126. Luke

Chapter 126

Luke

Natalie’s lovedrapes over me like a blanket, like a physical weight I’ll be able to take with me no matter where I go.

I press my lips to hers one more time, then pull back.

Her green eyes sparkle at me, hope and happiness filling them. The worry and sadness I saw when I stormed into the room are nowhere to be seen.

“Will you please wear your ring?” I ask, my face still only inches from hers. “I didn’t like seeing it on the counter.”

She nods and lets go of me with her left hand.

I have to pull both my hands away from her body, but I use my right to slide her ring back off my pinky and onto her ring finger.

“I’m sorry for not talking to you.” She looks from her ring back up to my face.

I shake my head. “I should have too. But no more apologies.”

“Just love,” Natalie whispers.

“What did she say?” A stranger’s voice cuts through the room.

“She said just love,” someone else replies.

Natalie widens her eyes. And I widen mine back.

I sorta forgot about the audience.

Together, we turn our heads and find everyone standing from their chairs, huddled around this end of the table, looking down at us. And apparently listening to every word we’ve said.

And as we kneel on the floor together, half of the people applaud.

The other half look skeptical but still interested.

Natalie drops her forehead to my shoulder with a groan, and I fight the urge to start laughing.

I’ve played in front of thousands, but I’ve never felt more on display.

One clapper is louder than the rest, and he steps around the crowd to stand behind us.

“This is the sort of leadership I want to see.” Natalie’s dad beams down at us with tears in his eyes. “Owning your actions and moving forward.”

Natalie lifts her head and looks up. “Thanks, Dad.”

I grip her hands, and we get to our feet, turning to face her father.

“You’re welcome.” Mr. Wagner wipes at his cheek. “You have six months to work your current position and enjoy being newlyweds. Then I’ll start the transition of making the company yours.”

Pride slams into my chest.

Natalie’s mouth drops open, but mine pulls into a grin.

My Princess is about to take on her dream. And I’m going to be behind her every step of the way.