Page 61 of Evan

Pushing the sheets off her, she frowned at the tenseness in his deep voice.

“Yes. Evan, what’s going on?”

“Turn on your computer.”

Walking over to her desk, she booted up her laptop. The photos were the first thing she saw.

“Oh.”

“I am sorry.”

“Why?” Taking a seat behind the desk, she scrolled through and read the story, which had the reporter speculating if this sudden and hasty relationship was a last-ditch effort for the company to regain its reputation.

‘The Billionaire and the choir girl’ - the caption had her cringing slightly. She did not care about any of it. She knew the status of her relationship with him and was not going to allow anyone – certainly not some boring gossip columnist to taint something as amazing as their love for each other.

“I have asked Kim, head of the PR team to make a statement…”

“Evan, you are stressing over nothing.” She interrupted him softly. “I don’t care.”

“What is your pastor saying?”

“I am going to be calling him next. I had every intention of imparting the news to him last night but fell asleep. I wish I could see you.”

“You are not upset?”

She laughed at that, her eyes going to the glossy photos of them on the dance floor. “Unless you are planning on breaking the engagement.”

“Only death could keep me from marrying you.”

Her heart turned completely over. “Then I am okay. Have your PR issue a statement, but I am going to ask you a favor.”

“Anything.”

“Within reason?” She asked archly.

“Anything!” He stressed huskily.

“We are going to formally announce our engagement at church tomorrow so that the banns can be read. Will you come? I am not going to force you…”

“I was planning on it anyway. I will be there bright and early.” He assured her.

“Good. Darling? I love you so much.”

The silence following her declaration had her smiling as she waited.

“I think I love you more.” He told her gruffly. “Go call your people and let me deal with things my end. I will talk to you later.”

Cassandra hung up the phone and continued reading the article and staring at the photos. Shaking herself from her euphoria, she called her pastor next and explained everything to him.

*****

“I was asked to stay back for an additional couple of hours, but I told them I had an emergency.” Marsha burst out as soon as her friend opened the door to admit her. “Let me see the ring.”

Stretching her hand out, Cassandra waited for her friend’s reaction.

“Holy mother of the highest God.” She breathed, clearly taken aback. “Girl, you are going to need a bodyguard or two to cart this stone around.” She grabbed Cassandra’s hand and lifted it higher, gasping when the sunlight came through the curtains, connected with the stone and shot lights all around the room. “Tell me everything.”

“We are going to need wine.” Pulling her hand away, Cassandra led the way into the kitchen and got out the bottle of Cabernet from the wine cooler. “Grab some glasses.” When that was done, she poured the wine, and they sat at the dining table.

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