Page 44 of Just One More Affair
Ignoring the comment, he popped open the box.
She glanced down and gasped at the tennis necklace he’d bought. All diamonds except…
“The two pink sapphires are for the twins. And the jeweler said he can add a blue sapphire or another pink one after we know the sex of our baby.”
She gasped. “Oh my God. This is stunning. It’s too—”
“Don’t say too much. Turn.”
She pivoted so he could wrap the necklace around her bare neck and do the clasp. She spun back to face him. “I’m speechless. It’s so beautiful and meaningful. I never expected you to buy me anything, let alone… this.” She touched the full set of diamonds surrounding her neck.
“It’s not as beautiful as you. You’re giving me something I never dreamed of having for myself. A baby. A family.”
Leaning in, she pressed a kiss to his lips. “Don’t worry, it’s stainproof.” She laughed and shook her head. “Thank you seems so insufficient.”
The car drew to a stop and cut off the discussion about the necklace. “We’re here. Are you ready to go in?” he asked.
“I am.”
The driver opened the door and after Jared climbed out, he helped Charlotte, wrapping an arm around her waist as he led her inside.
***
Charlie sat byJared’s side at the family table, listening to the formalities of the event. They all welcomed her warmly and she felt like she belonged, a feeling she was still getting used to.
Samantha, who she hadn’t spent much time with, walked over, joined by Raven. “Who wishes they were home in sweats watching television?” Raven asked.
Charlie laughed at the comment. “Normally I would, but this is my first time in such an amazing gown and shoes—” She swept her arm up and down her body. “I’m enjoying dressing up tonight.”
Samantha nodded in agreement. “I like the occasional glam night.”
Raven sighed. “Okay, just me then.” The women went on to talk about things in their lives, including Charlie in the conversation, which she appreciated.
A tapping sound echoed around the room and when she looked over, a woman was standing at the microphone.
“Oops. That’s our cue to sit down.” Samantha touched Charlie’s arm. “I look forward to getting to know you more,” she said.
“Same here.” Raven smiled, and Charlie took her seat.
Jared settled in beside her. “Is everything okay?” he asked.
She nodded, smiling. “Your sisters-in-law are great,” she said.
He slid his hand into hers. “I’m glad they’re making you feel welcome.”
The woman at the podium began to speak.
Charlie’s hand touched the necklace at her throat and she let her mind wander. Not to her brother, who she couldn’t do anything to help if he wasn’t ready to accept her help, but to Jared, and his generosity. Of course, the necklace was sparkling and spectacular and she’d never owned anything so beautiful. But the thought behind it…
And that he’d included the twins. Girls that weren’t his own. He hadn’t just been thinking about the baby they’d share but her daughters, too. There was no better way to win her over than to care about her girls and make them an important part of his life, as well. The best thing about Jared was there was no calculation in doing so. He truly cared. This man was breaking down her walls more with each passing day.
Her thoughts were distracted when Alex rose from his seat to a round of applause. Standing at the podium, she listened to him talk about his deceased wife and how she would still be here today if not for a man addicted to drugs, who’d gotten access to a gun, and killed her in the name of revenge.
At one point during the speech, he winced and lifted his hand to his chest and Jared nearly bolted out of his seat, as did his siblings, but he finished without incident.
She squeezed Jared’s hand and held on for the duration of Alex’s speech, which impacted all the Sterling siblings sitting around the table. Lizzie dabbed at her eyes and Charlie found a new respect for the woman who gave Alex a second chance at happiness.
He returned to his chair and reassured his family he was fine, but from Jared’s tight jaw, he was skeptical. He’d even whispered his worry in her ear but he was forced to take his father at his word.
