Too Late for Regret novel Chapter 44

Chapter 44

Charlie’s POV

I knew the moment we kissed yesterday that Ana was the one I’ve been waiting for. As soon as she went back for her therapy session, I told Drew to stay put to watch out for her, and I went into the hall to make the

call.

“I see you finally remember that you have a family, brat. What do you want? That’s usually the only time you call me,” My grandfather asked.

“I need a favor, and you are one of the only people I know who can help me,” I answered. I wanted to get him a little worked up. Once he finds out what the favor is, he’s going to be thrilled.

“What kind of a favor? Is your company in trouble? I can help if you need it,” He quickly asked.

“No, the company’s fine. What I need is for you to arrange a meeting with Reid Caldwell for me,” I replied.

“Reid Caldwell? Why?” Suspicion laced my grandfather’s voice.

“I want to talk to him about his daughter. I would like to marry her,” I replied.

I had to hold my phone away from my ear, as he loudly shouted for my mother and grandmother to come to his study. “When do you want the meeting? I want to come with you. I would like to meet this young lady,” he

said.

“You’re not going to scare her away, are you?” I teased him. I knew he would be welcoming her with open

arms.

“No, but it shows respect to show up with your family. It shows that we are taking this union seriously. This meeting is important, Charles. Don’t mess around. This is a meeting between two strong families. I will be happy to call him as soon as we get off the phone. How did you meet her?” he asked.

“I’m part of her security team. But she is beautiful and kind. There’s a small issue, but Iwill fill you in on the way to meet her family. I believe that Reid will give us his blessing on it. He’s in a little bit of a bind. Her former fiancé is worthless and didn’t deserve her. She doesn’t need a weak man like him anyway. She needs to be loved and protected. She needs me, so his loss is my gain. Once I get her to accept me, I will never let

her go,” I replied.

“That sure of her accepting, are you, Charles? Good, I’m glad. We’ll discuss the rest in the car. I’ll prepare the gifts to take with us. Your father’s out of the country on business, or I’d have him come there with us to show our family’s support. Your grandmother and your mother are just as happy to hear this as I am. We would love to spend time with our great–grandbabies as soon as possible. We’re not spring chickens anymore,

Charles,” my grandfather responded. I could hear how excited they were in the background.

I knew it would make them happy. They have been after me for the last several years, wanting me to get

married and settle down. I was thirty–two, and it was time, but I wanted to wait for the right one this time

around. I had been impressed by Ana from the beginning. She calmly instructed us on what to do, even

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Meaningful Plans

+15 Points >

though I could tell she was scared about being arrested. It was all I could do not to beat Roger into a pulp that day. I will help her deal with all of them from now on. She will always be able to count on me.

I knew on Monday when I heard Holden crying about wanting her back that I needed to work fast. He was a

good guy, but he had burned his bridge down to the ground as far as Ana was concerned. I don’t mind swooping in and taking her away from anyone who had caused her pain. I respected Ana. She was kind and

treated people well, regardless of their title. I liked that about her. I’ve been looking for a woman whom I could love for the rest of my life. When I toyed with her during the photo shoot, rubbing her neck with my

nose, that was all I had intended to do.

But after I heard that low moan escape when I nipped her ear, I couldn’t stop myself. I needed to kiss her like I needed my next breath. I wanted to see if we were compatible. We were more than compatible; I wanted so

much more I only stopped because we weren’t alone. I couldn’t chase her because I still had a hard–on. That’s the only reason she got away. It hurt that she called and tried to get someone else assigned. I knew why Roger had killed her self–esteem. But I’m here to build it right back up again. She was too good for him, and I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure that she knows that she is wanted and loved.

1. is.

After that, I didn’t date anymore. I became an employee of my own company. Some women flirted, but most ignored me, as I was only the help. But not Ana, from the minute she entered the SUV, she was offering to pay for coffee for us too, which is not what our clients do. They only care about us if they are in danger. Ana was even concerned about us when she was getting arrested. She sent us to get something to eat, to keep us

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I haven’t paid much attention to engagement rings before. I didn’t put much stock into what I bought for Samantha. She picked it, and had only picked it for its cost. I don’t think she really cared one way or another. She just wanted a large diamond to show off to her friends and family. I should have seen all the flags, but I didn’t. I was in a s*x fog, and she happily kept me there. I mistook s*x for love. She couldn’t get enough of me

in bed. I foolishly thought that love was the reason for it. I couldn’t have been more wrong about it.

Ana designed this ring herself. She loved it. Even though she designed it with her marriage to Holden in mind, I didn’t care about that. It was put aside and left in their store to be seen, but never sold. It was recreated for

two other brides over the nine years that it was on display. Ana loved it enough to recommission it in her

current ring size. I sent Drew over to buy the ring with my card. Gwen was so excited about it that she was

bursting to tell Emily. But I asked her to wait. Ana hasn’t said yes yet; once she does, they can tell the whole

city for all I care.

Gwen explained that the pear cut was meaningful to Ana because the point would always be aimed up,

towards Ana’s heart. She wanted the reminder of the love she and her husband would share each time she

looked at it. To remember our love just by looking at the ring she created. To me, it didn’t mean anything

about Holden anymore. It was about the emotions and hope she had while designing it. She had given up on

Holden long ago. If you are reading this anywhere other than Dreame/StaryNovel it has been stolen from Kat Von Beck. Please message me on f*******: or i********: to let me know.

I saw her face when she slipped it on. She still loved this ring. The emotions she held when she created that

ring returned with a vengeance. She wanted it to represent everything she believed it stood for: love, care, and

commitment. She’s been severely disappointed before, but I won’t let her be disappointed again. Analise is

my forever. I can’t wait to slide that ring on her finger tonight.

KatVonBeck