Page 71 of Just Desserts

Chapter 50

Isla

Sitting at Myles kitchen table, his large body hovering next to mine with Sarah across from us chatting away I was amazed at how happy I was. How different this moment felt than any of the mornings I had spent with my ex-husband. Not to mention my absolute faith in Myles and his character. After what I went through with Jonathan and Alyssa, there was a part of me that was constantly looking out for what additional betrayals lay ahead of me.

Now here I was, eating breakfast with a gorgeous woman who just said she tried to swap spit with my boyfriend and it didn't phase me in the slightest. The only reason I wasn't asking any questions is because knowing Sarah, she probably tried to do something genuinely disgusting just to annoy Myles. I've gotten to know Sarah pretty well and despite her cool exterior she was an incredibly goofy, loving, and fiercely protective person.

Sarah was the oldest of five kids and I had the opportunity to meet a few of her siblings over the last few weeks. It was clear they all idolized and looked up to her, treating her more like a mom than a sister. I know she sees Myles and Sully as surrogate brothers and they definitely treated her like an annoying sister.

Yet they couldn't function without each other, their different qualities complimenting the others weaknesses. The three of them together were fun to watch, their constant bickeringreally just emphasized how strong their bonds were. They ran the hotel like a team, and treated each other and staff like family. It was part of the reason the hotel was thriving.

Deep within my marrow I knew I never had to worry about Myles looking at another woman, but even deeper I knew Sarah would cut anyone who tried to hurt me. Now that I was under her wing - her declaration not mine - I knew how dedicated she is to those she cares for. I was beyond thrilled to consider the Bennett House Trio my close friends.

Even Sully had gone out of his way to use more than just grunts when talking to me. I was especially thankful for the security system he had installed at the bakery and his patience as he walked me through all of the new devices and protections. After the divorce, Sully and Myles sat me down to let me know about Jonathan and Alyssa. I was both surprised and ambivalent about the fact that they were living together but I didn't like that she had showed up at the hotel and courthouse.

Sully was the one who convinced me to update the security system, he was genuinely concerned so I gave in. I thought it was a bit overkill, but also understood this was Sully's way of showing he cared. Sugar & Spice might as well be Fort Knox for the amount of security needed to just get into the door but I took it as the complement it was.

After a delicious breakfast and all too brief goodbye kiss from Myles, Sarah hustled me out to the car so we could go and pick up Grams. From there, we went to the hotel where Sarah had reserved the penthouse suite for the three of us to get ready. Three garment bags were already hanging in the room with our shoes on a platform below them. Styling chairs were set up and what appeared to be a mix of hair and makeup stylists were standing at attention while some of the servers fluttered around with drinks and snacks.

Before I had fully entered the room I was swarmed by two women reaching for my jacket and bags. They had me stripped down to my camisole and in one of the hotel robes before I could get a word out. In a flutter of squeals and thank you's I found myself seated in a semicircle with Sarah and Grams on either side of me. The action continued as the beautification process started. We took turns getting our nails, hair and makeup done while we chatted and laughed.

"So did I walk in on some hanky panky this morning? Took y'all some time to let me in." Sarah asked as she reached for her second mimosa.

"No!" I gasped and Grams laughed.

"Dear, you have got to stop being such a prude you were married for heaven's sake no need to act so virginal." Leaning forward in her chair, Grams lowered her glasses as she continued her torture, "Or is Myles just that good you're no longer able to formulate a coherent description for your entanglements?"

I blushed mercilessly as Sarah and Grams collapsed back in their chairs giggling hysterically.

"Oh yeah, no way her ex was revving her engine, she's had a whole new glow about her." Sarah asked and I slapped my hands over my face to hide my response. The laughing at my expense continued until even the stylists were enjoying my discomfort.

"Okay enough, leave her alone. If we keep embarrassing her she's going to spend the night as red as a lobster. Let's talk about your love life instead Ms. Sarah. When was the last time you went on a date hm?" Grams stated, giving me the opportunity to watch the ever poised Sarah squirm under the older woman's laser focus.

"I'm very busy, I work six days a week and when I'm not here I'm helping my family out with one thing or another." Sarah replied, avoiding eye contact and deciding to study the snack tray with renewed interest.

"You, my dear, need a break. You've spent your entire life taking care of people, you need to find someone to take care of you." Grams decreed and it melted my heart to see the hopeful look Sarah shot her way, before covering it up with her token bravado.

"I don't need anyone to take care of me, I've been doing it just fine so far. Instead of a man, maybe find your way to the battery section at the drugstore. My BOB could use more power." She winked at Grams as I almost choked on my drink.

When it was time to put our gowns on I was sufficiently buzzed from the champagne. Sarah insisted on being in charge of my look and gave the stylists instructions with the rule that I couldn't ask or see anything until I was fully dressed.

With my gown on I slid my feet into the absurdly high heels Sarah insisted I wear. I walked into the main room to find Grams and Sarah in their full regalia, Grams was wearing a bright red dress under a lace jacket in the same vibrant color. Her lips were equally as red and she had swapped her regular glasses out for a bedazzled pair. Chunky earrings and a long necklace completed her look.

Sarah looked equally stunning in her simple satin dress. It was a slinky silver color, the fabric twisted across her chest before softly wrapping around her neck in a halter style. The dress skimmed her hips and hugged her small waist. She had her hair slicked back falling in a silky black sheet down her back. She had several bracelets on each arm and impossibly tall heels. Both Grams and Sarah gasped when I walked in, tears clearly pooling in Grams eyes.

"Oh darling, oh my! You look so lovely. Absolutely breathtaking." She went to give me a hug when Sarah suddenly leapt into action.

"WAIT! Don't look yet! I forgot the best part!" She ran into the adjoining room and returned with the gift bag from Myles house. I was embarrassed to admit that I had forgotten about it after all the excitement from this morning.

"I begged Myles to let me give them to you. They're obviously from him but it's for you to wear tonight, it completes your whole outfit here, open it!" Sarah shook the bag in front of me as Grams squealed.

"Oh! I can't wait to see which ones he got. That man absolutely adores you, he was agonizing over what to get you, his dedication to making sure he got you the perfect gift is admiral." I shook my head at their shenanigans as I carefully opened the bag.

I pulled out a large box from a well known jeweler. My hands trembled as I opened the lid and I couldn't help the gasp that escaped when I saw what was resting inside. The platinum earrings had a waterfall of blue sapphires and giant diamonds in varying lengths. While the individual strands were delicate, the multitude of stones made a statement and I could feel the weight settling against my neck as I rushed to put them in. I understood now why Sarah insisted I style my hair up.

With the long earrings and backless dress, I made a huge impact whether you saw me coming or going. Throughout the party planning process, the one area I was nervous about was Sarah's styling decrees. She had a vision that was lost on me until this moment. I had never felt more beautiful. Knowing that Myles had worked with Grams and Sarah to get me the gift meant even more to me. Suddenly the hours we had spent apart today felt infinitely too long.

"We have to go down. I have to see Myles." I said with a sense of urgency. I grabbed the small clutch Sarah picked for me and rushed out of the hotel room. The elevator door dinged and I turned back to see Sarah and Grams standing in the hallway smiling indulgently at me.

---