Chapter 70：Grand Gesture

Lana and her friends winded up at some club and it was Karaoke night. They sat at a high table that was centred in the middle of the pub and were having a good time so far.

"We have to go up there and sing a t least one song!" Both her friends approved of the request, and commended the resolution.

"Actually..I don't think I can.." Lana bit down on her lip.

"Noo..you can't back out now." Liv shook her head, her ponytail swishing from side to side.

"We've already submitted our names and-"

"You and Lisa can go ahead. I'm too sober for this.."

"Fine.."Lisa rolled her eyes.

"Ladies and gentlemen. I hope you're all having a great time? If not it's about to get better! Because up next we have a special guest appearance." The MC announced. "He's America's tamed bad-boy-the one-the only-Jordan Carter!!"

The audience roared as they swarmed to the front and gave him a standing ovation. Lisa and Liv jumped up and down in excitement and couldn't stop smiling.

Lana's eyes almost popped out of her head as her eyes flew to the stage. And as sure as her name was Lana Logan-Carter, the man that graced her dreams one time too many, was standing right in front of them.

"How are you doing Tommy's Pub!?" Jordan's mesmerizing voice wafted through the club and everyone was transfixed. He was dressed in a white casual jacket and black jeans. His hair fell over his forehead and his blue eyes scanned the room and landed on the object of his desire. He winked at her and Lana's heart stopped beating temporarily as she sucked in her breath. The air was electric as their eyes locked and everyone else ceased to exist but just the two of them.

He broke the gaze reluctantly and turned his attention to his guitar. "I wrote this song for my one and only..the love of my life..the girl that makes my world a better place." He adjusted his mic and the guys in the crowd cat-whistled. "Lana this is for you."

Jordan sang his heart out and had poured out his deepest thoughts into the song. It was his hope that she would get what he was trying to communicate to her through the song. Lana was close to tears when he was done.

The applause was deafening and Jordan took a humble bow. "Thank you! Thank you all so much!"

When the noise had died down he spoke once again. "It gives me great pleasure to introduce the next artist that is going to join me on stage for the next song. He is a legend in his own right; my mentor and a very good friend. I owe him big time because I have called in one too many favors..please give it up for my boy-Kyle Kinley!!" This was responded to by a roar of satisfaction from the crowd below. They went into a frenzy and some of them even tried to clamber onto the stage. Fortunately, security was on standby and managed to contain the overzealous fans.

Screams were heard all over the bar and Kyle and Jordan just stood there grinning, holding their guitars; waiting for the masses to quiet down. Jordan gave Kyle the signal as they positioned themselves on the high stools provided. Their voices broke out into a beautiful melody that serenaded their listeners and left them in awe.

Lana couldn't keep the tears back anymore so she ran out of the club. She needed air. She should have known that Jordan would do some grand gesture to win her back. But she was confused and didn't know how to deal with all the emotions bubbling inside of her. Jordan noticed her rushing out and went after her. He found her sitting on the beach watching the waves kissing the shore.

He sat down next to her and they sat there in silence for a while. She didn't know what to say and waited for him to take the lead. He didn't know where to begin so he just said the first thought that came into his head.

"Karaoke?" He didn't wait for her to respond but broke out into song, his voice echoed across the sea as it was carried by the wind.

I don't know if I can yell any louder

How many time I've kicked you outta here?

Or said something insulting?

I can be so mean when I wanna be

I am capable of really anything

I can cut you into pieces

When my heart is, broken

Please don't leave me

Please don't leave me

I'm always saying how I don't need you

But it's always gonna come right back to this

Please, don't leave me

Lana picked up on the second verse.

How did I become so obnoxious?

What is it with you that makes me act like this?

I've never been this nasty

Can't you tell that this is all just a contest?

The one that wins will be the one that hits the hardest

But baby I don't mean it

I mean it, I promise

Jordan:

Please don't leave me

Please don't leave me

I'm always saying how I don't need you

But it's always gonna come right back to this

Please, don't leave me

I forgot to say out loud how beautiful you really are to me

I can't be without, you're my perfect little punching bag

And I need you, I'm sorry.

Please, please don't leave me

Baby, please don't leave me

Please don't leave me

He cupped her face and kissed her gently and she responded. "Can I ask you something? If you weren't mistakenly married to me would you have done it under different circumstances? Would you have married me if we had been given a chance to have a normal relationship? Like normal people? Would you have loved me for me and not because I was your childhood crush and an pop idol?"

"I..I don't know Carter..I think so.." she lifted her shoulders slightly and furrowed her brows.

"After I showed you the real me..and not the person you first met..would you still want to marry me? The real me?" He was a trifle subdued, with a troubled look in his blue eyes. "Please answer me? Be honest..would you?

"Honestly..?" Her brown eyes rested on the face of the man beside her. "Yes. Yes, Carter. I would have married you anyway."

Jordan drew in his breath anxiously and turned to her. "Why?"

"Isn't it obvious??" she replied, in a tone of disbelief.

"Not to me.." he pursed his lips thoughtfully.

"Because I love you, Jordan Carter!" She sprang to her feet and looked down at him. He rose to her level and massaged his forehead.

"Then why did you run baby? Why didn't you stay and give me a chance to explain?"

"Because...I thought-"

"You still don't trust me." He stated the unspoken truth. "I know." He pursed his lips.

"I have trust issues okay?"

"You didn't even tell me that you're carrying my child-"

"It's our child, Carter!"

"You could have told me, Lana! Don't you think I have a right to know?"

"Why? So you could run again?!" she spat out and her remark cut like a knife.

"I guess I deserve that.. but people change Lana-"

"So suddenly you're ready to be a father? Are you Carter?" she asked, skeptically.

"I..I don't know..I'm still trying to get my head around it-"

"Well, you've got about seven months to figure it out. Is that enough time for you to grasp the fact that we are having a child? Huh?!"

"Baby..that's not fair and you know it.." he countered. "I'm being honest with you! Would you rather I lied? I'm still trying to be a proper husband and now I have to be a father. It took me a bit of time to come to terms with it okay?"

"Then what do you want me to do Carter? Huh?!" she started to cry again.

"Marry me!" he bent down on one knee and pulled out a blinding diamond ring. "Marry me, Lana Logan? Let's have a fresh start? We can figure this along as we go.. What do you say, baby?" His eyes gleamed out at her expectantly. He raised his head and she looked towards the ring with longing as she said.

"I can't. Not if you're not ready to accept our baby.. I'm sorry Carter..." she grabbed her shoes from the sand and walked backwards, giving him a silent goodbye. Then finally broke into a run; leaving him hunched in the sand.

(Please Don't Leave Me PINK lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC)