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“A love affair.”
London’s eyes widened. Since the kidnapping, they’d made no effort to hide the fact that they were dating. But they hadn’t broadcast it, either. She stood enraptured by his gaze, touched by the love she saw there. She barely heard the murmuring audience, was only vaguely aware that her sister, Teresa, snapped a series of pictures and through her popular blog would be the first to report this breaking news.
“We met years ago,” Ace finally continued. “It was a brief encounter after which we went our separate ways. I let her get away that time. When fate brought us together again, I remembered one of the many lessons my mom, a schoolteacher, taught me—don’t make the same mistake twice.”
He turned to London. “You’ve walked from the runway right into my heart. I want to keep you here forever.” Whistles and applause erupted as Ace pulled out a box and knelt on one knee. He popped open the box and revealed a five-carat yellow diamond ring.
“Clarisse Alana London Drake…will you marry me?”
London looked into the face of the love of her life and answered the same as when he’d asked her to be the face of OTB Her. “I’ll think about it.”
Jaws dropped. The crowd buzzed. A mixture of surprise and disappointment peeked through the mask Ace now wore.
“Okay, thought about it,” she continued after only seconds had passed. “Get up, Ace Montgomery. My answer is yes!”
The smile on his face could have lit up the world. He stood, took London in his arms and swirled them around and around. One again the audience clapped and cheered. Cameras flashes went off in every direction. Ace handed a stunned yet pleased Jennifer the microphone and reached for London’s hand. They waved a final goodbye and skated behind the stage to the ramp that led to the makeshift dressing room.
Their job was done. London felt complete. She’d contributed to the Drakes’ good name and brand. Her for the Holidays had been a rousing success. Because she’d just said yes to her man, Ace Montgomery was going to be hers forever, along with a lifetime of lavish loving. The show had been perfect, but what an encore!
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