Page 33 of Stilettos & Secrets on the 7 Seas

“It’s a recent development.” I fiddled with my fork. “We didn’t want to steal Darryl’s thunder.”

“You’re going to love being married. It’s so wonderful.” My sister blinked gooey eyes at Pete. “Don’t we love it, sweetlips?”

Sweetlips bobbed his head, not breaking the rhythm of cake to mouth. He had chocolate smeared on his cheek and refused to make eye contact with anyone.

“Where’s the ring?” Mom eyed my naked ring finger.

Caiyan didn’t miss a beat. “Jen doesnae like surprises. She wanted to pick it oot. We’ve yet to make the trip to the jeweler.”

Eesh! Mom clicked her tongue at me like I was an irrational radical feminist for asking to pick out my ring. Which I did not.

“I can’t wait to see it.” She rushed over to Caiyan and threw her arms around him. “We’re so happy for you to join the family.”

Somehow, I stood on numb legs—my cake half-eaten on the plate. Mom hugged me. Dad hugged me. Melody and Pete hugged me. Gertie hugged me, Eli hugged me and whispered “sucker” in my ear.

“I’ll clear the plates.” Mom made swooshing motions with her hands, then scooped up my plate with my half-eaten chocolate cake. “The rest of you go out back and enjoy the misters on the patio. J.W., get that bottle of champagne out in the garage fridge. We need to celebrate.”

Oh boy.

Twelve

Caiyan had some nerve telling my parents we were engaged. He was the one with commitment issues. Maybe I had a few too, but his secrets topped my cold feet. And now he was out on the patio, surrounded by my family smothering him with congratulations.

Well, I had bigger beans to bake. I’d deal with my fibbing fiancé later.

I caught my dad in the kitchen struggling with the foil wrapper on a bottle of champagne. “Hey there, Sugarplum.”

“Dad, where did Aint Elma keep her important papers?”

He paused a minute to think. “She didn’t have a lot of papers. Her house was paid for, and the deed’s with Cousin Trish.” He began working at the cage around the cork. “She had a few clippings of births and deaths she kept in the family Bible.”

“Where’s her Bible?”

“In the china cabinet. Your mother likes to display a few of the family Bibles. I’m pretty sure Elma’s is there, too. Are you looking for something special?”

“Just doing a little research.”

“Be careful lookin’ into our family tree. You might find a few broken branches.” He chuckled, then huffed. “I can’t ever get these things open.”

I pulled a tea towel out of the drawer in case the cork popped and champagne spewed all over Mom’s spotless wood floors.

Caiyan stepped into the kitchen. “Ah, there ye are, Jen.”

“Yep. You found me.” I hoped he hadn’t heard my conversation with my dad. Since he didn’t share his map details with me, I wasn’t sharing my thoughts on where Elma kept her map.

“Can I help ye with that, sir?” Caiyan held out his hands for the champagne bottle Dad scowled at.

Dad handed Caiyan the bottle. He removed the cage and gripped the cork with strong, firm hands. A warm, melty sensation somewhere south of my belly button made my nipples stand at attention like saluting soldiers. Damn him and his sexy arms.

I attempted to hold the towel in front of me, but it wasn’t large enough to cover both little gumdrops.

He twisted the cork and bottle in opposite directions. The cork released with no spillage.

“You’ve had some experience with those.” My dad pointed at the bottle, but Caiyan glanced at my nipples, and his lips pulled into a grin. “Yes, sir.”

Dad narrowed his eyes as he took the bottle back from Caiyan.

I handed my dad the towel and escorted Caiyan out of the kitchen, pointy nipples less pointy by the second. “Are you nuts?” I motioned toward the kitchen. “My dad was standing next to the carving knives.”

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