“I quit.”
“You what?” Brenda sounded like she waschoking.
“I quit. My resignation is effectiveimmediately. I’ll be back soon to pick up my things.”
“Why? I thought this was your dream. You’veworked so hard,” Brenda said.
“I have. I’ve made sacrifices andcompromises, but the magazine is not for me anymore. I’ve grown alot since I’ve been back home. I can’t lose that.”
“Are you sure?” Her boss asked.
“I’m sure.”
Brenda sighed. “I guess I can’t do anythingto change your mind.”
“No, you can’t. I’m glad you enjoyed myarticle, but it is my last one for The Wedding Report.”
“We will miss you around here. I wish you allthe best,” Brenda said.
“Thank you. Take care.” She hung up, feelingfree. It was the right thing to do. She hadn’t told her mom yetthat she was moving back home, but she was sure her mother wouldshriek with excitement.
How would Lance take the news? She hadn’theard 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 atthe sunset. The structures and landscapes became silhouetted. Thetrees swayed, and the leaves fluttered. Rubbing her arms, shethought 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 jumpedto the ground. Did something else happen?
She heard him cut the engine, and he rushedto her after shutting the driver door.
Chantelle’s eyes widened. “Are youalright?”
He only touched her face, cradling hercheeks. “You didn’t leave?”
“No, why would I?”
His hands dropped from her face. “I don’tknow. I had a flashback. I’m sorry for doubting you.”
She gave a slight smile. “We’re alwaysapologizing to each other, huh?”
“I read your article.”
Her lips parted.
“That was brave. I guess your connections atthe paper still work.”
She responded. “They do, now that I ownit.”
He grinned. “You do?”
“It won’t be official until Mr. Perkinsretires at the end of the month, but he’s getting the paperworktogether for me to sign. He’s signing the deed over to me.” Shebounced on her toes. “I own my very own newspaper!”
Lance picked her up and hugged her, twirlingher 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 tosay. Now, it’s all out the window.”
“I am sorry about all of this. I—”
“It was Andrea’s former agent. He thought thescandal would further her career. We both released a statement. Itshould be out no later than tomorrow. Perhaps tonight.”
“What did you say?” She wrung her handstogether.
He inched closer. “The same thing you said inyours. I love you.”
Her chest swelled with pride. “How did yourparents take it?”
He blew out his cheeks. “We have a long wayto go, but nothing, not even them, is keeping me away from you. Notthis time.”
“Good.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist. “So nowthat you own the Delta Heights Press, how soon will you bemoving here?”
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. Thenhis look turned serious.
“What?” She asked. “Did something elsehappen?”
“I uh... have yet to cancel everything forthe wedding. Some stuff is nonrefundable.”
Her stomach rolled. “I can’t imagine how muchyou’re losing with that. I wish I could help.”
“I think you can.” He stepped back and gotdown 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 hisgaze met hers, she saw the affection in his eyes.
Lance cleared his throat. “The first time Iasked you to marry me, it was out of fear. I loved you, but Ididn’t know what that fully meant.” He paused. “I can’t tell youthe pain I felt losing you. Losing everything.”
Chantelle’s bottom lip quivered.
“But now you’re here. It was as if everythingbecame clear all over again. I knew what I was doing then.” Hereached into his pocket. Letting go of her hand, he opened theblack velvet box. It had the same style as her first ring, but withmore diamonds. “There’s ten total. Nine small diamonds surroundingthe main one. For every year, I was without you.”
“Lance...” Why couldn’t she find the words?Her chest swelled with love for him, and her hands only trembled ashe took her left hand and slid the platinum ring on her ringfinger.
“I always have and always will be in lovewith you, Chantelle Woods. Will you marry me? Again?”
Her mind said it was too soon. They were toget to know each other as adults. Yet, as he kneeled before her,only one thing remained. Chantelle wanted to spend the rest of herlife 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 himcloser, pressing her lips against his. Her fingers caressed theback of his head. He didn’t rush, but kissed her slowly, makingsure he didn’t miss one curve of her mouth.
Chantelle was his. She’d always been his, andnow they would make it official. Again.
“One more thing.” Lance mumbled in betweenkisses.
“What?” She rested her hands on hisshoulders.
“Only if you want to since I know we’re thetalk of the press.” He sighed. “The only difference about thiswedding is... the bride won’t be Andrea.”
Chantelle’s mouth dropped. “You want meto—”
“It crossed my mind.” He touched her face.“I’ve waited ten years, Chantelle. It doesn’t matter to me. I loveyou. I don’t see the point in waiting anymore.”
She smiled, but the thought unnerved her. “Iknow. I love you too, but it doesn’t seem right with everythinggoing on. I think that would give the press an even bigger reasonto hate me if they see me in her place at the wedding.”
His hand moved to her chin. “I won’t let themhurt you.”
She clasped his hand. “We can’t control whatpeople think or say, Lance. Face it, you’re in the public eye, andthis comes with the territory.”
“If only we could get away from it all,” hesaid.
“I know.” She sighed, but then an idea poppedin her head. “I think there’s a way for you to
