Page 23 of Hooked on Lane

I opened the lid to reveal a slip of paper with an activation code for the EZ Planning software. Joy burst through me as I realized what it was. How did he know?

“I heard you talking about it with Laura.”

I wrapped him in my arms, pressing my face against his shoulder.

“As much as I’d love to stay inside, the parade is starting soon. We should head out.”

As we walked toward the town square, the streets were alive with families. The parade began with the thump-thumping of drums and the blaring of trombones, the sound rippling through the air like a wave. The marching band was decked out in their red and white uniforms adorned with shiny gold buttons, and they strutted proudly past the crowd. Next came the small floats, festooned with lights and glitter. Colorful figures danced on each float—miniature Christmas trees, reindeer, snowmen, and elves—all waving cheerily to the roaring crowd as they passed by.

As we walked away from the parade, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of hope and optimism. Maybe things would work out between Lane and me. Maybe the firm wouldn't push the issue and we could both keep our jobs. However, one other thought crossed my mind. What if he didn't want to stay in New York City? After all, he only agreed to a one-year contract.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Lane

As I helped Mom out of the car in front ofHome Away from Home, all the walking we had done in the past few days had gotten to her and she was stiff. I blinked the tears away, trying to be strong for my mom. I hated to see her hurting like this, knowing I had to drive away and leave her here after spending Christmas together.

My mom reached out and grabbed my hand. “It’s okay, love. We’ll have plenty more Christmases together.”

I smiled, but it was a weak effort. “I love you.”

“I love you, too,” she replied. “Thank you for taking me home. It was the best Christmas I’ve ever had. Don't forget to bring Jennifer back next time. Although, I think y'all will be married before this time next year.”

My heart felt like it was breaking in two as I watched her go.

The hour drive back to Amesbury felt like forever. Tomorrow, we would take the bus to the airport and then begin our journey back to New York City. Would our relationship hold up once back in front of prying eyes?

As the sun set that evening, I held Jennifer close. “I want to be with you. I want it all. Marriage, kids, a dog, a white picketfence. All of it with you. My job means nothing if I have to spend every day alone.”

Jennifer smiled, her eyes misting up as she looked into mine. She reached out and took my hands in hers, squeezing them gently. “I want that too.”

Epilogue

Jennifer

Seven months later…

Laura and I got our nails done before Lane and I went out to dinner. We were both in need of a little pampering.

“Do you have something you need to tell me? I’m getting jealous of how happy you are right now.”

She laughed. “No, we will talk about it tomorrow. Let’s focus on your hot date tonight.”

Lane and I had taken things to the next level. Laura didn’t like that I moved out, but it was our next step and honestly things couldn’t be greater between us. Once the firm got over themselves and Lane told them that if it came down to it, he would go to another firm so I could keep my job, they gave us their blessing but made us sign some paperwork so they weren’t liable for any sexual harassment lawsuits down the line. They didn’t understand that what Lane and I had was special. It only came across once in a lifetime, and we weren’t giving that up over something as idiotic as a job.

Work had been so crazy busy and his year at the company was almost up. Tonight, we would need to talk about whathis plans were for the future. Did he plan on signing another contract with them? His mother wasn’t doing so well, and as close as they were, I wouldn’t be surprised if he opted to move back to Amesbury, and I wouldn’t hesitate to go with him.

Sometimes sacrifices were necessary to get the result you wanted out of life and now that I had a man like Lane in mine, something as simple as moving would not stop me.

“All done,” the lady said, and my phone buzzed against the desk.

Lane: I’m outside. No rush.

A smile tugged at the corners of my mouth and Laura was still getting hers worked on. “He’s here. You gonna be okay?”

“Girl, it’s not my first rodeo. Get out of here and go have fun with your man.”

I paid the receptionist and walked outside, slipping into his car and giving him a quick kiss. “So where are we going?”

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