Lance rolled his eyes. He had to stop answering his phone without looking at the screen.
“Did you hear me, Lance?” His mother asked.
“I hear you.”
“You fired June Myers. I still can’t believe you did that. It’s too close to the w
edding date. Why would you fire—”
He stopped her. “I’m not letting some stranger call the shots at my wedding. This is our decision. Andrea doesn’t have a problem with it, so why should you?”
“What’s gotten into you, Lance? Many people are counting on this wedding. It has to be perfect. It’ll be in the papers!”
“I’m the one getting married. It’s my life. When will you understand that? Why can’t you support my decisions for once?”
“I’ve always supported you.”
“Not how I remember it. All I’m asking is that you respect my choices. This is the beginning of a new life for Andrea and me.”
His mother sighed.
“Mom?” He rubbed at his chin. “I know I’m your only son, but I’m not a little boy anymore. I’m a man.”
Did he hear whimpering? “I know.” His mother sniffled. “I won’t say any more about it, but… I found someone else.”
“Mom?”
“I think you’ll like her. She’s just as good as June.”
“Who is it?”
“Adelaide Cummings. You have an appointment with her tomorrow at lunch. Don’t be late.”
He couldn’t win every argument with his mother. “I’ll be there on time. I’ll talk to you later.” Lance ended the call.
***
“Since your mother informed me you want to keep the ceremony simple but classy,” Adelaide said. “I’m thinking of a black-tie themed wedding, since you proposed at a gala event.”
Lance straightened in his chair. “I’m listening.”
Chantelle leaned forward herself, admiring the vision board Adelaide had made. In a short amount of time, she laid out plans from the ceremony to the reception. A red carpet would lead into the venue with valet parking. Guests would receive gift bags on behalf of Andrea and Lance, and she would provide champagne as they mingled, waiting for the ceremony to start.
Crystal dishware, fine china, and cloth napkins would decorate each table covered in black cloth. Adelaide chose candles as centerpieces and name cards would designate seating. Chantelle’s mouth curved into a smile at the display. Would Andrea appreciate this gesture Lance was making?
Her eyes glanced over at him. Lance bobbed his head, listening to Adelaide. Chantelle’s fingers itched to touch the stubble on his face. Swallowing, she cleared her mind of such a thought.
She’d agreed to give Javier a chance. Her date with him had been perfect. Chantelle enjoyed her conversations with him. Staring at Lance though, the feeling of emptiness overwhelmed her.
She must have ignored it before. Her primary focus had been the article and proving her writing skills, but reality hit her like chilly wind. Sitting next to her ex-husband as he planned his wedding with his future wife clogged her throat.
Chantelle adjusted in her seat. It only reminded her of the vows she had exchanged with Lance. They had stood before the justice of the peace.
Lance had held her hands in his. His eyes had danced with joy as he slid her engagement ring back on her ring finger. Chantelle had grinned and used Lance’s class ring to place on his left hand.
“By the power invested in me by the state of Texas, I pronounce you husband and wife.” The justice of the peace gestured at Lance. “You may kiss your bride.”
Lance’s smile had grown wider. He leaned in and kissed Chantelle. She had wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him back. Pressing her mouth against his, she looked forward to their future.