Andrea walked him to the door, and he kissedher forehead before stepping out into the hallway. As he descendedthe stairs, he said goodnight to Mr. and Mrs. Duncan. On his wayhome, Lance gripped the steering wheel.
How was he going to get through theinterview? His future wife in the same room as his ex-wife? Not anexcellent combination. His chest heaved with a heavy sigh. Hedidn’t want to go home. Lance wanted more than anything to driveaway from Delta Heights.
Before he knew it, he found himself on thecountry road he and Chantelle loved so much. Parking the car, hecut the engine and rested his head against the headrest. As heclosed his eyes, all he could feel was Chantelle in his arms as hespun her across the dance floor.
Then Andrea showed. Her eyes shined withaffection. There was no choice. Lance had to believe whatever hewas feeling for Chantelle was because of them spending timetogether.
The eighteen-year-old Lance was almostthirty. He wouldn’t make the rash decision like he did before. Whenhis parents wanted him and Chantelle to give their baby up foradoption, he used some of his savings and bought her a ring. No oneelse would raise his child. Even if he had to work two or threejobs, he would support his baby and the woman he loved.
Then she lost it. Lance pressed a fist to hisforehead. It had to stop. He started the engine and headed home.Once the interview was over, he would ask Chantelle to leave. Ifonly his stomach didn’t clench at the thought of losing heragain.
***
Chantelle grabbed her cross body purse as shesat in her car outside of Lance’s house. Her dreams of him onlymade her wake in the middle of the night. If it wasn’t her tryingto break up the wedding, she dreamed of him running after her atthe airport. She read too many romance novels to expect such agrand gesture of love. She got out of the car and headed to thefront door.
She unbuttoned the top button of her blouse.When did it get so hot? Looking upward, she released a deep breath.The lawnmower cutting the grass made her head turn. What was shewaiting for? Tapping her heeled shoe on the porch, Chantelle rolledher shoulders back.
The doorbell rang in her ears once shepressed the button, but when Dottie answered, the corners ofChantelle’s mouth lifted. “It’s nice to see you again, Dottie.”
Dottie ushered her inside the foyer. “You’reright on time. They just finished lunch.”
Chantelle ignored the burning sensation inher chest. She had a job to do. “Lead the way.”
Dottie directed her to the living area, andChantelle settled on the couch. Her knee bounced, and she grabbedit to make it stop. This was ridiculous! This was an interview,like she always did. Only... the couples she interviewed in thepast didn’t affect her the way Lance and Andrea did. Talking to himone on one was one thing, but could she stomach seeing anotherwoman holding his hand?
It used to be her. She was his girl. Crossingher legs, Chantelle stared into space. Unconsciously, her handrubbed at her stomach. No. She shook her head. Her chest heavedwith another sigh.
Chantelle pulled out her recorder, just asLance and Andrea entered the room, hand in hand. Her stomachrolled, but she wouldn’t cower now.
Chantelle stood to her feet. “Goodafternoon.”
Lance nodded, but Andrea extended her freehand to Chantelle’s. The trio then settled in their seats, withChantelle on the sofa, and Lance and Andrea on the opposite loveseat. The couple continued holding hands, and Chantelle willedherself to speak despite the spots flashing in her vision.
“It’s great to have you both here,” she said.“How was your trip, Andrea?”
“It was amazing. I love traveling. It’smostly for work, but I love the places I’ve seen over the years.”Andrea’s grin grew wide. She nudged Lance’s shoulder. “Life can’tbe all about work.”
Chantelle made a note on her tablet. “I’veasked Lance about how you two met. I think our readers will lovehis perspective, but can I get your side of the story?”
Andrea beamed. “Well, the gala that hisparents host every year is amazing. I didn’t want to go that night,but my best friend said it would be good for me. I’d been workingso hard and a night out was what she thought I needed. I didn’tnotice him at first, but I guess I caught his eye.”
“What did you think of him?” Chantelleasked.
“You can tell her,” Lance said. Then hewinked at his fiancé, using his free hand to graze her bareknee.
Chantelle adjusted in her seat. Thisinterview needed to hurry. Seeing him with her was making her mouthdry.
Andrea smiled and looked over at Chantelle.“I thought he was handsome. A gentleman, but in my business, younever know who’s being genuine, so I brushed him off at first. Thenhe got bold.”
“Here we go.” Lance turned to face her, as ifher version of their story was intriguing him too.
Chantelle asked. “What did he say?”
“Nothing special that I remember. He asked meout. I said no,” Andrea said.
“Nothing special?” Lance grinned. “Do youknow how nervous I was? Then you shut me down like a carsalesman.”
She giggled, leaned in, and kissed his cheek.“I didn’t know you then. Anyway, he was persistent. I’d seen himenough in the tabloids to know about him and his family. I gave hima chance. Got to know him. The rest is history.”
Chantelle made her notes. “How did you feelwhen he proposed?”
Andrea touched a free hand to her chest. “Myknees were shaking, but when he got down on one knee, I had to sayyes. He’s amazing. I love how Lance cares about people. He’s veryhands on with his job, making sure his clients are making the bestdeals. He cares about people. Even with his volunteer work, I knowthat he cares about the kids.”
Chantelle bobbed her head. “Have you twodecided on where you’ll live? If I remember, Andrea, your house isin Los Angeles.”
“We’re still discussing it.” Lance’s jawclenched.
Andrea stroked his arm. “I think we can atleast let the public know our plans. You’ll be coming to live in LAwith me.”
“You will?” Chantelle asked as her eyebrowsrose.
“Nothing’s final. It would be nice to live inthe same
