The Trouble With Us: A Second Chance Love Triangle (The Forbidden Love 2)

“Okay, you two, off you go. Amelia and I will go visit Adriana. Be back here at six or else,” Charlie warns, pointing her finger at Lex.

He appears amused by the threat and kisses her goodbye. I look over to Amelia, unsure of kissing her in front of her parents. Why the hell does it feel awkward like I need to impress them when I’ve known them my whole life?

Amelia’s expression mirrors mine, so she leans in and kisses my cheek while laughing.

“See you later, boyfriend.”

It was one of the best working days I’ve had in a long while. Being around Lex and getting down to business is almost like food for my soul. He knew exactly where I was going with ideas, never once questioning me, only making suggestions where he saw fit. We signed the contract, knowing the press will be on us when the announcement is made in a few weeks.

We stayed in the office most of the day while Charlie and Amelia went out. Time went by quickly, with the clock showing it’s almost dinner time.

There is a light knock on the door as Charlie enters the room.

“I thought I’d come to see you since Amelia is showering.” Charlie places a black box on the table in front of me. I open it carefully to see a stunning emerald and platinum gold ring inside. “I want to give this to you. Lex gave me this ring when I was pregnant with Amelia. I would be honored if you would give this to her one day.”

The ring itself is perfect, but the sentiment behind it means even more. Not only had I earned their forgiveness, but I’ve also been given their blessing to marry their daughter.

“Is it wrong of me to say thank god because shopping for a ring isn’t exactly something I know how to do?”

They both laugh as Charlie places her arm on my shoulder. Her eyes gloss over, and I beg she doesn’t begin to cry because I’m not sure how to handle it.

“I’ll give you my jeweler’s number, and you’ll never have to think about it again,” Lex concludes.

I take a deep breath, wondering if I can tell them honestly how I feel. But then, I remember Lex and Charlie played an essential part of my life before Amelia stepped in. Given their own journey, surely, they would understand.

“I want to discuss something because if anyone knows Amelia better than me, it’s the two of you,” I begin, then stall trying to find the courage to continue. “Amelia is not one for extravagant affairs, and with our lives so hectic, I don’t see us having any time to plan a wedding. Amelia’s internship is important to her, and Mom mentioned her caseloads have doubled over the last few months. Having Amelia help will take a load off her shoulders.”

“It’s true. The same goes for me. I’d steal Amelia for the summer if I could,” Charlie muses.

“If I was to propose real soon—"

“Are you thinking of eloping?” Lex interrupts, his eyes drawing together.

“It’s not really eloping if you’re planning it,” I inform them, jokingly. “I hope my soon to be mother-in-law can somehow wrangle all the family to Vegas for one night.”

Lex stays silent while Charlie lets out a long-winded whistle.

“It’s a challenge,” she confesses, turning to look at Lex. “Between Adriana and me, we can make it happen.”

“Why not Ava?”

“She has a big fat mouth,” Charlie admits, rolling her eyes.

I let out a breath, rubbing my face and suddenly nervous. I still had to think of a way to propose and something memorable. “Thank you, that’s if she says yes. Amelia can be stubborn at the best of times.”

Lex’s mouth curves upward into a smile. “The way my daughter looks at you, the odds of saying no are a million to one.”

“I guess there’s only one problem then...”

“What?” They ask in unison.

“A night in Vegas with Rocky Romano.”

Lex shakes his head while laughing. “Remind me to tell you the story of Rocky and Madam Kiska.”

“Kiska?” I repeat, the word sounding familiar.

“Madam Pussy, and yes, it ends up with your dear old father being handcuffed and a very questionable mugshot…”