See? Nice quick update for everyone! Enjoy!

At the side is a SLIDESHOW of some pics for this chapter.

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Okay, without further ado: chapter 27 :)

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Chapter 27

The next week passed and we didn’t really see Anise or Hewitt. Greg came over daily (to see Christine, I’m sure). Finally, at the end of the week, Anise came to the door and asked for me. I was a little afraid at first to go meet her down in the parlor, but I summed up my strength and walked in, looking curious.

“Hey,” I started awkwardly and she patted the chair next to her. I cleared my throat and joined her, leaving a little space between us.

“So, I understand that you’re with Ian now.” Anise said calmly and I nodded.

“I know about what happened between you two when you were younger. I’m really sorry about all of that. It must have been quite an ordeal, and I know my words aren’t much. But I really am sorry that you had to go through that.” She nodded, giving me a small smile not looking away from her hands.

“I’m very jealous of you, Lana.” She said and I didn’t answer. “You and Ian have a real love story going for you. I can see it. You’re perfect for each other. He’s crazy, insecure, funny and out there, and you’re grounded, sweet, and understanding. I couldn’t have been that for him. I’m too much like him.” Anise laughed. She was still looking down at her palms. “I don’t want you to think I’m upset with either you or Ian. I just thought that maybe Ian and I could pick up where we left off, but I see that’s not possible now. Mostly because we’re not those same people anymore. We’ve changed too much. You say you’re sorry about what happened all those years ago, but I’m not sorry. Yes, it was sad and a terrible thing to go through. But I know it had to happen. Ian and I wouldn’t have worked together. You and Ian, that…” she stopped. “You both were meant for each other.” She started to cry and I was in shock and quickly held her against me in a hug.

“Anise, please don’t cry.” I begged nervously. If she started, I wasn’t going to be far behind. My emotions were always at the brim ready to wash over.

“I’m sorry, I just…I just know now that everything’s changing. I feel alone.” I stopped myself from laughing at that statement. I wondered if she didn’t know how many guys were probably in love with her.

“You won’t be alone, of that I can assure you.”

“Hm? Oh, I know that Lana.” She said flippantly. I was taken aback. I wish I was that confident…

“Okay, never mind.” I said, flustered.

“No, don’t take that the wrong way. I mean, I…Chad spoke with me after everything. He didn’t say anything directly, but I think I have an idea of how he feels. I’m not saying I’m in love with him, but he’s sweet and I’ve known him forever. Plus he’s downright sexy,” she laughed and I joined her. “We’re going to give it a try and see where it goes. That’s as far as I’m letting myself go right now. He knows I’m not ready to jump into anything serious and he feels the same way.”

“Sounds like a good plan to me.” I said with a smile. I felt a strange truce pass between us and it was as if everything before that didn’t matter. She reminded me a little of Christine, and I wanted to see if we could be friends.

As a gift to Christine, and to make up for threatening her for information, I planned out her party in secret. I knew her original plans, so I knew what she wanted. I sent out invitations and had everything arranged to happen at the estate here. We were going to have a huge tent attached to the house so that it was like having a ballroom when we didn’t. Everyone but Christine knew what was up, even Greg and the twins.

Anise actually became a big part of helping me plan Christine’s party. She knew all the local vendors and places guests could stay. She helped me send out the invitations and with a few calls to Aunt Patty we had both the King and Queen planning to attend. At least, they were attending the formal part.

After that party ended, Anise and Hewitt had organized to have certain people stay and we would really party. Her words, not mine. I was more or less nervous about that one, but I knew we were safe all the way out here in the country.

In my calls with Aunt Patty she had told me there was still no news of Logan. Nobody knew where he was, but the press had been asking a lot of questions concerning all of us. They didn’t like that nobody was telling where we had gone. The search was on, and they had a few ideas. This place was one of them. Thankfully, I hadn’t seen any press yet. Though, I knew once those invitations reached Christine’s friends, our location wouldn’t be secret for long. When I expressed my worries to Ian, he only smiled and said that the two of us could take a vacation, alone. Maybe go and see my mom in France. As much as my mom and I had fought, it seemed like a good idea.

The day of the party came and Harold was helping out too. I had Greg keeping Christine occupied with a ride on the trail and a picnic. The two of them had been getting closer and closer, and though the two wouldn’t admit it, I knew they were already a couple. I was outside watching as the tent was put up and yelped when I felt a poke in my side. I turned to see Anise. “Everything’s looking good. The king and queen are on their way with your aunt.”

“Good. Everything seems to be flowing well enough. Are you sure that Ian and Chad can handle getting the band here without getting distracted? I know Hewitt’s with them, but those two are a dangerous team…” I muttered, looking over my checklist on my clipboard. When she didn’t answer, I looked up to see her giving me a guilty look. “What?” I asked, feeling a pain in my chest.

“I lied. They’re not getting the band. The band is getting here on their own.”

“Then where on earth are they?” I asked, narrowing my eyes at her.

“Liquor store. For the after party.” She said quietly.

“What?”

“Yeah. I knew you’d freak out, so I lied.”

“I’ll show you freak out…” I grumbled under my breath.

“I’m sorry Lana. But they insisted. It’ll be okay!” Anise assured me, patting my back and walking over to Harold who seemed to be in an argument with one of the vendors. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I had to remember, this was for Christine. I had to make sure her party was fun, and not be the dull one.

The guys got back not too long after, their arms full of bags that they set in the kitchen. “I think we bought them out,” Chad laughed as he put the bottles in the freezer.

“Are you guys sure this will be okay?” I asked, looking worried.

“I’m sure this more than enough alcohol, Lana.” Hewitt said.

“No, I mean, what if things get out of hand?”

“They won’t,” Ian said, putting an arm around my waist and pulling me against him. “It’ll be fine. Trust me.”

“Yeah Lana, don’t be such a party pooper.” Hewitt joked, poking my arm. I rolled my eyes and looked back at the checklist.

“The décor should be done by now. I’m going to go check on the tent.” I went out the backdoor which led into it and stopped, dazzled by the sight in front of me.

The tent was lit by decorative lighting, casting a pink glow along the walls. Crystals from chandeliers hung everywhere. There were tables to one side which were were adorned in cream and pink linens with high set centerpieces of roses. I felt a kiss on my neck and I jumped, then let myself relax into Ian’s embrace. “Very nice job. She’s going to love it.” He kissed my cheek this time and I looked over my shoulder to see him smiling at me. I just gazed at his face for a moment, an even wider smile spreading on my lips. “What?” He asked, looking confused.

“Nothing. You’re just adorable.” I kissed his chin, which was as far as I could reach from this angle and he chuckled.

“We better go get ready. It’s almost time for the surprise. Mum and Dad should be here soon.” He kissed me again and led me out of the tent back into the house. My confusion must have shown on my face when we got to my room and Ian locked the door behind us. I stood still in the middle of the room, unsure of what exactly he was doing. He took off his shirt then and I cleared my throat.

“Wha-what are you doing?” I asked. He didn’t answer as he moved forward and pulled me into a very passionate kiss. He started pulling at my shirt which I let him pull off. I was still in shock of what was going on. Before I knew it, I was on my back on the bed and he was over me, still stripping the both of us while keeping our lips locked. I felt him against me and I gulped. I must have made a strange noise because he stopped immediately and gave me a curious look.

“Do you want me to stop?” He asked, looking genuinely worried. I was frozen. This was a deciding moment, did I really want him to stop? Yes I was afraid, but I loved him. I loved Ian and did I really want what that bastard did to me to ruin my life? Did I want it to stop me from loving the one person I really wanted to be with.

I shook my head quickly. “N-no.” I stammered back and he smirked.

“Good. Because I really didn’t want to.” He started back again and I closed my eyes, enjoying the feeling of skin against skin.

I wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but it must have been a while. We had started on the bed, to the floor, to the shower, and back. To be honest, I wasn’t sure how he kept going. I was exhausted out of my mind now. I wasn’t sure I had it in me to go to a party. I was lying on the bed afterwards, a single sheet covering me and Ian was next to me, playing with my hair. “We should really get ready now.” He chuckled into my ear, kissing down my neck and I felt goosebumps form on my body from his touch.

“I don’t even know what time it is anymore.” I whispered back and he kept kissing me, not answering.

“Well, we should still have time. Come on.” He said, getting up trying to pull me with him. I groaned and dropped myself, becoming dead-weight. “Come on, Lana!” He laughed, dragging me to the edge before picking me up and holding me against him. I kissed him again and was very glad that I hadn’t made him stop earlier. Ian really was my prince charming, and I was glad we had gotten past everything that had happened and were still together. Ian left my room to go get ready.

I was in the process of getting dressed and heard a pounding on my door. That must be Christine. I laughed in my head, pulling on a robe. I opened the door and she was standing there, a look in between complete shock and happiness. “Thank you! Thank you!” She repeated over and over again as she pulled me against her.

“You’re welcome.” I laughed, patting her back.

“Oh! But! My gown! I never got a gown!” She said, looking nervous and I shook my head.

“Your mum and my aunt went and got you one. It’s in your room. It’s nice and pink. Have you seen the tent yet?” I asked and she nodded looking as if she were about to burst with happiness.

“It’s perfect. You’re wonderful Lana. How did I get such a great sister like you?” I laughed and shook my head.

“Don’t speak like that around Ian. You’ll make him nervous.” I joked and Christine’s expression twisted as though she were about to say something, but then decided not to. “What is it?” I asked.

“Nothing. I’m going to go get ready. By the way, is that the dress you’re wearing?” She pointed over at the turquoise gown on my bed. “It’s beautiful. See you downstairs!” She left before I could ask anything else and I closed the door, still confused.

My gown was simple, with beading in the middle over the stomach and flowing down to the floor. I pulled it on with some silver heels and just brushed my hair, leaving it out. I applied some simple makeup, nothing too dramatic. There was another knock on my door before it opened slowly to reveal Ian in his tux. “Don’t you look dashing?” I said, with a smile.

“You look gorgeous.” Ian replied, walking over and taking my hand in his. “Absolutely perfect.” He seemed lost in thought for a moment before he remembered something. “Oh, right.” He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a blue necklace box, and taking out the sparkling necklace.

“A gift from my mother, to you.” He went to put it around my neck and I lifted my hair to let him. I looked in the mirror, touching it delicately. It was beyond beautiful. The necklace itself was a platinum chain with a flower and double drop pendant, set with diamonds. It sparkled and I felt like I couldn’t breathe for a moment.

“This must have cost so much.” I said, looking scared. “I can’t possibly…”

“It’s a present. Accept it.” He interrupted with a smile, kissing my cheek.

“When-is your mother here?” I asked, looking at him.

“Almost. I didn’t go out earlier with Chad and Hewitt. I met my mother not too far and that’s when she bought you the gift.”

“Why? Did she want your opinion?” I asked, confused.

“Yeah.” He said, a small blush forming on his cheeks and ears for a moment.

“Ian, you’re blushing!” I teased and he frowned at me.

“Hush. Let’s go downstairs.” Ian said quickly, taking me by the waist and leading me out of the room.

“Why are you so embarrassed?” I asked, the smile not leaving my face.

“I’m not embarrassed.” He snapped back and I laughed.

“Yes you are! It’s so cute!”

“Don’t call me cute.”

“But it is!”

“Shh.” He said, turning and stopping my words by kissing my lips. “I love you.” He whispered against my lips before turning and pulling me along with him to the entryway to the tent. Both the king and queen were there with my aunt and Harold. They were all speaking adamantly and stopped when both Ian and I walked over.

“Oh, I knew that necklace would be perfect!” Cassie said, looking excited and pulling me into a hug. I was in shock for a moment and then relaxed, returning the hug.

“Thank you so much. It’s beautiful.” I said and she waved it off.

“Anything for someone who made Ian finally grow up.” She teased, giving Ian a shove who gave his mother a flat look. Henry put out his hand to shake mine and I smiled, shaking it. I didn’t take him for a very affectionate person anyway, but that was a step up from before.

“If Ian had to choose anyone, I’m very glad it was you.” He finally said, gruffly and I nodded.

“Thank you, sir. I’m glad it was me too.” Everyone laughed and they looked back into the tent.

“Wonderful job, Lana. I’m so proud of you.” Aunt Patty said, putting an arm around my shoulders. “I knew you were right for this job. I just didn’t realize you would be right for Ian too.” She teased and I shoved her playfully.

“Where’s Christine?” I asked.

“She’ll be making her entrance after the guests have arrived.” Cassie replied.

“With Gregory of course." Harold added. "Those two thought we’re all stupid. As if we wouldn’t notice what was going on there!” Harold shook his head and I had to hold in my laughter.

With any luck, this would be a success and finally something would have gone without a hitch.

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