Page 37 of Tarnished Vow

To think I’ve had to deal with the backlash from the last one ending, all while they planned this one behind my back.

He nodded. “One good thing. It’s one of the crows from up here. Just think, you can finally move here. You’ve always loved the ocean.”

No. I hated the ocean. Saltwater dries my skin. I always loved bikinis and the sun.

That same feeling of betrayal goes through me.

All these years, I proved to them I was capable of more. But in the end, this is what my family saw my real role as.

“Darling, you're gorgeous, but not the level of beautiful to warrant a ring like this.” Mom stared at my phone.

I should have known better than to look at jewelry near her. But what were the chances she would see my phone, let alone take it from me?

“Anyway, the family chooses the ring, isn’t that right Marco?” Mom looked down the table at dad.

He nodded.

I wouldn’t be falling for that again. I’ve already had one ring I hated. I would not let that happen a second time.

“I’m buying my own ring.”

“You can’t do that.” Mom placed my phone down. “Marco, tell her she can’t do that. How insulting to the Crows.”

“Massie!” Dad snapped.

“Oh. Sorry. Haven’t you told her?” Mom looked at dad rather smugly.

“It’s fine, I know. Nate told me last night.” So, my suspicions were right. They all knew but me.

“Well, of all families, you can’t insult the Crows.”

“I’m sure Vince won’t care if I buy my own ring.”

“It’s not Vincent, you are marrying Maddy,” Mom shook her head. “Marco, what is his name again?”

“Yes, it was to be one of his cousins. But Vince is taking his place, so,” I took my phone back. “He is the one I am marrying. And he won’t care if I get my own ring.”

Staring at the custom designed mockups that had come back from the jeweler.

The silence was awkward. The sooner we head home, the better. I’m starting to remember why our family has such a big house for three people.

“Morning Uncle Zeke.” I locked my phone.

He pulled a chair out next to me. Mom got up and left. Followed seconds later by dad. Both going in opposite directions.

“Don’t take it personally. I just upset them both.” I crossed my legs, turning to face him.

“What did they do?” he reached for a bagel off the table. It was nice having one family member who didn’t always think it was my fault.

“The merger with the Crows.”

“What merger?” Uncle Zeke looked at me, confused.

“Nate told me last night, but between us, I knew. Vince told me before I left.”

“Maddy, what are you talking about?”

“Me marrying into the Crows. To settle down the tension that started up here.”

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