Free A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection by Annette Lyon, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Josi S. Kilpack, Heather Justesen, Aubrey Mace

background beside the band, grinning ear to ear. He had to know what James had planned. Tess never expected to have such a public proposal—had always envisioned something more intimate, private—but so long into this relationship, she would be thrilled just to hear the question any time, any place.
    Grinning broadly, James faced the audience. When he caught her eye, his face brightened a little more, which warmed her head to toe.
    Oh, how I love this man.
    “My man Garrett is right,” James began. “I’m now a law school grad, which means you can all officially crack evil lawyer jokes about me.”
    Laughter rippled throughout the room, including a polite chuckle from the Kenningtons.
    James rubbed his chin and shifted from foot to foot. “I’ve been in this same place for three years now. It’s been a hard climb at times, but it’s been worth it. I’m sure my parents will be doubly glad when I’ve passed the bar and am practicing law, because then I can start paying off all those school loans, and they’ll know I’m not coming back to live in their basement.”
    More rumbles of laughter.
    “So the time has come for the next step in my journey, to leave this part behind and move forward to a new phase of my life.”
    Tess’s heart threatened to hammer right out of her ribcage. She sat at the edge of her seat so that when he called her forward, she’d be ready, and so she’d stand gracefully in her heels.
    “I have been given the once in a lifetime opportunity... ” He let his voice trail off, building the suspense in the room. “To be an intern at Preston, Carson, and McNeil in New York City, with the possibility of taking on a full-time job after I pass the bar.” He raised his glass and bit his lip, something he always did when excited.
    This was it. Tess could feel her heart pounding in her chest with anticipation.
    “I’m moving to the Big Apple!”
    Smiling broadly, Tess stood and took three steps toward the platform, when his words registered.
    Wait, what? She stopped in her tracks, catching the toe of her shoe on a chair and nearly pitching forward. She caught herself on the back of the chair, saving herself from sprawling across the floor. James scanned the room. As Tess stood there, frozen, she couldn’t help but wonder if she’d imagined the slight hesitation when his gaze reached her—and moved on.
    How many miles is it from Tempe to New York? Hundreds? Thousands?
    She felt a sudden urge to check a map. Or to run up to the platform and shake James by the lapels. This didn’t make sense. An internship couldn’t be the big “something” he wanted to say tonight. He’d promised that after law school, they would get engaged. Wasn’t that now ? What did he expect her to do, get married tomorrow by a justice of the peace? Not have a nice wedding?
    Or worse... the other option came over her in a wave cold as ice. What if he didn’t plan to marry her at all? What if he planned to settle in New York... without her?
    That’s exactly what he’s decided. Her hand covered her mouth as she heard a cry. Not until all heads turned to look at her did she realize that she had made the sound. Her face went hot. Her knees felt ready to buckle, and she couldn’t breathe. Tess shook her head and backed up.
    James’s eyes widened, and he called out to her. “Tess! Please, let me explain!”
    But there was nothing to explain. He was taking the internship. Moving to New York. He’d strung her along for three years, and what did she have to show for it? Drooping curls and a coral-pink dress she’d never wear again.
    Tess whirled around, unable to stand the pitying eyes on her. She scooped her purse from her chair so she could drive home—right now—and saw, with another stab of dismay, that Mrs. Kennington wore a pleased, smug expression.
    Hearing James call her name again, she fled, running out the door before anyone said more. When she reached her car, she fumbled with the keys, but despite her