“I had no idea we’d get whisked away to the honeymoon spot before Duke got back, but there was a very big part of me that was glad I did.”
Zander glanced back at Duke before continuing. “Once this guy realized I was falling in love with you, he gave me the go ahead. Said that I’d made it all awkward by falling in love with his wife, so I should just…explore what we had together, me and you.”
Memories of that time flooded his mind, prodding at the strangling regret once more.
“I wish I would have told you then, on that day, exactly who I was. But I didn’t, and I’m sorry. Kat,” Zander continued. “You said the worst part about your ex lying to you was that the man you fell in love with didn’t even exist. I want you to know that that’s not the case here. When I told you about my past relationship, that was my story, not Duke’s. When I gave you details about my work, my family, my preferences, all of that was me.”
“Even the part about kids?” Kat suddenly asked.
“Oh, that they hate me?” Zander asked. “That’s the one thing that actually pertained to Duke.”
The audience chuckled.
“Thanks a lot,” Duke mumbled.
Zander set his gaze back on the woman before him. “I love you, which leads to our very pressing question of the night. Will you, Kat Morgan Benton, forgive me, and consider spending the next six weeks by my side?”
Quiet fell over the stage as he fixed his eyes on Kat.
“I do,” Lisa blurted. “Sorry, I couldn’t resist. What do you say, Kat? You can say yes to Mr. Zander here about his invitation to stay with him, or you may opt to spend that time with Duke instead, and get to know the man our special formula matched you up with. What will it be?”
Kat bit at her lip for a blink before glancing at Duke.
Zander’s pulse spiked even higher. Sweat broke over his brow.
“I love you too, Zander,” she said. “I forgive you, and I’d love to spend more time by your side.”
Zander was on his feet in a blink. He dashed in, wrapped his arms around Kat, and pulled her in for a warm, healing embrace. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
“Well, there we have it, folks. Looks like the makings of a happily ever after to me. Tune in for episodes featuring this blissful couple’s time together over the next few weeks.
“Then, come back for yet another live episode where Mr. and Mrs. Benton will decide whether they’ll continue living as a married couple or part ways entirely. Until then, send some love to Mr. Duke, here. He’s looking a little lonely, wouldn’t you agree?”
Zander heard the crowd go wild as he locked lips with the woman of his dreams. Whether that cheer was for his and Kat’s reunion or a response to Lisa’s comment about Duke, he wasn’t sure.
But one thing, at least, was certain—he couldn’t wait to put his days of going by Duke’s name behind him. As she came in for another kiss, a second thing became clear—with Kat back in his life and warm in his arms, Zander felt whole once again.
* * *
Reuniting was a blissful thing, and Kat planned on enjoying all the benefits that came along with it.
Butterflies fluttered through her belly as she waited for Zander to join her in the limo. He’d insisted on hiring a moving crew to get things from her place to his, and Kat didn’t argue. It meant she’d have more time to spend with him.
She spotted him through the tinted window as he stepped out of the studio. He’d already loosened his skinny tie and unfastened the top buttons of his neatly pressed shirt. Kat bit back a grin as she reminded herself that he was heading her way. That he’d spend, at least, the next six weeks with her.
The driver opened the door for him, and Zander gave the man a nod. “My place, please.” He climbed in, sank in the reclining seat beside Kat, and shot her a look. “Guess I could have said our place.” He lifted a brow. “How attached are you to your apartment?”
Kat considered that. “I’ll let you know once I see your place.”
Zander grinned. “Good answer. Because what I’m most attached to is you.”
He came in, kissed her, then pulled back to meet her gaze. “I love you, Kat.”
Kat reveled in the feels that rushed through her. Warmth. Joy. Hope. Thank heavens she hadn’t lost sight of what they had. She brought her hand to his face, traced her fingers along his chiseled jaw, and gave him another short kiss.
Then, with her lips a breath’s space from his, she returned the sentiment. “I love you too, Zander.”
