For the second time, I step out onto the perfectly manicured grass of Lincoln’s football stadium. Jace stands about ten feet away. His face is carefully expressionless, but his jaw ticks a couple of times as I approach, indicating he’s not as indifferent as he appears.

I stop when I’m a couple feet from him. “My plan was for no one but you and Katie to know I was here.”

A reluctant grin tugs at Jace’s lips. “How’s that working out for you?”

I heave out a breathy laugh. I’m nervous. Incredibly nervous. More nervous than I can ever recall being.

It was daunting enough imagining saying this to Jace, but to know we’re in front of thousands of people who worship him? Even if they can’t hear what we’re saying—which I really hope they can’t—I’m not looking forward to having to slink out of here if this doesn’t go well.

Jace seems to come to the same conclusion about my choice of venue. “I didn’t expect for you to be here.”

“Really? It didn’t seem to catch you by surprise,” I tease.

Banter between us has always been easy. It’s everything else that is hard.

I jump. “By the way, my answer is yes.”

Jace doesn’t react at first. “Yes to what?”

“Anything you might decide to ask me. Whether I want you. It will always be a yes. I knew my answer as soon as you told me you’d quit. I just needed some time—to believe you. To let you change your mind. To convince myself there could actually be an us.”

Jace takes a step forward. Flickers of emotion start to cross his face. “You’re saying yes?” he asks.

I’m shocked to hear he sounds surprised. I laugh. “This can’t come as a surprise to you.”

“And Charles?” Jace’s voice is strained.

“I ended our engagement.”

Jace takes another step closer to me. We’re only inches apart now. I feel my heart begin to race from both our proximity and the anticipation of how he’ll respond.

“I love you,” he offers.

Tears fill my eyes. Joy—pure, unfiltered, potent joy—permeates every crevice and cell of my body.

“I love you, Jace.”

I close the distance between us and kiss him, wrapping my arms around his neck tightly. It’s not enough contact, so in a very un-princess like manner I leap up and wrap my legs around his waist.

Jace stumbles from the unexpected impact, but quickly recovers to begin kissing me back. Our kiss is explosive and passionate, but there’s something missing. Uncertainty, I realize. Every other time we’ve kissed, I’ve known it was fleeting. Temporary. Possibly the last. There’s no trepidation as Jace’s mouth moves hungrily against mine. Heat pulses through my body, and I wish we were alone.

But I’ve completely forgotten just how far from alone we are until I become dimly aware of the sound of cheers. The volume in the stadium continues to rise the longer we kiss.

“The football team’s going to have a hard time topping this show,” I whisper to Jace.