“When you didn’t return my calls, I called Traci and asked her about your writing. And, because she’d assumed you’d told me she told me how you wanted to remain anonymous because you didn’t want your personal life to become public like some celebrity authors. I had no right to judge you. And I’m sorry.”
Biting her lip, Angela cast her eyes downward. “And I’m sorry it didn’t work out, Levi. We could’ve had the time of our lives if things had turned out differently.”
His hands tightened on her shoulders. “It still can.”
She looked up at him. “No, it can’t, Levi. Not with me in Louisville and you here in New York.”
“I’m only going to be in New York until tomorrow.”
“Where are you going?” There was a hint of panic in her voice.
“Home. I’m moving to Louisville. I’ve accepted the position to become head of pediatrics at Clarke County General. Close your mouth, baby. I only came back to New York to sell my interest in the medical group partnership. I know I won’t make the kind of money in Kentucky that I made in New York, but that doesn’t matter. I’ll still earn enough to support my wife and the children we’ll have in the lifestyle to which she is accustomed.”
“Who is this wife?”
“I believe I’m looking at her. That is if she’ll have me.”
Tears filled Angela’s eyes and she tried blinking them back. “I thought you were old-fashioned, Levi.”
“I am.”
“Then, if you want me to give you an answer, then you better ask me properly. After all, I am a Southern belle.”
Taking her hand in his, Levi bent down on one knee. The smile on his lips had reached his eyes. “Miss Angela Chase aka Angelina Courtland, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife? I promise to love, support and protect you with my life.”
Angela sank to the floor on trembling knees. “Yes, Levi Eaton. I will marry you and become the mother of our children.”
Gathering her in his arms and pressing her to his chest, Levi brushed his lips over hers as if he feared she would break. “When are you leaving?”
“Tomorrow. I have an eight o’clock flight.”
“I’m driving, so can you cancel the ticket?”
“I didn’t pay for the ticket. My publisher paid for me to come to New York.”
“Is that the norm?”
“No.” Angela had shocked Levi yet again when she told him about her book and movie deal. “You don’t have to worry about taking care of me, because financially I’m in a very good place.”
“Your money is yours and mine is ours. Whatever you make you can put aside for our children’s education.”
“Even if we have two children I don’t believe their education would add up to seven figures.”
Levi chuckled. “It would if they decide to become doctors.”
She poked out her lips. “I didn’t think about that.”
“Now that you’re going to ride back with me, I think we should get up early and see about buying you a ring.”
“You want to do the whole ring and engagement thing?”
“Why not, Angie? You deserve a ring, an engagement and then have your father walk you down the aisle to give you away to a man who’ll love you for life. The only other thing we have to agree on is when you want to get married.”
Angela’s smile was radiant. “How about Christmas? I’ve always fantasized about having a Christmas wedding.”
“That gives us about five months to pull everything together.” He kissed the tears on her lashes. “This time it’s for real, baby.”
Looping her arms around Levi’s neck, Angela buried her face against his shoulder. She couldn’t have written a better ending.
Angela Chase and Angelina Courtland would have to share a hero. But there was more than enough for the both of them.
“Is this the part when the hero sweeps the heroine up in his arms and takes her to bed where they make mad, crazy love to each other?” she asked, smiling.
“Damn, baby. You must have read my mind.”
Levi rose to his feet, pulling Angela up with him. He carried her into the bedroom, closed the door with his foot and lowered her onto the bed. He took his time undressing her, gazing adoringly at her naked body. His hands were shaking when she rose to her knees, brushing his hands away and removed his clothes with an agonizing slowness that tested his willpower. This time there was no foreplay as they came together in an explosive joining that would be repeated over and over until they ultimately became one.
* * * * *
ISBN: 9781459223257
Copyright © 2012 by Rochelle Alers
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