Page 121 of Heartbreaker

The crowd knows who he is, and it’s like an explosion of cheering and catcalls as he walks across the stage like he owns it.

“I need your help tonight,” he continues. “You see, I kind of messed up with my girl, and I need to make it right. Do you think you can help me?”

The audience is on their feet, hands in the air, shouting encouragement and God only knows what else.

“This woman right here—” He points to me and our eyes meet for the first time.

His are warm and filled with myriad emotions. Worry, fear, regret…and hope. There’s no doubt about that. I just don’t understand what’s going on.

“—she’s the best thing to ever happen to me. And we had a disagreement. Totally my fault because I’m kind of a grumpy SOB. But I love her more than life itself. Her talent, her sweet soul, her giant heart—everything about her. So I need you guys to help convince her to forgive me.” He puts the guitar on a stand and then, as I stand there with my mouth open, drops to one knee.

He’s holding something out but I can’t focus through the tears blurring my vision.

The crowd is screaming, “Say yes. Say yes. Say yes!”

“Royal?” I whisper his name, and though I’m sure he can’t hear me over the noise, he sees my lips move.

“I’m right here, baby.”

“I don’t…” I take a step toward him. “What are you?—”

“Say yes. Say yes. Say yes!”

“Marry me,” he says, moving his microphone to the side so he’s using his regular voice. “And I’ll spend the rest of my life making the last week up to you. I love you, Jade, and don’t want to spend another minute without you.”

“Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!”

“Royal.” I cover my mouth with my hand, fighting so many emotions.

“Say yes! Say yes! Say yes!”

I want to say no, but I can’t quite bring myself to.

“Will you marry me?” he whispers against my mouth, his lips finding mine.

And I’m helpless to resist.

The crowd is on their feet, yelling and cheering as we kiss. And kiss. And kiss some more.

Then he’s up, sliding a ring on my finger and his arm around my waist.

It sounds like all four thousand people in attendance are screaming at the top of their lungs. I’m still a little shell shocked, but Royal’s next to me, his body warm against mine.

He looks down at me, his eyes filled with something I’ve never seen before.

Is that what love looks like?

I don’t know, and we don’t have time to talk.

“Ready?” he asks.

I’m not ready for any of this. “For what?”

“To play ‘Midnight Snow.’”

“The band doesn’t know it…”

“They do. I might’ve sent them the tape earlier today.” His smile is impish. “If not, you and I can handle it.”

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