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His heart sank. She’d obviously chosen her future.
“I spoke to my grandfather about taking over as CEO.”
“You didn’t tell him the truth then.”
“No, I told him.” She shook her head in bemusement. “Turns out he’s known all along.”
“Smart man, your grandfather. But I don’t know why that surprises me. Look how you turned out.”
“I hope you’re going to be okay with my decision.”
/> “I will get behind whatever you choose.”
“You’re going to take the job with the network then?” She looked disappointed.
He decided not to leave her feeling that way for long. “No. I turned them down.”
She brightened. “You’re going back to The Culinary Wanderer. That’s wonderful.”
“No to that, as well.”
“What? I don’t understand.”
“You were determined to take the CEO job, which meant I couldn’t continue traveling with The Culinary Wanderer if we were going to be together. But at the same time, you were right about going with the network. They wanted me to become something I’m not.”
“What are you planning to do?”
“You suggested that I work on a cookbook. With the success of Batouri, I was considering opening another restaurant in New York, and Vince is exploring opportunities with other networks.”
“You’ve given up your television career to be with me?” She regarded him in confusion. “But why?”
“I realized something these past few days. I no longer feel invincible. Before I met you I had nothing to lose. That’s changed.”
Harper stood perfectly still while her mind raced. “I don’t understand. You had a great deal at stake. The Culinary Wanderer. A brand-new cooking show. Batouri.”
“Television shows and restaurants will come and go. The only irreplaceable thing in my life is you.”
“Me?”
“The woman I love.”
“You love me?”
“Hadn’t you guessed?”
“When it comes to love, I’m not too well versed on the ins and outs of romance.”
“You haven’t had much experience.” He took her left hand and placed her palm over his heart. “Neither have I, so you’ll have to excuse me if I’ve bungled a few things.”
“I suppose it’s something we could work on together.”
“I’m glad you said that.” He reached into his pocket. “Because I want to spend the rest of my life working on it with you. Marry me?”
His eyes were the most brilliant blue she’d ever seen as he gazed down at her. Harper’s mouth went dry. Spinning through her head were all the reasons why it would never work between them.
Like her father, he wouldn’t be able to stay put for long. He had restaurants in several countries. Traveling for business meant temptation would lurk around every corner. Would they end up like her parents?
Their opposite approaches to decisions—he would be rash and impulsive while she would study and plan— guaranteed they would fight endlessly.
