Still, a speck of doubt and worry remained.
He offered his hand. “I have a surprise for you.”
“A surprise? I’m not sure I can handle any more surprises.”
“I hope you’ll like this one.”
She smiled. “Me too.”
He led her through the hotel, past restaurants and slot machines and showgirls.
Then they stepped outside into the warm Vegas night, past fountains and music and crowds that pulsed with energy she felt separate from, as if she were watching through glass.
The Eiffel Tower rose ahead of them, lit against the dark sky.
She stopped and sucked in a breath as she looked up at it in awe.
“You like it?” Duke murmured.
“It may not be the real Eiffel Tower, but it’s stunning.”
Duke’s mouth curved. “Come on.”
He took her hand and led her inside a nearby building.
They rode the elevator up. When the doors opened, a breeze swept over the platform, lifting her hair and cooling her skin as they stepped out.
Vegas stretched in every direction—neon and motion and noise softened by distance.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Duke turned to her.
He took her hands, steady and warm, and lowered himself to one knee.
Andi’s breath caught.
Her heart slammed so hard she felt it in her throat.
“This.” He pulled a small box from his pocket. “This is the secret I’ve been keeping.”
He opened it.
The ring nestled inside caught the light—simple and elegant, old and new at the same time.
Her vision blurred as emotion swept over her.
“Celeste had it.” Duke’s voice stayed calm, but emotion threaded through it. “It’s been in my family for generations. I’ve been trying to get it back.”
“That’swhat those texts were about?” Her voice came out at a squeak.
“Yes, that’s what the texts were about. I had trouble catching up with Celeste, and then I had to figure out how to have the ring delivered. It just came by courier last night. I didn’t think I’d get it in time.”
Andi pressed her free hand to her mouth.
“I remember you told me you’ve always wanted to go to Paris,” Duke said. “You said it seems like the most romantic place on earth. I can’t take you there. Not yet. But this felt like the next best thing.”
“Oh, Duke . . .”
