Landen

by Holly C. Webb

“I see,” Amelia replied, and Landen could see she felt a little more comfortable with the young man taking her picture now. “What exactly is the charity for.”

  “It’s for the ALS foundation,” Landen replied with a sad smile. “I lost a good friend of mine to ALS a few years ago, that’s how I got involved in the charity.”

  “Wow,” Amelia said, as she gave Landen a warm smile, making Landen smile too. She really was very beautiful when she smiled.

  “Landen,” a deep, familiar voice came from behind Landen and he turned around to find Ben standing there. “How the hell have you been?”

  “Hi, Ben,” Landen said, and for some unknown reason, Landen felt a little uncomfortable with the fact that he was there. Maybe it was because he was a reminder of who Landen was before he met Amelia, or maybe it was Landen remember the conversation he had with him, his last night in The Voodoo Club.

  He remembered how he talked about Amelia with such vile, disrespect, and now Landen didn’t want him looking at her like that again.

  “I haven’t seen you out and about in a while,” Ben said as he guzzled back the complimentary champagne.

  “I’ve been busy,” Landen replied quickly, wanting this conversation to end already.

  “You never told me how great these charity things are,” Ben said as he leaned into Landen. “Free booze and all the beautiful, rich women. I feel like a fat kid in a candy store.”

  “And the fact that you raise money for important causes,” Landen sighed impatiently. Then a horrible thought occurred to him. Was he once like Ben Carey? Before he met Amelia, had he been this pompous and obnoxious? Landen certainly hoped that he wasn’t.

  Landen was just about to excuse himself when Ben’s eyes fell on Amelia.

  “Well, hello Beautiful,” he said as he offered her his hand. “And where have you been hiding yourself?”

  “Ben, this is my girlfriend, Amelia,” Landen said, but there was a warning in his voice that told Ben not to mess with her.

  “Well, Amelia, the pleasure is mine,” he said as Amelia took his hand and shook it before she quickly pulled it away. Landen could see Amelia was less than impressed with Ben, and for a moment he wondered if maybe she remembered him from the club. “You look very familiar; have we met before?”

  “I doubt it,” Landen quickly interjected. “Amelia is from New York and is my assistant, Nikki’s cousin. You remember Nikki, right?

  Landen couldn’t help but grin as Nikki moved closer to Amelia. Nikki was probably the only woman that Ben was completely terrified of. Landen had no idea what exactly happened between the two of them, but he knew that Ben had once tried his luck with Nikki, but he didn’t come off the better of it.

  “I do,” he said as he took a step back. “Good to see you again, Ms. Greenway.”

  “You too, Ben,” Nikki replied, emphasizing the name Ben with great disdain.

  “Well, I guess I should be going,” Ben said as he turned his attention back to Landen. Then, without saying another word, he turned, disappearing into the crowd.

  “What a disgusting human being,” Nikki sighed but then laughed as she looked up at Landen. “How were you ever friends with that slimeball?”

  “I have no idea,” Landen said as once more the thought that he was, or used to be a little more like Ben ran through his head.

  “You’re nothing like him,” Nikki quickly said, as if she was reading his mind. “So stop worrying.”

  “You know,” Landen replied with a laugh. “Sometimes it’s very creepy when you do that.”

  “But it’s my job to know what you’re thinking, Boss Man,” Nikki said with a grin. “But right now, I am not on the clock, so I am off to see if I can find myself a rich husband.”

  “Good luck,” Landen called after her before he turned back to Amelia, giving her a smile. “God help the man that ends up with her.”

  “Be nice,” Amelia scolded him, but still she smiled, but then she gave him a strange look. “You seem different tonight.”

  “Different how?” Landen asked as he offered her his arm, and she carefully linked it. Landen led her through the crowd, and out to a veranda that overlooked the entire city.

  “Wow,” Amelia said as she looked out over the view. “This is beautiful.”

  “Yes, it is,” But Landen was looking only at her. He realised right at that moment that he had fallen completely and utterly in love with her.

  It was something he hadn’t allowed himself to think of before, but looking at her, as she stood there looking out at the lights of the city, he knew that it was something he could no longer deny.

  “You said I was different,” he said as he watched her closely, wishing he could see into her mind and know what she was thinking. “Different how?”

  “I don’t know,” Amelia shrugged as she looked up at him and smiled. “Just different.”

  “I see,” he said with a grin as he looked out over the city once more, as a comfortable silence settled between them.

  “You want an answer,” Amelia finally said, breaking the silence finally. “Don’t you?”

  “Actually,” Landen said as he suddenly looked at her, as everything became clearer in his mind. “I don’t.”

  “You… you don’t?” Amelia said, and Landen could see that she was a little thrown.

  “No,” he replied, giving her a smile. “At least not to that question.”

  “I don’t understand,” Amelia said, but Landen could hear the uncertainty in her voice.

  “I love you, Amelia,” Landen said simply, holding her gaze with him. “I think I have loved you from the moment I met you; it just took me a little longer to realise it for myself.”

  “You love me?” She asked, as her eyes shimmered suddenly with unshed tears.

  “More than you could ever imagine possible,” Landen replied, smiling once more. “So no, I don’t want you to move in with me.”

  He leaned forward, kissing her softly on the lips.

  “I want you to marry me,” Landen continued, and this time his smile was even wider. “I want you to marry me, Amelia Davenport because I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want us to be forever.”

  “Landen,” Amelia whispered as she looked up into his eyes. “I…”

  “Don’t over think it, Amelia,” Landen pleaded. “Don’t worry about the stupid stuff like how long you’ve known me, or how long any of the other crap that’s going through your head. Listen to what’s inside your heart instead. Tell me that you don’t feel the same; that you don’t love me, and I will understand but don’t let stuff that doesn’t matter be the reason you won’t take a chance on us.”

  “Landen,” Amelia began. “You’re right there are so many reasons in my head that are telling me that this is beyond insane. We hardly even know each other, but…”

  “I do love that but,” Landen said as his heart hammered in his chest. He knew, without doubt, this is what he wanted, he just wanted her to want it too.

  “But my heart tells me that I belong to you,” Amelia said with a smile as tears trickled down her face. “My heart tells me that I love you too, so much. And my heart says yes, I will marry you.”

  “You mean it?” Landen asked as he could hardly contain his excitement.

  “I do,” Amelia laughed and cried at the same time.

  “I love you, Amelia,” Landen whispered before he claimed her mouth with his, kissing her as he had never kissed her before.

  “I love you, too, Landen Murphy,” Amelia replied, breaking their lips for a moment before she kissed him back.

  Chapter 16

  Landen glanced over at Amelia and released a sigh. He knew she was nervous, but then again, so was he. He knew the moment he said the words out loud, that it was exactly what he wanted; he wanted her to be his wife and spend the rest of her life with him. Still, he was a little nervous about telling his parents.

  When Amelia said yes, Landen almost couldn’t believe that she actually accepted his pro
posal. But she had, and now all that was left to do was tell everyone else.

  They had already told Nikki that morning when they arrived back at her apartment. She seemed shocked but genuinely happy for them.

  “So you’re really going to do this?” She asked Landen when Amelia headed to her room to get changed.

  “I am,” Landen replied with a cautious nodded.

  “Wow,” Nikki said with a grin. “I never thought I’d see the day someone tamed the Bulldozer.”

  “I know,” Landen replied with a smile, then added. “But I’m happy, Nik.”

  “I’m glad,” Nikki said, and Landen knew she meant it.

  Landen had asked Amelia to go with him to his parent’s house, to tell them their news. Amelia agreed, but he knew now, as they drove to his parent’s home, that she was beginning to panic a little.

  “Are you okay?” He asked as he returned his focus to the road ahead of them.

  “Yeah,” she replied, giving him a smile, but her eyes said something completely different.

  “You know you’re a terrible liar,” Landen replied with a laugh, as he glanced over at her once again. “But you know that you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

  “I guess I’m worried your parents will think it’s very fast,” Amelia admitted. “I just don’t want them to be mad at me.”

  “Why would they be mad at you?” Landen asked, surprised that she was this worried. “You know I’m a grown man. I think I’m old enough to know what I’m doing.”

  “I just want them to like me,” she said, giving Landen a shy smile.

  He pulled the car to a stop at a set of traffic lights and reached out to take hold of her hand.

  “They’re going to love you as much as I do,” Landen promised her as he brought her hand to his mouth, kissing it softly. “So please don’t worry.”

  “I’ll try not to,” Amelia promised, smiling.

  They arrived at Nell and Sean’s house a short time later, and when they climbed out of the car, Landen held Amelia’s hand tightly, as they walked up the steps to the front door.

  Just as they reached the door, Stella opened it, greeting Landen with a warm smile.

  “There’s my other favourite girl,” Landen said as he greeted the older lady with a warm smile, also a kiss on the cheek. “You’re looking as beautiful as ever, Stella.”

  “And you are full of nonsense as always,” Stella replied with a laugh before she turned her attention to Amelia. “How lovely to see you again, Ms. Davenport.”

  “You too, Stella,” Amelia said as she too greeted the woman with a warm smile.

  Landen had brought Amelia to his parents’ home several times already, and he knew that she was still a little thrown by their house and the fact they had a housekeeper. He knew that it was a lifestyle she wasn’t used to, but he hoped that in time, she would feel less like a fish out of water living in his world.

  “Your parents are out on the patio,” Stella said, returning her focus to Landen.

  “Thank you, Stella,” Landen replied as he took hold of Amelia’s hand once more, then headed through the house, out toward the back patio.

  “Can I bring you both a drink?” Stella asked as she followed them towards the back door.

  “Two white wines would be great,” Landen replied, as he turned, giving the woman a smile. “Thank you Stella.”

  Landen paused for a moment, taking a deep breath, before he reached for the door, pulling it open.

  “Landen!” Nell exclaimed the moment he and Amelia stepped out through the door. The early evening sun was still warm and wrapped around Landen as he walked to his mother, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Suddenly he felt nervous. “This is a surprise.”

  Then she turned to Amelia, welcoming her too. Sean too stood up and greeted them both, before they all took their seat.

  “To what do we owe the pleasure?” Sean asked as he picked up the bottle of beer he had been enjoying when they both arrived.

  “Oh shush, Sean,” Nell scolded him. “What does it matter? They don’t need a reason to come home and spend time with us.”

  “Well, actually, Mom,” Landen said, and he quickly cleared his throat, as he heart hammered in his chest. “There is a reason behind the visit.”

  “What’s wrong?” Nell asked immediately, as a worried look settled on her face. Before Landen could reply, Stella came out through the door of the house, setting down two glasses of wine on the table for Landen and Amelia.

  “Nothing’s wrong, Mom,” Landen quickly said as he reached for his wine glass. Picking it up, he brought it to his mouth and took a long sip, before he set it back down on the table and continued. “Far from it in fact.”

  He glanced at Amelia, and he could see by the look on her face that her nerves were running amuck inside her, and he reached over and took her hand once more, as he gave her a reassuring smile.

  “Then what’s going on?” Sean asked, as now he too was curious.

  “Well, we have some news,” Landen said, as he looked at both his parents. “I’ve asked Amelia to marry me, and she has, for some reason I will never understand, said yes.”

  “Oh, Landen!” Nell exclaimed as her face lit up with the biggest smile Landen had ever seen. “That is wonderful news.”

  She was on her feet hugging Landen before he had time even to draw breath. Then she quickly turned to Amelia, hugging her tightly too.

  “I’m so happy for you both,” Nell continued as she released Amelia from her embrace and held her at arm’s length. “And I am so happy to welcome you to our family, Sweetheart.”

  “I know this probably seems kind of fast,” Amelia said as she gave Nell a nervous smile.

  “Do you love each other?” Nell replied with a question.

  “Of course!” Amelia exclaimed, clearly surprised by her question.

  “Then who says it has to be a set amount of time before you get married,” Nell replied. “As long as two people love each other, and know that they are meant to spend their lives together, then that’s all that truly matters.”

  “I guess so,” Amelia replied with a wide smile. Landen could see the nervousness that had been on her face moments before, quickly fade away.

  “Congratulations, Son,” Sean said as he shook Landen’s hand, and gave him a pat on the back. “You have chosen well.”

  “Thanks, Dad,” Landen replied before Sean turned and kissed Amelia on the cheek.

  Landen felt that he had never been happier in his life, as he was at that exact moment.

  Nell asked Stella to bring some champagne to celebrate the good news. She also insisted on calling all of Landen’s brothers to tell them the good news. Landen was happy that all his brothers seem to be genuinely happy for both him and Amelia, but Liam couldn’t help but ask if she had lost her mind agreeing to marry a loser like Landen. Landen just laughed and said that he loved Liam too.

  “So, have you set a date?” Sean asked as they all sat on the patio making plans. “And have you thought about a venue yet?”

  “Well,” Landen said, taking a deep breath. “We are thinking soon, I mean, I don’t want to wait, and neither does Amelia. I want her to be my wife as soon as possible.”

  “Okay,” Sean said as a determined look settled on his face. “I will make some calls, but I am sure we can find somewhere suitable.”

  “Actually,” Landen said, knowing this was the part his father might have a problem with. Even though Sean was retired, he still had a lot of important friends, and Landen knew that as the first of his brothers to get married, everyone would be expecting some big lavish party, with a guest list filled with rich and powerful friends and acquaintances. “We were hoping to have it here, in the house, and we would really prefer it if it were just family and close friends.”

  “But…”Sean began to argue, but Nell cut him off.

  “I think that sounds perfect,” she said, giving Landen a knowing smile.

  “Nell!” Sean said giving his wife a
surprised look. “I thought that you…”

  “I think it’s their day,” Nell cut off her husband once more. “And I think if this is what they want, then this is the wedding they will have.”

  “But you know what people will say?” Sean sighed.

  “I honestly don’t care what anyone says,” Nell replied matter-of-factly. “This is about them, not what other’s think. As long as those that matter are here, nothing else does.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” Landen said relieved that his mother could see things from their view.

  Sure, Landen would have loved a big, lavish wedding. He wanted to scream it from the rooftops that he believed he was the luckiest man alive to have someone like Amelia agree to be his wife. But Landen also knew that Amelia had no one else in the world, and whatever guests there were at the wedding would probably be just his. He also knew the Amelia was afraid that if they had this big, posh event, there was more chance of it getting the attention of the press.

  So he agreed that small was better, because in the end he just wanted to marry her. All the rest didn’t really matter to him.

  “You just tell me when you want to do this,” Nell said. “And I will take care of everything else.”

  “Mom, we can’t ask you to do that,” Landen replied, not wanting to put his mother to any trouble.

  “It’s no trouble,” Nell insisted with a wave of her hand. “It’s a couple of phone calls, that’s all. You two have more important things to be getting on with. Like picking the perfect dress.”

  She gave Amelia a smile that said she was beyond happy to finally have a girl in the family to do girly things with.

  The girly thing! Landen laughed to himself, as finally, he got it. He could see it in his mom’s face when she talked to Amelia. It was a girly thing!

  “And on that note,” Sean said with a chuckle as he stood up, lifting up his empty beer bottle. “I think I’ve had enough of the bubbles. Time for another beer. Son, do you want one?”

  “No thanks, Dad,” Landen said. “One glass of Champagne is more than enough. I am driving.”

  “If you’re sure, Son,” Sean said before he turned and looked at Amelia. “Can I get you something else, Amelia?”