Chapter 28 #2
I didn’t even have to think about it. “Yes! Absolutely. I love you, and I want that too.”
He removed a box from his pocket and held up a ring. It was a gorgeous sapphire-and-diamond cluster ring that had to be vintage. It was unique, and I absolutely loved it. But I loved the man holding it even more.
“This was my grandmother’s ring.” He slid the ring onto my finger, and it was a perfect fit. “She left it to me with a note. She told me that I would know when I met the right woman to wear it. And she was right. Because the only person I could ever imagine wearing it is you.”
I swiped away a tear. “You—” I cupped his cheeks “—are everything I never knew I wanted. I didn’t think I’d ever want to get married again, and yet, I can’t wait to be your wife. I see how much you love Kai, and it makes me fall even more in love with you.”
He tilted his head, a tear tracing its way down his cheek. I swiped it away with my thumb. “I love you, and I’m so grateful you were brave enough to give us a chance.”
“Was there ever any other choice?” I teased, and now I was crying. I was full of so much love and gratitude and hope. This man and the life we were building together was…everything. And I couldn’t wait to see what the future held.
The next morning, I was exhausted but satisfied.
More than satisfied. Jasper always made sure I came first and often, and last night had been no exception.
But there was something about being engaged that seemed to bring out the primal caveman in him.
My fiancé had been ravenous. Fiancé. I stared down at my ring with a smile.
I’d arrived at the private airport just in time for the family jet to land. Jasper had asked if I could pick up Graham and Lily from the airport. It seemed like a strange request since they usually preferred to have their bodyguard drive them when they were in town, but I didn’t question it.
When the door of the plane opened, the first person to descend the stars wasn’t Lily or Graham. It was Zara.
Wait. What?
I shielded my eyes from the sun. “Oh my god. Zara?”
Zara had been talking about visiting for a while, but I’d had no idea she was flying in for my birthday. I wondered how long she and Jasper had been planning this surprise.
Zara practically ran down the steps from the airplane to where I was waiting on the tarmac. We hugged, and it felt like it had been so much longer than eight months since we’d last seen each other. I’d missed her. Texting and phone calls weren’t enough, but I was glad she was here now.
“How was your flight?” I asked, still shocked by her appearance. “I can’t believe you’re actually here. I thought you had a work conference.”
She smirked. “I would never miss my best friend’s birthday, but Jasper and I wanted it to be a surprise. So, I had to come up with something to throw you off.”
“Oh no.” I groaned, though we both knew it was in jest. “The two of you working against me. Should I be scared?” And how had he even gotten her number?
I was too happy to even care. I lifted my hand to swipe away a happy tear when Zara stilled. “Also, congratulations.” She gestured to my engagement ring.
“Why do you not sound surprised?” I asked.
“Jasper may have asked for my opinion on engagement rings.” She grabbed my left hand, holding it out to admire my ring. “Damn, babes. This is even more gorgeous in person than any of the pictures he sent.”
“He sent pictures?” How long had he been planning this?
“Of this and a few, more modern rings. He thought you’d like the history and significance of wearing his grandmother’s ring, and I agreed.”
The light caught the facets, making the diamond sparkle even more. I couldn’t imagine loving a ring more. “You were right.”
“When did he propose?”
I bit back a smile, thinking back to the magical evening he’d created. “Last night.”
“I’m so excited for you.” She hugged me again. “I want to hear all about it on the way back to the house.”
The rest of the crew descended the steps of the plane, including the new flight attendant the Hartwell Agency had sent over since Tabitha was no longer in the position. Jasper had invited her to join the family business and learn more about the Huxley Grand empire.
“Did you fly with Graham and Lily?”
She shook her head. “Just me.”
I laughed. “Very sneaky.”
We put her luggage in the trunk and then climbed into the car. During the drive back to the house, I told her the story of the engagement. She thought the drones were both cute and unique, and I couldn’t agree more.
“Does Kai know?” she asked.
“Not yet. Jasper’s family doesn’t either, but we’re planning to tell everyone at my birthday party.”
“How do you think Kai will take the news?”
I smiled, imagining his reaction. “He’ll be thrilled.”
“Good. I’m so glad Kai is doing well with the move and everything,” she said. “I know you were worried about it, but everything really seems to have worked out for the best.”
“It does,” I said. “He loves Jasper, and Craig’s house is less than twenty minutes away.”
She checked her makeup in the mirror, reapplying her lipstick. “I still can’t believe Craig moved here.”
“I know. Sometimes I can’t believe it either, but he loves it. He’s totally embraced the LA lifestyle.”
She furrowed her brow. “Meaning…”
I laughed. “You’ll have to see for yourself. He’s coming to the party.”
I could feel her eyes on me. “So you guys are friends now?”
“Yeah.” I smiled, turning on my indicator.
“We kind of are. And I can’t wait for you to meet the rest of Jasper’s family.
You’re going to love Kendall and Emerson.
And my LA friends—Alexis, Lauren, and Juliana.
She planned the party, and she has an amazing menu that’s entirely gluten-free. The cake is to die for.”
Life was so much better now that we knew Kai had celiac disease. While some people might dread such a diagnosis, I was grateful. Because it had finally given me answers. More than that, Kai felt so much better. He was like a completely different kid.
“I’m looking forward to it. You’ve told me so much about them, I feel as if I already know them. When does your mom fly in?” Zara asked.
“Tomorrow night.”
“That’s right. And your dad? It sounded like your last visit went well.”
I nodded. “He still has good days and bad days, but I’m always grateful to spend time with him. Jasper has made sure that we see them at least once a month, if not more.”
She sighed. “Ah. The perks of dating a billionaire.”
I laughed. “Something like that.”
“And you’re sure all his brothers are happily married?” she teased, though she already knew the answer. “He doesn’t have a secret half brother somewhere, does he?”
“No, but they have a good friend who’s practically a brother,” I said, thinking of Pierce.
“Is he single?” she asked. When I nodded, she added, “Is he a billionaire too?”
“No. Well…” I hedged. Pierce might not be a billionaire, but I got the feeling he had money. “Anyway, I’m kind of wondering if there’s something going on between him and Tabitha.”
“Ooh, really? Why do you think that?” Zara asked.
I lifted my shoulder as we turned onto our street. “I don’t know. Just a feeling.”
I couldn’t put my finger on the reason, but I’d seen the way they reacted to each other at the past few family gatherings. I sensed there was some tension between them.
“Mm.” She hummed. “Interesting.”
I pressed the button on the remote, waving to our security guard, Tim, as the gate swung open to reveal the tree-lined drive.
It was a view that would never get old. It didn’t matter how many months we’d lived here; I was still in awe that this was my home.
The limestone facade struck the perfect balance of modern and traditional, with the clay tile roof giving a nod to its Californian roots.
But it was the inside that I loved most because it felt like home.
Cozy and chic and effortless. Alexis had nailed it.
“Blimey, babes,” Zara said as we pulled up to the house. “Is that guy always at the gate?”
“Usually. But if not Tim, then someone else.” Jasper had insisted on hiring Hudson Security. If it gave him peace of mind, who was I to disagree?
“This place is even more gorgeous in person,” Zara said.
“Thanks.” We got out of the car, and I grabbed her suitcase from the trunk. “Come on. Kai can’t wait to see you.”
She marveled at the entryway. “This is incredible. All the artwork.” Zara shook her head, holding a hand to her mouth. “Halle.”
“I know.” I smiled.
“Did you pick all of these?”
I bit back a smile. “Perks of dating a billionaire,” I joked.
Unfortunately, the painting I’d loved all those months ago when Jasper and I had gone to view Dimitri’s collection was gone. Sold. I hoped whoever had purchased it appreciated it.
Zara nudged me. “That’s what did it, huh? He got you with that unlimited art budget?”
“No, but he does spoil me.” And not just with material things. Jasper spoiled me with affection and attention. He was my biggest cheerleader and champion, and he was amazing with Kai. He’d been exactly what we’d both needed.
“Good.” Zara wrapped her arm around my waist and gave me a hug. “You deserve to be spoiled. How’s work?”
“Good,” I said. “The sweepstakes ends soon, and I can’t wait to see the winners’ reactions.”
The sweepstakes had been a huge hit. Everyone was buzzing about it. We’d even hired a production company to film the winners and the prizes.
Thanks to the popularity of the competition, the board had been much more amenable when it came to Jasper’s ideas since then.
And I’d been enjoying my new role as SVP more than I’d even expected.
Running the company with Sloan and Jasper was a dream come true.
Graham chimed in when necessary, but he seemed to be more than happy to take a supporting role to the three of us.
“Come on,” I said. “Kai’s probably out in the pool with Jasper.”
After grabbing some drinks, we headed out to the backyard. Where, as I’d guessed, we found Kai and Jasper splashing around, playing in the water. Rosie was curled up on a nearby lounge chair, snoozing beneath an umbrella.
“Zara!” Kai shouted, climbing out of the pool.
Rosie lifted her head, and then she ran over, sniffing at my ankles until I picked her up for a cuddle.
Jasper turned, and when he spotted me, he lit up. He climbed the stairs to greet us, and Zara cleared her throat, averting her gaze as if she couldn’t quite believe her eyes. Hell, I didn’t blame her. The man was hot.
His skin was bronzed from the sun, and he looked relaxed and happy. Water sluiced down the planes of his chest before disappearing into his swim trunks. I wanted to lick him.
Kai ran up to Zara, arms outstretched. Before I could even tell him to stop, Jasper called out, “Wait a second.”
But Zara laughed, saying, “It’s fine.”
Kai wrapped his arms around Zara. She laughed, not caring that he was soaking wet. “I missed you too.”
I rolled my eyes, laughing. And then my smile softened as Jasper leaned in to kiss my temple. “Hey, love.”
“Hi. Having fun?”
“Always. Though…” He lowered his voice. While Kai and Zara were still catching up, he rasped in my ear, “We didn’t get to finish what we started earlier.”
“You mean the two times before that weren’t enough?” I teased.
“With you, it’s never enough.”
“Later,” I mouthed as we followed Kai and Zara into the house.
Some of the heat dialed down in his eyes, going from scorching to a simmer. It was still there, just…not as all-consuming.
Jasper and Kai showered off, and then we all headed back out to the patio where our new chef, Melanie, had set the table for dinner.
“This is delicious,” Zara said, swirling some more pasta onto her fork. “And it’s gluten free?”
“I know, right? Melanie is a wizard with gluten-free food, especially pasta.”
When Jasper had initially suggested hiring a private chef, I’d been opposed.
I wanted homemade meals and family time together.
But I’d quickly realized I didn’t have time to cook every night.
Between our commute, school, the demands of my new position, it was too much.
Now, we were eating healthy, delicious food that met Kai’s dietary needs.
And we enjoyed our meals as a family, and that was what was most important.
That night, as I fell asleep in Jasper’s arms, I couldn’t think of a time I’d been happier. I had a fulfilling job. A loving partner. And Kai was thriving. My birthday might be tomorrow, but I didn’t need to blow out a candle to know that my every wish had already been granted.