Page 100 of Mr. Green

Once Andrew drives us to Grant’s house, he helps me out the door.

“I’ll bring up your luggage. You go ahead. I know Mr. Green wants to see you.”

“You sure?” I furrow my brow. “I can grab it now.”

“No, no. I’ve got it. Go ahead, Lana.”

“Thanks, Drew.” I tap him on the shoulder and head up to Grant’s place. Once I get to the door, I’m not sure what to do. Queenie is already there, waiting. She knows right where to go and is whining to see Grant. I’m unsure if I should knock or try the handle to see if it’s unlocked.

Grant must’ve heard us. He opens the door in black slacks and a dark green shirt with a black belt and black shoes on. The sight is odd. He usually doesn’t wear his shoes at home.

“Hi, baby girl.” He kisses me for a moment or two on the lips. “I have something to show you.” He smiles.

I look at him weird. “What do you mean?”

“Come in, come in.”

Queenie is whining and wagging her tail, looking for attention. He pets her and says hello. Then he leadsus inside with his arm on my lower back. A tiny black lab puppy comes running towards us.

“Grant! Who is this?” I was always surprised he didn’t have a hundred dogs. He volunteers at the animal shelter all the time.

“Check the collar. You’ll find out.”

I scraunch down on my knees to see a purple collar with a name tag. The name tag says, “Marry me?”

I look to Grant who is on one knee, holding a diamond oval ring with two sapphires on either side. “Grant?”

“From the first moment I saw you again, I knew you were everything I’d been wanting. You’re gorgeous, funny, smart, and passionate. I knew we were supposed to live our lives together. I hope you feel the same. Lana, do me the honor of spending the rest of our lives together? Will you marry me?”

We’re both kneeling so I just shuffle into his arms. “Yes, of course!” I tell him through tears. I’ve always wanted this moment. A moment where the man I love, loves me for me, no matter what I look like, what I’m doing, or where I am. I know he’d be there for me no matter what. Saying yes is a no brainer and feels so right.

He holds me in his arms as both the dogs lick and jump on us. They’re excited too. Queenie doesn’t mind the new creature tramping about, so that’s a good sign. Who doesn’t love a puppy? Well, until they eat your shoes and poop everywhere, but I think we’ll get through this stage—together.

Chapter 67

Lana

I’m meeting the girls at the café we all love so much to tell them the news. Scarlett is already on the patio with her drink—some fluffy latte thing. Paige is exiting the café with her drink as I go in.

“Hey, La La!” She waves, bight and cheery. “I’ll see you over there.”

“Okay.” I smile.

I walk in as the attendant, Noah, who was eavesdropping when Grant said I was in jail, greets me. “What can I get ya, Jailbreaker?” I hate my life.

“I didn’t go to jail.” I roll my eyes. “A crazy person made that up.”

Noah smirks. Jackass.

“I’ll have a coffee with cream.”

“It’ll be out in a minute.”

I wait in the corner, but instead of avoiding people, I look around the room. There’s natural light filtering in on this sunny summer day. My head is held high. I have no need to fidget. I’m in a peaceful place, surrounded by my friends and good things to eat and drink. I’m taking in the moment before everything changes. Instead of feeling scared or nervous, I’m excited to see where things go, doing what I’ve always wanted to do.

“Jailbreaker!” The announcement should throw me off, but my feet step in line to the counter.

“Stay out of trouble.” He winks and goes to help his next customer.