“I was just about to call you.”
“You were?” Andrea asked. “I guess I beat youto it.”
Lance smiled, staring at the picture still.“How are things going?”
“I’m exhausted and it’s only the afternoonhere.”
His eyes widened. “What? Why?”
“Babe, as much as I love what I do, it’stiring. You were right. I need a break.”
He chuckled, folding the picture back withone hand. “You’ll get one. I promise.”
“I’m thinking I can be there in a week at thelatest. It’ll be cutting it close, but I haven’t accepted moremodeling jobs. At least not until after the honeymoon.”
Lance swallowed. “You want to keep itup?”
“You aren’t expecting me to quit, do you?”Her voice sounded surprised.
“No, but... what if you wanted to take alonger break? You want kids, don’t you?”
Silence.
“Andrea? Babe?” Did she hang up? Did he saysomething wrong?
“I guess we never really talked aboutchildren.”
Lance’s breathing slowed. How would herespond if she didn’t want kids? “What is it?”
“I guess... I don’t know. I’ve thought aboutbeing a mom, but...”
Lance was practically on the edge of thebench.
“Do you think I’ll be a good one? I love mymom, but growing up, her career strained our relationship. She wasalways away acting or producing a new film. I grew mostly withlive-in nannies. I wouldn’t want that for my child.”
The tension eased in Lance’s body. “You’llmake a wonderful mother. I bet you’ll look good pregnant.”
“But that’ll slow my career down too. I’m notsure if I want to give that up now.”
He reassured her. “We don’t have to have themright away. You know that.”
“But what if... it happens sooner than wethink?” Andrea sounded nervous.
Lance smiled. “We’ll deal with it if thathappens. You won’t be alone, anyway.”
“Now I see why I’m marrying you.”
Lance rubbed at his forehead with his freehand.
“Lance? Are you still there?”
“I’m here and don’t worry.”
“I won’t.”
They said their goodnights and Lance headedhome to shower and go to bed. When his phone rang once more, hefigured Andrea had forgotten something.
“Something else on your mind?” He asked.
“Lance, I beg you to reconsider firing JuneMyers.”
Lance rolled his eyes. He had to stopanswering his phone without looking at the screen.
“Did you hear me, Lance?” His motherasked.
“I hear you.”
“You fired June Myers. I still can’t believeyou did that. It’s too close to the wedding date. Why would youfire—”
He stopped her. “I’m not letting somestranger call the shots at my wedding. This is our decision. Andreadoesn’t have a problem with it, so why should you?”
“What’s gotten into you, Lance? Many peopleare counting on this wedding. It has to be perfect. It’ll be in thepapers!”
“I’m the one getting married. It’s my life.When will you understand that? Why can’t you support my decisionsfor once?”
“I’ve always supported you.”
“Not how I remember it. All I’m asking isthat you respect my choices. This is the beginning of a new lifefor Andrea and me.”
His mother sighed.
“Mom?” He rubbed at his chin. “I know I’myour only son, but I’m not a little boy anymore. I’m a man.”
Did he hear whimpering? “I know.” His mothersniffled. “I won’t say any more about it, but… I found someoneelse.”
“Mom?”
“I think you’ll like her. She’s just as goodas June.”
“Who is it?”
“Adelaide Cummings. You have an appointmentwith her tomorrow at lunch. Don’t be late.”
He couldn’t win every argument with hismother. “I’ll be there on time. I’ll talk to you later.” Lanceended the call.
***
“Since your mother informed me you want tokeep the ceremony simple but classy,” Adelaide said. “I’m thinkingof a black-tie themed wedding, since you proposed at a galaevent.”
Lance straightened in his chair. “I’mlistening.”
Chantelle leaned forward herself, admiringthe vision board Adelaide had made. In a short amount of time, shelaid out plans from the ceremony to the reception. A red carpetwould lead into the venue with valet parking. Guests would receivegift bags on behalf of Andrea and Lance, and she would providechampagne as they mingled, waiting for the ceremony to start.
Crystal dishware, fine china, and clothnapkins would decorate each table covered in black cloth. Adelaidechose candles as centerpieces and name cards would designateseating. 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 bobbedhis head, listening to Adelaide. Chantelle’s fingers itched totouch the stubble on his face. Swallowing, she cleared her mind ofsuch a thought.
She’d agreed to give Javier a chance. Herdate with him had been perfect. Chantelle enjoyed her conversationswith him. Staring at Lance though, the feeling of emptinessoverwhelmed her.
She must have ignored it before. Her primaryfocus had been the article and proving her writing skills, butreality hit her like chilly wind. Sitting next to her ex-husband ashe planned his wedding with his future wife clogged her throat.
Chantelle adjusted in her seat. It onlyreminded her of the vows she had exchanged with Lance. They hadstood before the justice of the peace.
Lance had held her hands in his. His eyes haddanced with joy as he slid her engagement ring back on her ringfinger. Chantelle had grinned and used Lance’s class ring to placeon his left hand.
“By the power invested in me by the state ofTexas, I pronounce you husband and wife.” The justice of the peacegestured at Lance. “You may kiss your bride.”
Lance’s smile had grown wider. He leaned inand kissed Chantelle. She had wrapped her arms around his neck,kissing him back. Pressing her mouth against his, she lookedforward to their future.
When he drew back, he shook the justice’shand. He then laced his fingers with Chantelle and they dashed tohis car. He started the engine and played their song, “Young Love”by Chris Brown.
Chantelle shut her eyes for a moment. No.This couldn’t be happening. Opening her eyes, her lips parted. Shewas falling for Lance again.
Touching her throat, she released a deepbreath. She would finish the job. There was no need to tell herboss. Chantelle would write this story without a hitch. Shewouldn’t tell Lance either. They had their chance, and it didn’twork. They both had their lives to live.
“What do you think?” Lance asked.
Sensing his gaze on her, Chantelle asked,“What?”
“I’m not too keen on an ice sculpture,” hesaid.
“I can assure you it won’t
