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Lance stared at her sweet face. “I don’t know what else to say.”
“You don’t have to.” She gave half a smile. “We had some fun times, right?”
He smiled back at her, taking her hand again. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget the day you shocked me eating ice cream.”
Andrea giggled. “I’m not always on a strict diet.”
He lifted their joined hands and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “I’m sorry.”
“Lance, we want different things. You love it here, I’m a city girl. You want a family and I’m not sure about that right now with my career. I love what I do and I want to continue to pursue it.” She paused. “Though it’s disappointing how this happened, I’m glad we know where we stand. It’s a shame it took this long.”
“I know,” he said.
“I love you, Lance, but I don’t… think it’s enough.”
He bobbed his head. “I hope you can forgive me.”
“There’s nothing to forgive.” Her stare turned serious. She clasped his hand tighter. “Be happy, Lance. For you. I’ll do the same for me.”
He couldn’t have agreed with her more.
***
Chantelle took the lasagna out of the oven while Grant sliced the garlic bread. The aroma filled her nose, and her mouth watered at the melted cheese on her creation. She removed the pot holders from her hands.
“I hope it’s worth it,” Grant said. “Mom’s not getting on a boat.”
“I think Douglas might convince her.” Chantelle replied.
“It is nice. He loves Mom.”
Chantelle leaned against the counter. “He does, huh?”
“You didn’t think so?”
“Did you? I want Mom to be happy, but I never pictured her remarrying.”
Grant sighed. “I didn’t give Douglas a chance when I first met him, but he’s good for Mom. She deserves that.”
Chantelle squinted her eyes at him. “Are you getting sentimental on me?”
He winked at her. “Don’t tell my wife.”
“When will I be an auntie?” She walked over and nudged his shoulder.
“Sooner than you think.” Grant wiggled his eyebrows.
“Elise is pregnant?” Chantelle smiled despite her ribs squeezing tight. She rubbed at her neck, attempting to push away her painful thoughts. She would be happy for her brother and sister-in-law, and she would love their child as her own. She’d get another chance to be a mother. She still had hope for the future.
Grant continued. “We haven’t told Mom yet. We thought if we announced it tonight, she’ll be so excited that she’ll agree with this cruise with Douglas.”
“Sneaky.” Chantelle pointed at him.
Her brother sighed. “I hope I’m ready for this.”
She patted his arm. “You'll be great. I’ll babysit.”
“You can’t do that from Chicago.” He pointed out.
