“No, you can’t. I’m glad you enjoyed my article, but it is my last one for The Wedding Report.”
“We will miss you around here. I wish you all the best,” Brenda said.
“Thank you. Take care.” She hung up, feeling free. It was the right thing to do. She hadn’t told her mom yet that she was moving back home, but she was sure her mother would shriek with excitement.
How would Lance take the news? She hadn’t heard from him since he stopped by the house. Was he still upset? Chantelle rolled her eyes. Why wouldn’t he still be angry?
Sitting on the hood of her car, she stared at the sunset. The structures and landscapes became silhouetted. The trees swayed, and the leaves fluttered. Rubbing her arms, she thought of calling him. What would she say?
Her head jerked as a car sped down the road, causing gravel to sputter underneath the tires. Lance? She jumped to the ground. Did something else happen?
She heard him cut the engine, and he rushed to her after shutting the driver door.
Chantelle’s eyes widened. “Are you alright?”
He only touched her face, cradling her cheeks. “You didn’t leave?”
“No, why would I?”
His hands dropped from her face. “I don’t know. I had a flashback. I’m sorry for doubting you.”
She gave a slight smile. “We’re always apologizing to each other, huh?”
“I read your article.”
Her lips parted.
“That was brave. I guess your connections at the paper still work.”
She responded. “They do, now that I own it.”
He grinned. “You do?”
“It won’t be official until Mr. Perkins retires at the end of the month, but he’s getting the paperwork together for me to sign. He’s signing the deed over to me.” She bounced on her toes. “I own my very own newspaper!”
Lance picked her up and hugged her, twirling her body around. Chantelle hugged him tight.
“That’s great.” He broke their embrace.
“Thanks. Is that... why you came?”
“No.” He chuckled. “I knew what I wanted to say. Now, it’s all out the window.”
“I am sorry about all of this. I—”
“It was Andrea’s former agent. He thought the scandal would further her career. We both released a statement. It should be out no later than tomorrow. Perhaps tonight.”
“What did you say?” She wrung her hands together.
He inched closer. “The same thing you said in yours. I love you.”
Her chest swelled with pride. “How did your parents take it?”
He blew out his cheeks. “We have a long way to go, but nothing, not even them, is keeping me away from you. Not this time.”
“Good.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “So now that you own the Delta Heights Press, how soon will you be moving here?”