She snaked her arms around his neck. “Soon. Especially since the lease on my apartment is almost up.”
“Did you plan that?”
She poked out her lips, and he laughed. Then his look turned serious.
“What?” She asked. “Did something else happen?”
“I uh... have yet to cancel everything for the wedding. Some stuff is nonrefundable.”
Her stomach rolled. “I can’t imagine how much you’re losing with that. I wish I could help.”
“I think you can.” He stepped back and got down on one knee.
Chantelle froze in place as he held her hand. “Lance? What are you doing?”
He faced downward at the gravel, but when his gaze met hers, she saw the affection in his eyes.
Lance cleared his throat. “The first time I asked you to marry me, it was out of fear. I loved you, but I didn’t know what that fully meant.” He paused. “I can’t tell you the pain I felt losing you. Losing everything.”
Chantelle’s bottom lip quivered.
“But now you’re here. It was as if everything became clear all over again. I knew what I was doing then.” He reached into his pocket. Letting go of her hand, he opened the black velvet box. It had the same style as her first ring, but with more diamonds. “There’s ten total. Nine small diamonds surrounding the main one. For every year, I was without you.”
“Lance...” Why couldn’t she find the words? H
er chest swelled with love for him, and her hands only trembled as he took her left hand and slid the platinum ring on her ring finger.
“I always have and always will be in love with you, Chantelle Woods. Will you marry me? Again?”
Her mind said it was too soon. They were to get to know each other as adults. Yet, as he kneeled before her, only one thing remained. Chantelle wanted to spend the rest of her life with him.
“Yes! Yes!” She bounced on her toes.
Lance rushed to his feet and kissed her, nearly knocking the breath out of her lungs. Chantelle hugged him closer, pressing her lips against his. Her fingers caressed the back of his head. He didn’t rush, but kissed her slowly, making sure he didn’t miss one curve of her mouth.
Chantelle was his. She’d always been his, and now they would make it official. Again.
“One more thing.” Lance mumbled in between kisses.
“What?” She rested her hands on his shoulders.
“Only if you want to since I know we’re the talk of the press.” He sighed. “The only difference about this wedding is... the bride won’t be Andrea.”
Chantelle’s mouth dropped. “You want me to—”
“It crossed my mind.” He touched her face. “I’ve waited ten years, Chantelle. It doesn’t matter to me. I love you. I don’t see the point in waiting anymore.”
She smiled, but the thought unnerved her. “I know. I love you too, but it doesn’t seem right with everything going on. I think that would give the press an even bigger reason to hate me if they see me in her place at the wedding.”
His hand moved to her chin. “I won’t let them hurt you.”
She clasped his hand. “We can’t control what people think or say, Lance. Face it, you’re in the public eye, and this comes with the territory.”
“If only we could get away from it all,” he said.
“I know.” She sighed, but then an idea popped in her head. “I think there’s a way for you to get your money’s worth and what we want at the same time.”
He raised an eyebrow, as if intrigued. “How’s that?”