Ryan

The last thing he wanted was to be at Isobel's beck and call all day. The only thing saving his sanity was Rita. She stepped in and distract him when she could tell he was getting frustrated with Isobel's games. Unfortunately, by the time Isobel finally left to get dressed, Lana was getting ready. Heidi texted him Lana was nervous. Ryan was afraid she might bolt, although he relaxed once he knew she made it to Virginia. His biggest fear was she wouldn't get on the plane.

As Ryan worked the room greeting donors, he kept one eye on the door. He knew a lot of eyes were watching him and Isobel. He felt like a zoo animal on display. He wanted Lana on his arm when he publically faced his former lover.

He was smiling and nodding to a couple who were raving about the silent auction items when he saw her enter. She looked around, lost, but all he could focus on was her beauty. Her long mane was pinned up and her dress was amazing. It did nothing to hide her exquisite body. Instead, it enhanced every beautiful curve. He'd have to thank Jen for taking Lana shopping.

He knew the minute she saw him, because her face relaxed and she smiled. Ryan saw more than one head turn as she moved toward him. He muttered, his excuses to the couple and rushed to meet her.

He reached out for her hand. "You look more than beautiful."

She laughed. "I feel like a princess and you're a prince. You clean up good Harris."

"How do you feel?" He was concerned she would not sing.

"Nervous and excited. Is she here?"

He nodded and she scanned the room. He couldn't point her out, but he leaned in and whispered in her ear. "Black dress over by the bar with the gray-haired man."

"Blonde?"

"Yes, but not nearly as stunning as you."

"Stop teasing me." Lana laughed nervously.

Ryan plucked two flutes off a tray as it passed by, handing one Lana. "To you my gorgeous friend."

She sipped with shaky hands. "She's coming."

Ryan put his arm around Lana's small waist and pulled her close. Lana took a generous sip and he leaned into her. "No tequila."

She slapped his shoulder and laughed. "That wasn't funny."

He smiled because truthfully he couldn't stop. He was just happy to have her near. It had been four weeks since he last saw her and he missed her. He didn't want to think about the fear lingering in his gut that she didn't feel anything for him. Just her laugh sent a pulse through his body.

His name being said interrupted her laugh. "Ryan, who is your friend?"

"Isobel, this is my Lana. Lana, Isobel."

He watched as Lana reached out her hand to shake. He'd have to thank Heidi because Lana's nails were neatly painted. No one would know she spent her summer cleaning cottages.

"Nice to meet you. Did Ryan mention you were on the planning committee for this lovely evening?"

He smirked as he imagined Lana rehearsing her line. She executed it perfectly and he let her know by lightly squeezing his hand which was firmly holding her waist. She smiled up at him.

Isobel surprised him. "So sweet, Ryan's in love." She looked at Lana. "He's really quite a catch."

Lana laughed. "His mother recently told me the same thing."

She surprised Ryan. "When did she say that?"

"When we had coffee, I told you."

"Yes, but not that you talked about me."

She turned to Isobel. "He shouldn't be so surprised, Kelly always talks about her gorgeous sons."

"He has a brother?" Isobel sounded surprised.

"Of course, Jack. Ryan has two nieces and a nephew, as well."

"I am here." He acted as if they were talking behind his back. "Isobel, I'll gladly show you pictures of my family if you're interested. The baby is..."

"Ryan gushing over a baby!"

"He's held Heidi's daughter."

"You've changed Ryan." Isobel sounded confused by the conversation.

"Lana takes all the credit." He truly believed she opened up his heart. Even the horrible rift because of Adam brought him closer to Jack.

"Well, you're lucky then. Perhaps I should move on so everyone can go about their business."

Ryan hadn't even noticed they were being watched. Lana whispered to him.

"Did it work? Do you think people will forget?"

Ryan put his arm around her waist and held her possessively. Her waist was small, and she felt so good by his side. "I hope so. Thank you for coming and for singing. I think it's you they'll all be talking about now."

She smiled but looked nervous as she bit her lower lip. It was a habit he noticed toward the end of the summer. She didn't respond, so he continued to speak.

"How did your test go? Did I help at all?"

"Let's not talk about it tonight. You know your mother told me about your grades. You have everyone fooled Jack's the smart one and you were the goof-off."

"I couldn't let Jack beat me."

Lana laughed. "I'm glad Will and I aren't like that."

"I miss the kid."

"It's mutual."

"Do you want to eat before..." Ryan didn't finish his question because Lana put her hand on his chest and shook her head. He felt the warmth from her touch radiate through his tuxedo. He couldn't not love her if he tried.

"I couldn't, but you should."

"I'm nervous too." It came out as a whisper.

She looked at him inquisitively, but he couldn't answer truthfully. He was nervous because he feared she didn't feel for him what he felt for her.

They milled around the room as he introduced her about a dozen times. Eventually, they made their way to the table Ryan had purchased. He introduced Lana to Allie and her fiance Sean. Allie jumped up and hugged Lana as if they were long-lost friends. Ryan could only smile. Allie may be his work wife, but Lana was so much more.

He looked at his watch. "The entertainment is due to start. Do you need to freshen up?"

She nodded nervously, and he walked her towards the ladies lounge. Waiting outside the door for her, one of his former clients was also lingering. He was the final one who caused Ryan to be banished to Maine.

He looked at Ryan. "Beautiful woman.
Looks like you're making better choices."

Lana was the only choice for him. "I hope Cam is taking good care of you."

"He is, but maybe I'll come back once you've settled down."

Lana stepped out and smiled at Ryan. "Are you ready?"

Lana didn't respond. Ryan felt guilty because he knew it was a huge deal for her. He took her hand. "I will be there for you the whole time."

She smiled and spoke under her breath. "You're not going to screw Isobel in there are you?"

"Never!" Ryan wanted to tell her she was the only one he wanted, but not yet. She had enough to think about with her performance.

They had to watch five others before it was Lana's turn. Lana loved when the acappella group sang Hallelujah. She might have cheered the loudest for them. "He's good." A fellow board member was playing the piano. They both laughed at an attempt at a magic act which went wrong. Then Lana went white when Isobel's tenor sang a song about the music and night.

"He sounds just like Michael Crawford."

Ryan didn't know who it was but knew his performance didn't help Lana's nerves. He squeezed her hand when they introduced her and he positioned himself so she could see him if she wanted to. He didn't take his eyes off of her as she sang a song he had never heard before. As he listened to the words, she sang about a friendship. She was singing about their relationship and it made his heart fall into his gut. He was afraid he would lose his best friend before the night was over. After the last note, she broke out into a smile which melted Ryan's heart. He had never planned to feel this way, but he couldn't stop it if he tried.

Lana's Song: