" I ask her back as she stops next to me.
She folds her hands in front of her bump. "I'm sorry."
"You're just waving the white flag because we're engaged." I hiss back at her as I look at my brothers jumping in their trampolines with Edward. He's having so much fun! Even Dad, Sasha and Wlad have joined them. Twenty trampolines seemed a little excessive at first, but somehow it makes total sense now when I see all the men jumping up and down.
Everything's a little bigger with my family. It's just the way it is.
"No. I'm saying this because I was too stubborn to see what was right in front of me. I was obsessed with the idea of you and Oliver together. In my eyes, you were soulmates but I guess I was wrong."
"Yes."
"I didn't give Edward the chance he deserves. He is a great guy and he makes you happy. I haven't seen you holding another man's hand so casually. Ever. I've watched you guys through they whole evening and I realise that you really love him. So much that you can't take your hands off of him. I just wished it would be Oliver. But it isn't."
My lower lip starts trembling at her words and I realise deep down in my heart I somehow wished for the same. But that wasn't possible. Not with Edward being my soft spot. "Please stop talking about Oliver." I whisper in a shaky voice.
"Jo," she grabs my right hand and I look at her.
I blink as my vision becomes blurry. I can't cry here with my whole family around. "I love Edward. It's why I agreed to marrying him."
"I know... but you also love Oliver."
I shake my head and feel how a tear starts rolling down my left cheek. I quickly wipe it away. "No. What I felt for Oliver was very different to how I feel for Edward. I love Edward but I never loved Oliver. What we had was too different to be labelled with that word."
Charlotte embraces me tightly. "Okay."
"Okay." I whisper in her ear as I feel her baby bump against my stomach. "Let's never talk about him again."
"I promise to leave Oliver in the past." She whispers as she rubs my back. "And I'm happy for you. You and Edward seem very great together."
I let go of her. "We are. I think he's my soulmate."
Charlotte nods, "Okay. Then he is."
The next morning, I wake up first in my old child's room with Edward still fast asleep next to me. I still love my room but I love being here with Edward even more. I'm engaged to the most handsome, loyal and humanitarian person I ever met. He has a heart made of gold and he gifted it to me. I want to spend the rest of my life with this man by my side. I want to share my highs and lows with him. I want to love him until my last breath.
I stare at the ring on my left ring finger and move it to see how the diamonds catch the light. An emerald-cut fancy vivid yellow diamond centre stone, weighing 12.61 carats, is surrounded by 43 marquise, pear-shaped and round brilliant diamonds, weighing a total of 4.91 carats. Together they are set in 18K yellow gold and platinum. It's a masterpiece. A real piece of art.
I've never owned such a ring before.
"Do you like it?" Ed's sleepy voice fills my ears.
"It's kind of obnoxious." I answer as my eyes are still glued to the sparkling piece on my left ring finger.
He chuckles, "That was the whole idea. Harry Winston designed this especially for you with me. This is unique. No other woman on this planet has a ring like this one. And I wanted it to be spectacular so every man miles away could tell you're already taken."
I look at Edward, my fiancé as of last night. "If I'm wearing such a monster on my left ring finger than you better chose one as your wedding band as well."
"Even better. I'll allow you to design my ring. Is that a deal?"
I smile, "Yes."
He returns my smile before kissing me softly. I fill the kiss with passion and feel his hard-on against my stomach. It's not everyday that Edward and me have sex, so whenever he's ready to go I better take the chance. But over the last 10 weeks, I've come to realise that daily sex is not what I want with Ed. I'm okay spending most nights reading in the bed with him or just talking. My desire for Ed is different from the desire I had for Oliver. Because they're two different men.
I straddle him and run my hands down his abs. He's all muscles... all man. I grab his warm erection and place it at my opening.
Suddenly, the sound of three crying babies fill my ears. Rory and George's babies are crying next door. Shit!
Edward lets go of my lips and laughs out loud.
I growl before hitting against the wall behind the bed. "Someone's trying to have sex here!" I yell out loud.
"Jo!" Edward's shocked voice fills my ears and I look down at him.
"How do you think those three were created?!" Rory yells back while George tries to calm them sound with a soothing voice.
"She heard you?!" Edward asks me even more shocked now. "That means they heard us all night as well."
I can feel how his erection deflates. Shit, there goes my chance for morning sex. I sigh before lifting myself off of him. "Probably." I answer as the crying gets louder. I love my nieces, really I do, but righty now I want to kill them!
Edward climbs out of the bed as well before embracing me from behind. "How about we try the shower? Maybe the crying is quieter there." He suggests as he places kisses on my neck.
I place my hands on his forearms, "No, it's okay. The whole house is awake by now anyway. My Mum is probably already making breakfast in the kitchen."
"Your Mum makes breakfast?" Edward asks me surprised.
I nod, "She loves it. Especially when we are all at home like today."
"She really misses you guys, doesn't she?"
I sigh, "I guess so. It's been a while since we were all here. It's usually on Rory and mine birthday, thanksgiving and Christmas."
"Not the birthdays of your other siblings?"
"No. We spend Della's birthday at her place and the same goes for Ana. Nate's birthday is always on a different location. And My Mum's birthday is spent in Swansea every year."
"And your Dad?"
"That's different as well. The same goes for all men in my family actually now that I think of it." I say with a frown.
"We're meeting with my Mum for lunch today. She wants to talk about the wedding."
"Already? We just got engaged yesterday!"
He squeezes me softly, "She's excited."
"Okay. Let the wedding mania begin."
"Wedding mania?" Edward asks me with a grin on his lips.
I nod, "We're off to Australia in six days anyway. What can we plan today anyway? It's going to be easy."
Edward chuckles, "Never underestimate my mother."
"I want pancakes!" Elias cry fills my ears as Ed and I walk down the hallway that leads to the kitchen. I can already hear how busy the kitchen is. Pots, ceramic bowls and cutlery is clinking as well as the beautiful soothing jazz music that's always playing here at home.
"Ready for a Bolton breakfast?" I ask Ed with a smile.
"Are we the last ones to join?"
"Yeah, the rest is already wide awake as soon as the sun rises."
"You guys are all early birds?"
"Pretty much, yeah."
"Must be in your genes, huh?" Ed asks me as we reach the staircase that leads to the kitchen which is full of wonderful smelling cooking food.
I shrug, "Probably."
"Oh, it smells good!" Ed says to my parents as we walk down the marbled staircase. The oven is baking banana pancakes and banana bread while there's porridge and eggs cooking on the stove under my father's watch. The kitchen island is full of different bowls that are filled with fresh fruits, nuts, seeds, nut butters and natural sweeteners for porridge or granola. The smell of coffee lingers in the air. Chatter coming from the dining room mixes with the sizzling pans, the jazz music and my mother's swinging hips. She's still in pyjamas like all of us. This is why I love coming home. It's my sanctuary, my little piece of heaven on earth.
Suddenly, Gideon and Cal rush into the kitchen. "I want eggs and bacon!"
"Coming right up, champ. Just two more minutes until the bacon is crispy, just the way you like it." My Dad answers with a chuckle.
My mother opens the oven and pulls out the baking tray that's filled with baked banana pancakes and banana bread.
"Wow, this looks like in a hotel!" Ed grins as his turquoise coloured eyes scan out white kitchen with white marble countertops and transom windows.
"If you come here mir often I promise you it'll only get better." I wink at him before walking down the last couple of steps. "Morning!" I greet everyone.
"Morning! Help yourself, Ed." My Mom says as she fills Elias' plate with pancakes.
"We've got porridge, eggs and bacon, pancakes and banana bread. There's also granola. We've got soy milk, oat milk and almond milk for it." My Dad tells him.
"I'll just have coffee." Ed says before looking at me.
"Third hanging cupboard to your right. Pick any mug you want."
Ed nods before walking over to the cupboard and opening the door. "You want coffee as well?"
"No, I'll have orange juice with eggs and bacon." I tell him before picking up a plate from the stack of plates on the kitchen island and walking over to my Dad and little brothers.
"Bacon is ready!"
"Me first!" Gideon and Cal cry out before I can even open my mouth.
I pick up a spoon and fill my plate with the leftover eggs as Dad gives my little brothers their bacon. They're gone as fast as they came.
The grinning sound of coffee fills my ears as my Dad fills my plate with bacon. "Slept alright?"
"Better than George and Rory." I say with a nod. "You?"
"Your mother kept me up all night with her ideas for the wedding." My Dad smiles at me.
"I did not!" My Mum protests.
"Maybe you should meet up with Ed's Mum, so you guys can exchange ideas." I suggest as I walk back to the kitchen island and fill a glass with fresh orange juice.
"We're meeting my Mum for lunch today. She's been all excited as well." Ed says before walking into the dining room with his mug of coffee.
My Mum grins as she watches how perfectly Ed blends into my family. "He's a great man."
"I know. It's why I said yes to his proposal."
"You're happy with him, right?"
I sigh at my Dad's question. "I'm not jumping up and down, seeing unicorns and dancing on rainbows like Ana or Rory but yeah I'm pretty happy about it."
"Good." My Dad says simply.
"I love him and he loves me. What else can you want?" I ask as I pick up my glass, cutlery and my plate. "And I might steel your banana bread to impress Ed's Mum today because we're having lunch at her place today." I tell my Mum.
She nods, "Good. I'll wrap it up for you."
"Thank you."
"Mum, Dad, Jo! Can you guys come here please?" Ana calls us.
My Dad turns off the stove before following my mother and me into the dining room. The huge walnut table is full of my family. Ana and Sasha, Della and Wlad, Rory and George, Nate and Char, Elias, Gideon, Calloway and Ed. My heart fills with warmth as I sit down next to my fiancé.
"What's up?" My Dad asks as my parents take their seats as the head of the table.
"We've got some news we want to share with you before we all head to work." Sasha starts. His hand is holding his wife's.
"Oh? Spill!" My Mum tells them.
"We're pregnant." Ana tells everyone with a smile on her lips. There are even a few tears in her bright green eyes.
"No! Really?!" My Mum's totally shocked. I guess my Dad really didn't tell her.
"This is great news! We're very happy for you!" My Dad smiles at them.
"We're having a boy." Jake proudly announces.
"Finally!" Nate says while clapping his hands. "It was time we're getting some more testosterone here!"
We all laugh at Nate's words although they couldn't be more true. It seems like the firstborns tend to be girls in our family but Ana has put a stop to it.
"You've got a name yet?" My Mum asks them.
"No, not yet. I'm only 16 weeks along. We still got time for that."
"I know it's going to be tricky." Sasha says. "But we'll let you know as soon as we've made a decision."
"Do you guys already have names?" Ana asks Char and Nate.
Both shake their heads. "We've got to run the possible names by the King." Char says with a shrug.
"You're kidding right?! He has to approve of the chosen names?!" I ask them shocked. "Where does this end?! First the wedding and the title fiasco and now he's sending you away every single day since you guys got married... and now he also wants to have a say in how you name your girls?!" I hiss at them.
"Jo," Ed starts.
"No, it's enough! How can you guys sit there all quite and calm?" I ask Nate and Char. Nate is eating his granola as calm as a Buddha. He got that from out Mum.
My sister-in-law shrugs, "He's an ass and if he says no the the chosen names - which I'm pretty sure he will, no matter what names we will choose, I mean we could name them both Camilla and he still would be against it - than we will give them the names anyway."
"You're shitting on his Majesty?"
"Yes. I don't care what he says. They're our children, not his."
Wow, Charlotte's really growing some balls. It was about time.
"This is so exciting! We have to start talking about everything and plan as much as possible before you two fly off to your world tour." Hannah Rothschild says with a grin on her lips.
We're sitting on the terrace of the Rothschild house in the posh town that's known as Bath. It's a beautiful historic town where the Londoners move when they get too old and still have too much money.
"It's not a world tour, mother. It's just 53 countries."
"In 4 months! Do you know how much can happen in those months?"
I chuckle at her reaction. She thinks we'll be gone forever - just like my Mum when we told her about the Royal tour.
Hannah looks back at me. "Do you have a date yet?"
"We just got engaged yesterday!" Ed protests before I can even say a word.
"It's never too early to settle on a date."
"Spring would be nice. Maybe early April?" I ask her.
To my surprise she nods. "Early April or late March. Spring starts on March the 20th. As of the church, it has to be the chapel here in Bath. Because of your grandma." Hannah says to her son.
I had no idea Ed had a grandma. "Okay. The cathedral is very pretty. We drove past it on our way here."
"I suggest you talk to the bishop there after you leave so you guys can settle on a date. The reception can be held in our backyard. We can put up a tent and hire Michelin starred chefs for the food. What about a dress? Have you thought about a designer?"
"Well, My Mum wore Elie Saab to her wedding, so I thought-"
"No Eli Saab is too much lace, too much sparkle, too much bohemian."
"Mum,"
I bite on my lower lip, "What do you suggest, Hannah?"
"Carolina Herrera or Philippa Lepley. Perhaps even Jenny Packham. A British designer would be good. Or Chanel. Valentino. Door. Classic cuts-"
"I shouldn't be hearing this. Can you discuss this another time?" Ed interrupts her mother.
"Right, of course..."
"Listen, while we're gone, how about you make some plans for the wedding?" I ask her. I don't really care when we wed or where. I just want to marry him in the spring. Everything else is unimportant in my eyes.
"Really?" Hannah asks me.
I nod. "Yeah. We can do a cake tasting in December after we returned from the tour. The same goes for the dress."
"Are you sure?" Ed asks me.
"Yeah, I just want to be married to you by the end of spring." I grab his hand and squeeze it softly before looking at Hannah again. "You can meet up with my Mum. She knows what I like. She'll be a great help."
The car stops on the tarmac in front of our plane. It has just started raining this evening.
"Ready for 4 months of travel?" Edward asks me as Ralph gets out of the car.
I nod, "I'm ready for a world changing trip." I open the door and get out of the black Jaguar. Ralph makes sure our luggage - six suitcases - gets on to the plane. Ralph as well as Leo will fly as my security. To my surprise Edward doesn't mind them at all. I think he recognises my status better than anyone else ever could.
Edward gets out of the car behind me before grabbing my left hand. The engagement ring is even sparkling in the low light that's here. There are about twelve Range Rovers, Audis and Mercedes surrounding the plane. The Boeing is enormous but we're going to need the space.
"My jet isn't half as big as this monster." Ed comments as we walk up the staircase.
"I think we're the last to arrive." I mumble as we reach the entrance. A stewardess, three pilots and two stewards are all dressed in a royal blue uniform.
"Good evening, Miss Bolton and Mr. Rothschild. Welcome on board." The blonde stewardess welcomes us with a smile. "My name is Nancy. I'll be your servant over the next sixteen weeks along with my colleagues Richard and Jay."
I shake Richard and Jay's hands.
"My name is Phil, I'll be your pilot along with my two colleagues Max and Sam." The pilot introduces himself. I notice all three of them are at different ages. Max is the youngest, Phil is in his forties and Sam is in his fifties. They bring each different experiences into this which I'm sure we will profit from.
Edward and me shake hands with the pilots.
"Are we last ones to arrive?" I ask them.
"Yes. Their Royal Highnesses are already on board along with Mr. and Mrs. Spicoluk. The press is already here as well. They're just getting settled in." Nancy explains to us. "I wish you a very pleasant flight."
"Thank you." I smile at her before walking through the plane. It's massive with a staircase leading to the upper floor, bedrooms with full bathrooms, a study, a conference room - it has everything you could wish for. Including the luxury interior.
I stop at the lounge area which is filled with Rory, George, their three girls, the couple, Juliana and Mark, who is behind Boho Beautiful and the rest of the media team. It's quite a small initiate group. We're twenty people and we'll get to know each other very well in the next sixteen weeks. The security men are sitting a few rows behind Rory and George. The roughly 30 men are discussing everything related to the security of Their Royal Highnesses.
It's going to be a tour no one will ever forget.
Thank you for taking the time to read this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!
What do you think of Jo's engagement and her job at the Oxford Royal Foundation? Did you expect Edward to propose to Jo so soon? What shall she do with her birthday gift, the ranch in Dover?
Do you think she's going to end up working at the Bolton Foundation one day anyway?
Please review!
In gratitude,
Nicole