“The same as they always have been,” he stated placing his arm around her.
“Do you believe that she and Chrysler were not engaged in an affair?” another asked.
“I trust Bella completely and I know without a doubt she would not have an affair with anyone,” he answered.
“Arabella, how long have you and Mr. Reed been an item…and do you have any plans for the future of the relationship?”
“I don’t remember a time when Ty wasn’t in my life,” she said vaguely. “Our relationship is private and always has been. Any plans we may or may not have are also private.”
“Mr. Reed, do you have anything you’d like to add?” the reporter asked.
“Nothing except to say that every word Bella said is true. Our relationship is just that, our relationship and though I have to accept that the public will be in her life, when it comes to our life together, we would appreciate the privacy every couple deserves to be offered to us,” he answered, and she could have kissed him for the brilliancy behind the statement.
“Arabella will your relationship with Mr. Reed interfere with your career?”
“Tyler and I have a firm relationship that neither distance nor other people will disrupt. He is my biggest fan and best friend, the perfect combination for the craziness that is life. Thank you,” she added turning into Tyler and letting him shield her from the flashes that commenced as the reporters tried to get a final glimpse of them.
“That was impressive,” Tyler said once they were hidden from the majority of the guest list in a little alcove.
“Five years as a PR rep helps you learn a trick or two,” she stated. “Hope you don’t mind I went to Plan B without letting you know but you were right, he wasn’t going to give up. Now if he tries to cut in on us the public will dislike him.”
“And Arabella Angel will be safe from his evil clutches,” he laughed slipping his arms around her waist.
“Now we’ll just have to convince your parents not to begin planning a wedding,” she sighed resting her arms on his shoulders and twining her fingers together.
“That might be trickier than getting out of Craig’s sights. Although…”
“What?” she asked lifting her chin slight to look into his eyes as he paused.
“We could always tell them the truth.”
“Yeah, I’m sure that would go over so well. I guess we’ll find out tomorrow what they think, won’t we?”
“We will,” he agreed and as they arrived at the event the next day, he knew they were in for it the instant he spotted his mother.
“I knew it,” Vivien said slipping up beside them and hugging Bella. “I knew you and Tyler were more than just friends.”
“Vivien,” Bella warned with a grin.
“Sneaky as always,” Steven added hugging her tightly. “Now why did we have to read about it in the paper?” he asked Tyler.
“Sorry Dad, we wanted it to be between us a bit longer, but that Australian idiot had other ideas.”
“Well, I’m thrilled,” Vivien stated hugging her son. “I can’t tell you how long I’ve waited to plan your wedding.”
“Slow down Mom,” Tyler laughed. “Bella’s busy working, regaining her career, a wedding can wait.”
“Of course, it can’t, I want grandchildren, preferably after the wedding; you’re not getting any younger Tyler,” she replied.
“Hopefully one day you’ll have some grandchildren but neither Bella nor myself are at that point yet.”
“We’ll see,” Vivien stated with a new grin, kissing them both. “Enjoy the day darlings.”
Bella watched her go uneasily, “Why do I get a bad feeling about this?”
“Because it’s my mother,” he stated slipping his arms around her aware they were being watched by all in attendance.
“Let’s hope she doesn’t do anything crazy today,” she replied leaning into him.