Page 12 of His Surprise Fiancée

“It is,” she agreed before helping her change. She had tears in her eyes as the door opened and Elena came in, dressed in a gorgeous ivory shift dress that was flawless against her skin.

“You look beautiful darling,” Elena said coming over to grasp her hands. “My mother’s ring truly does fit you perfectly. I think I’ve always seen a little of her in you and that’s why you’re so dear to me…and now you’re going to be my daughter. I couldn’t be happier.”

“Thank you, Elena,” she said calming herself. “I was terrified to put the ring on for the first time. I’m hopeless when it comes to keeping track of jewelry. Mom can tell you she and Dad stopped buying me anything nice after I lost the third pair of diamond studs, they got me.”

“Your engagement ring is different though,” Elena reassured her. “And it seems you’ve managed to hold onto those earrings for quite some time now,” she added seeing the pair she slid onto her ears.

“That’s because I triple check my bag every time, I go somewhere to ensure they’re still there. They're my favorite pair, from my favorite soon to be mother-in-law,” she said making Elena laugh. “What?”

“I didn’t buy them Hailey. Nikolas and I had chosen those new riding boots for you and had them all ready for your party. Two days before it, a courier arrived with a package and Stefano called at the same time telling me it would be coming. He was in Greece and found them, said he knew they were meant for you, and wanted me to give them to you for your birthday. I didn’t even think of why he would be sending them…not until now.”

“Perhaps he truly did see them and think of me,” she said trying not to read into it.

“Or perhaps the reason he’s stayed away from the Cove is because he knew he was falling in love with you back then,” Elena suggested.

“Either way, I’ve enjoyed the earrings immensely,” she replied with a glance in the mirror at her image. The ring sparkled in the light and she knew she wanted to keep it where it was for the rest of her life, but in order for that to happen, she needed these two women to give Stefano a push down the aisle with her.

“And they do suit you, just as well as the ring does,” Elena said as she turned back towards them. “Now…when do you plan to marry that son of mine?”

“We haven’t really discussed a date yet. We’ve been so anxious to just be able to tell people we’re together…but I do hope we can set a date soon,” she told them seeing the thrill that brought them.

“Surely you’ve some idea of when you want, Hailey,” her mother said, and she gave both of them a slightly blushing smile.

“Well, Stefano has been a complete gentleman towards me and though I’m sure everyone at the office thinks we are, we’ve decided, or perhaps I should say Stefano’s agreed to wait until the wedding to be intimate,” she said and saw the sighs of relief and awe at that news. “That’s why he’s taken liberty at kissing me whenever he feels like it.”

“I dare say you don’t mind though do you, my darling?” Elena teased.

“No, I don’t,” she agreed. “I can’t wait until we’re married, I know you’re both probably anxious for a huge event but all I want, and need is my family next to me and Stefano waiting for me.”

“You are talking about the two best party planners in all of Dove Light Cove,” her mom said making her laugh.

“Yes, I know but shh,” she said putting a finger over her lips. “Stefano wants to hire a wedding coordinator and give me the world. I think we might have a few differences of opinions when it comes to the actual ceremony.”

“Just insist on having your own way because you’re the bride and it will be fine,” Elena assured her as they stopped in at Olympia’s room to see if she was ready. “Perhaps we could have a double ceremony,” she said looking between the two of them. “That way at least one of the boys should remember the date.”

“I couldn’t intrude on Olympia’s big day,” Hailey said giving the girl a smile. “I’ve already stolen part of her thunder but Stefano and I couldn’t wait any longer to tell all of you and we knew Demetrius wouldn’t be able to keep it to himself for long once he was up here.”

“I couldn’t be happier to hear your announcement,” Olympia said, and she believed her. “Stefano seems so happy with you next to him. I hope I’m that happy on my wedding day.”

“As do I,” she stated letting Elena and Leann lead them down to the living room.

“Ah, there’s my darling girl,” Thomas said looking her over, head to toe. “Stunning my girl, a radiant smile to match your beautiful heart.”

“Thank you, Dad,” she said kissing his cheek as Stefano came over to them.

“You’ve never looked more beautiful to me,” he stated giving her a soft kiss that had their mothers beaming even brighter at them. “What are they so in bliss of?” he asked quietly as they moved off to talk in private and his grandfather asked Thomas a question.

“I told them that you had agreed to waiting until the wedding to be intimate but that you’ve taken great liberty in kissing me whenever the mood strikes you. So now they think that every time you’re kissing me…”

“Is so that I can be a gentleman and stick to my word? Quite clever Hailey,” he said giving her a smile as he took in her earrings. “Your father’s right, you do look stunning.”

“It’s easy to when you have beautiful jewelry to showcase. Speaking of which…your mother said that my favorite pair of earrings, the only jewelry that I have ever been overly cautious of, happens to have been purchased in Greece by you,” she said lifting a brow at him. “She now thinks that gesture is because you were perhaps falling for me even back then. I know that’s not true, so why did you buy them for me Stefano?”

“Because I saw them and knew they would look incredible next to your skin. They were so special, different from everything else I’d seen, just like you and I wanted to get you something that would make you smile rather than remember you with tears in your beautiful eyes. They were part apology from me even if you didn’t know they came from me.”

“Thank you, I’ve loved them from the moment I opened the box.”

“Good and I don’t mind if my mother is wondering if I’ve been falling in love with you for years. If she asks, I’ll go with it,” he added kissing her cheek hearing their mothers call out his name as Kyra returned to the room. “I’ll be right back,” he promised leaving her next to Olympia to see what the women wanted. “Mother, Leann…”

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