Page 62 of Lucky 22

Ours.

Not his place. Ours.

Maybe this isn’t the worst thing that could happen to us.

Maybe the long distance will work out just fine.

After all, if it means coming home to Christian whenever Ican, to a place that belongs to both of us, how bad can it be? I’m beginning tothaw from the frigid temperatures outside, but Christian can tell that I amstill frozen. He takes my jacket and scarf off and pulls me onto the bed andunder the covers. He wraps his warm body around me like a heated blanket, andthe cold reality of our situation melts away. We cuddle, and he gently kissesmy face all over until he meets my lips. Then, he reassures me that everythingwill be okay. I guess St. Louis isn’t so bad…

We find an apartment on the first day we go outlooking, and I already have big decorating plans for it. At least, I do in myhead. It’s not something I can commit to right now. It doesn’t feel likesomething I should do until we’re more settled in our relationship. I don’twant to say that I won’t decorate until we’re married, but it’s more like whenI have the proper time, and not just when I’m here for a weekend.

The cold weather iscompletely rude, but we both grin and bear it as we explore the city.

The closer we get to meeting up with the Archers, the more Ican tell that Christian’s pulling a little away from me and turning into theprofessional athlete guy. I don’t take offense. This is essentially a jobinterview, even though he already has the job. So, I let him have his space toget mentally prepared.

The event we’re attending is for charity, and we can bothtell right away that it’s a totally different vibe than anything we ever didwith the Magic. From the moment we walk in the door and start meeting themanagement, I know it’s an environment that will be good for Christian.

And me.

We meet his new teammates and a ton of fans. At one point,they call Christian up onto the stage and introduce him to the masses. Thecheers from the crowd are deafening. I watch with pride as he takes it all in.They’re cheering for him—not the team, just him.

I’m happy. I’m truly happy. This is where he’s meant to be.

Even if it is ridiculously cold.

But hey, it’s not winter year-round, so…that’s a plus.

Once I stop looking at this change as being all about me andwhat I’m losing, it’s easy to see what I’m gaining.

Right now, it’s Christian’s time to shine, but I know therewill be room in the spotlight for two when the time’s right.

Spring training doesn’t start until March, but thereare so many things we need to do before then. When we get back to California, Ihave meetings with my agent about some potential roles, plus production isstarting again for Workin’ for Laughs.Meanwhile, Christian prepares for his move. He no longer needs an apartment inNewport Beach, and whenever he comes to LA to see me, we’ll just stay at myplace. Still, it’s bittersweet when we pack up his apartment. It’s where wefell in love. We have so many memories that we will cherish forever.

Things are happening, and we’re busy. One afternoon,Christian surprises me by stopping by the apartment unannounced.

“Hey, Ella Rose,” he says, kissing my cheek.

“Hey, you. What are you doing here?”

I lead him to the kitchen to get us something to drink whenhe completely shocks me.

“How would you feel about going to Wonder Land for a week?”

Spinning around, I bang into the refrigerator door, nearlyfalling on my butt. “Um…what?”

“Wonder Land? You know, the place in Florida that you loveso much.” He’s teasing, and his smile is absolutely adorable. “I was thinkingmaybe we could take one last vacation before life gets chaotic. And sinceyou’re the one making most of the sacrifices, I wanted to go somewhere that’sspecial and meaningful to you. So? What do you think?”

“Oh, my goodness! Are you kidding me? I love this idea!” ButI don’t know if my schedule will. “Hold that thought,” I tell him as I run tomy room to grab my planner. I find him sitting on the sofa and immediately joinhim. “Okay, when are you thinking?”

“You tell me what dates work for you, and that’s when we’llgo. I’ll handle all the arrangements.”

Seriously, could I love him more?

We look over my calendar and realize we need to do it soonerrather than later. “What can I do to help?”

He kisses me, caressing my cheek as he does, and it makes meall gooey. I just melt against him. “Not a thing. I’ve got it all undercontrol.”

I have a feeling he’s got something up his sleeve, but I’mnot going to let myself think about it and possibly ruin whatever it is.Christian may not think he’s romantic, but he seriously is. So, I will bepatient, sit back, and enjoy the plans he makes.