ONE WEEK LATER
PORT GIBSON, MISSISSIPPI
"Uncle Pax!" Courtney yelled as she came flying into the basement studio like a bat out of hell. "You got a letter from Princess Cordelia!" She waved an envelope in front of her uncle's confused face.
What in the name of all that was holy was she talking about? Glancing beside him, he saw his producer/best friend, Kevin, looking much amused at his niece's behavior.
Pax took the envelope out of Courtney's hand and tore it open. To keep Courtney from wetting herself in anticipation, he read the enclosed letter aloud.
*** "Dear Mr. Raney,
I am writing to you on behalf of my brother, James, and myself. As the founders of the annual Royal Rock Show, we would like to personally extend an invitation for you to open this year's concert. The event will be held in Biloxi, Mississippi, at the end of May. Proceeds from the show will be donated to the Prince's Trust here in the United Kingdom as well as five American charities whose collective aim is to eliminate homelessness in the United States.
I understand that you are a very busy man with a great many demands on your valuable time. If there is any possible way to arrange your appearance, my family and I would be greatly in your debt.
I have included my office's telephone number at the bottom of this letter. Please, feel free to phone me with any questions or concerns that you may have.
Respectfully Yours,
Cordelia Balmoral" ***
Pax was impressed by the fact that the princess had signed the letter with her name as opposed to her title.
Courtney started jumping up and down while clapping her hands together. "Please, tell me you're going to do it," she pleaded.
Kevin shook his head and turned to look at him. "Brother, you really need to cut down on little mama's caffeine intake before she strokes out."
Pax ran a hand over his face. "Court, ladybug, I'm not gonna promise you anything, but I'll go and give the princess a call so I can see what this," he waved the letter, "is all about."
"Thank you so much!" Courtney jumped up and hugged him tightly around the neck, almost cutting off his oxygen supply.
Once his niece released him, Pax turned to look at Kevin. "Watch her, please, man. Make sure she doesn't follow me and eavesdrop on my call."
Kevin simply nodded while Courtney looked both outraged and guilty because that is precisely what she had been planning to do.