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“Crazy, isn’t it?” Theo says, reading my thoughts the seat over.
“Wouldn’t change a fucking thing,” I say honestly.
“Me neither.”
“I have to pee,” Laney belts breaking the sentiment, and we both chuckle.
“I’ll go with you,” Clarissa offers. “I’m sure I’ll have to again by the time we get there.”
Before they’re out of sight, I grab my phone and shoot off a text. A few seconds later, Clarissa reaches into her purse and looks back at me with glassy eyes.
Troy: No need to gamble when you’ve already won the lottery.
Clarissa: I love you so much.
Harper
Standing just behind Lance and his crew, he shakes his arms out and rolls his shoulders before turning back to me. I’m sweating from head to foot in my tight-fitting dress and pray he can’t see the nerves on my face, but of course, he does.
He gives me a slow wink. “First knockout of the night.”
I bat away the compliment, too worried about how he’s feeling. “You’ve got this.”
“As long as I’ve got you.”
And that’s all it takes to straighten my spine, pride filling me where doubt just threatened. We’re stronger than we’ve ever been. The last few years, especially this one, has been insane. I’ve danced in a few shows, in addition to being ringside at all of Lance’s fights. His earnings as a heavyweight have relieved most of his burdens.
But it hasn’t been easy.
We’ve missed each other to the point we’ve had a few fantastic fights that led to the most incredible make up sessions. But fighting across the miles isn’t easy, either. But we have what it takes now to make it through. We now consider those tumultuous days at the ranch the ten days that made us.
And they truly did.
We hold absolutely nothing back from the other, even if it causes problems, even if it hurts, even if it tests us, and on the other side is a closeness I’ve never felt with any other.
Lance splits his time between the circuit, the ranch, and New York while I split my time between the stage and wherever he lands. It’s been hard, and wonderful, and paid off in spades. But nothing in the world, no stage, no spotlight could keep me away tonight.
And one day, very soon, he’ll call New York home. Our end game is the ranch, but time is what we have, and we’re making full use of it. We’re living the next five years in the city and then moving Nana to Texas when we go. We have plans, loads of them, which include expansion of the ranch.
Tony sidles up next to Lance with last minute suggestions as Trevor takes in the packed arena. Lance is wearing a new and cranked up version of the robe I bought him years ago. It fits him perfectly, along with the trunks. Amped and rattling, Trevor stands next to him. I’ve never seen so much pride in his eyes. Lance is his hero and it fills me so full of joy to see them in this state. These two boys turned men have single-handedly kept their parents’ legacy alive. Trevor will attend Grand this fall, thanks to his brother, who is picking up the bill.
Covered in nerves, I jump out of my skin when Lance’s new anthem sounds out. Moving instinctively, I can’t help but appreciate the vibe it brings. It’s a mix of rock and rap, and it’s so distinctly Lance. Stomach turning, I see Lance repeatedly nodding to Tony’s words. And then we’re off, collectively walking down the aisle together as his corner while the arena roars to life. It’s the same buzz as it has been in his fights before, but this one I feel in my stomach. When it’s time to leave me ringside, I move to take my seat when Lance unexpectedly turns and pulls me to him with a gloved hand. I freeze, knowing all cameras, all eyes, are on us.
“Look at me, baby,” he says roughly. “It’s just us.”
“Gross understatement. Hundreds of millions of eyes, Lance. And they’re waiting. What are you doing?!”
“Let ‘em wait. There’s no fight without you. I’m here because of you.”
Adrenaline spiking, I glance around us.
“Well, you can thank me later.”
“Look at me, beautiful,” he commands, and I do. My eyes drift to his.
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“I fucking love you.”
