Page 32 of Forbidden Bastard
She glanced at the street clock near the beach entrance that read noon and her eyes widened. “Then we only have a few hours to get what we need.”
He opened the door for her. “This is the jeweler…” As soon as they walked in, his feet skidded to a halt on the brick-red carpet. Sandi stopped too. He stared at his half-sister and her husband. What were they doing here? “Sandi, this is Cassidy, and her husband, the Earl of Skye.”
Sandi’s face was white as she shook hands and asked, “Cassidy Burke, formerly Bright, who created AvceLoveMatch.com?”
His brunette half-sister adjusted her glasses. “Yes, that’s me. Are you Sandi Smith from Denver?”
Now was a good time to speed things up with getting Sandi a proper engagement ring too, so he backed away and asked the sales associate to get the diamonds prepared for them to see while Sandi said to Cassidy, “Yes. Avce is much greener than I’m used to.”
He whispered to the salesperson that he’d be right back as Cassidy said, “It’s really lovely to meet you.” He slid back next to Sandi as his half-sister asked, “Is everything okay?”
He placed his hand around Sandi's hip as she told Cassidy, “I’ve never been to a royal castle for a party. All I packed were my jeans and work dresses. I wish I had help because I’m lost on what to wear and haven’t done anything formal since prom…”
Cassidy glanced at him and then suggested to Sandi, “Tell you what, my sister and her husband are in town too, and Chelsea has a much better fashion sense than me. Get your jewels and I’ll have Chelsea speak to the royal designer and we’ll get you something to wear, delivered.”
That would make Sandi feel better. He smiled, squeezed Sandi’s side and said, “Thank you, Cassidy.”
Cassidy took off her glasses in surprise. “Those are probably the first words you’ve ever said to me.”
Hmm. He’d read her emails with Sandi’s name without expectation. He'd understood when Antonio had explained why Cassidy had wanted him to find his "true love" in order to not meddle in the kingdom. Had she wanted more than that? A possible relationship?
From what he’d read, his natural mother wasn’t exactly the best mother later on to her daughters. And besides, she was going to help Sandi, and she was why Sandi had agreed to marry him. Charles kept Sandi at his side as he looked from Cassidy to her husband. “If you'd like, the four of you are welcome at the house to get ready. We can all travel to the castle together if you wish?”
Cassidy clasped her husband’s hand and nodded. “Sounds lovely. We’ll be there… with lots of dresses.”
Cassidy and her husband left and he escorted Sandi toward the clerk who had a selection of diamond rings out. Sandi said, “That was sweet of you.”
While the world judged him based on his parents, he wouldn't do the same. He held her seat for her. “They live on the other side of the country but are probably here to spy on me. Might as well play nice.”
She reached over and brushed her hand on his thigh. “Or they're enjoying the sea air. If you think they're spying, why invite them over?”
Must be nice to think so positive all the time. Perhaps if she stayed around she’d rub some of that off on him. He picked up a ring to slip on her finger. “Because you believe in her computer program finding true love and you’ll feel more confident with other women around to guide you.”
She sighed, shook her head, and gave the ring back. His heart stopped until she pointed to another one. He slipped that one on as she asked, “So it was because of me?”
The diamond ring was circular but large enough to see while being able to pick things up and move around. He held her hand to the light. “Yes, but don’t let it go to your head.” Yes, this was quality work and hand-crafted. “How about this ring?”
She smiled and laughed her approval. “It’s lovely. Thank you.”
His future wife was a treasure and he’d treat her like one. He motioned toward the cashier and held up the ring on Sandi's hand. He asked the clerk, “Can I see that set over there?” The clerk glanced over at where he pointed and nodded while Sandi took the ring off and handed it to the cashier to pay.
“Try this on.” A four-strand diamond collar necklace, clasped in gold.
Her cheeks were red. She traced the necklace he'd wrapped around her throat. “Are these real diamonds?”
He fastened it and kissed the soft skin of her neck. “Of course. My bride won’t wear fakes.”
She puffed out her chest like she’d say something and then said, “It's-”
“Yours,” he interrupted fast. “Wear them tonight.”
She reached to unfasten it but he shook his head and handed his credit card to the saleslady, who took it and finished packing the ring. She could wear it out if she wanted.
Sandi quickly removed the necklace and handed it to the cashier who then took out a black box to pack it. “Oh, okay. Thank you.”
As they waited, he asked, “How come you aren’t wearing it now?”
“I don’t want to lose anything while trying on clothes.”
