It Must Be Love

by Nicki Night

  “I’ve planned a great night for us. Go home, get dressed and I’ll be there in an hour.”

  Before she could respond, he kissed her again. Hand in hand, they stood and he walked her to the car.

  Sterling had already made room for Jewel in his heart. Now it was time to truly make room for her in his life.

  Chapter 23

  “Jewel! How have you been? I haven’t heard from you.” Kevin’s voice boomed through the car speakers.

  “Hey, Kevin. Work, work and more work. You know how it goes. Plus my sister Chloe is getting married so that has taken up a lot of extra time.” And Sterling. Jewel wiggled at the thought of his name. Flashes of them in his bed blazed a hot trail of delicious thoughts across her mind. “So what’s up with you?”

  “Ah you know—moving business along. Which brings me to why I called. Did you get my latest package?”

  “I did.”

  “And.” Kevin stretched the word over several beats.

  “I still haven’t made a decision. I just got a promotion at work and things have been really busy. Honestly, there’s a lot for me to weigh here. It’s not an easy decision.”

  “I really need you, Jewel. Would it help if I made the pot even sweeter?”

  “Tempting, Kevin. Very tempting.”

  “You’ll have a new offer in your inbox by Monday. Have a great weekend.”

  “Kevin, I—”

  “Bye now.” He ended the call.

  Jewel pressed her lips together, took a deep breath and exhaled. This guy wasn’t trying to take no for an answer.

  After a few more minutes of driving she pulled up to her sister Chloe’s house and noticed Jade’s car. This evening they were addressing the rest of the invitations.

  “Hey gals!” Jewel hugged Jade and Chloe. “What are we drinking tonight?”

  “Margaritas!” Jade held hers in the air. With a wave of her hand, she invited Jewel to follow her into the dining room where they had invitations, envelopes, stamps, stickers and response cards spread across the table.

  “My kind of party. But first, I need to eat. I haven’t had anything since lunch and if I put a margarita on this empty stomach these invitations might be ruined!” Jewel placed her handbag on one of the chairs.

  “Yuck!” Jade scrunched her nose.

  “I have a fruit platter and some cheese and crackers. If you want more than that there’s leftovers in the fridge. I seared a tuna steak with some risotto and veggies last night. You’re welcome to have that.”

  “Yes!” Jewel pumped her fist. “I love it when you make risotto. I can’t seem to get it right.” Before Jewel could make it to the kitchen, her phone rang.

  Hearing Sterling’s voice put a smile in her heart that radiated on her face. She cooed, giggled and purred for the entire short conversation. When she was done, she looked up to find Chloe and Jade staring at her in awe. The three of them exchanged knowing looks before dissolving into laughter.

  “What has gotten into you?” Chloe asked suspiciously.

  “Maybe the question should be who has gotten into you?” Jade wiggled her eyebrows.

  “What?” Jewel feigned innocence.

  Chloe smirked. “That was not convincing.”

  “I know you seemed way too happy when you first bounced in here.” Jade grabbed Jewel by the hand and dragged her back to the dining room. “Still is.” She sat, propped her chin on her fist and waited for Jewel to start talking.

  Jewel’s lips spread into a toothy grin. “Okay. It’s Sterling Bishop.”

  “Stephan and Taylor’s brother, Sterling?” Jade stretched her neck in Jewel’s direction.”

  Jewel smiled and nodded.

  “The one who just revamped our computer systems at the office?” Chloe’s mouth fell open. “Does dad know?”

  “Of course not!” Jewel rolled her eyes upward. “I hadn’t planned on telling anyone—besides you both eventually, of course.”

  “Sounds like something changed.”

  Jewel raised her brows. “Maybe.”

  “Oh my goodness, Jewel. You like him. You really like him! I can tell.”

  “There’s a lot to like about him!” Jewel unleashed a belly laugh. She was done playing coy.

  “Wasn’t he married before?” Chloe asked.

  “Yes. And he had a little girl, right.” Jade looked at Jewel for confirmation. She nodded. “I’m surprised.”

  “Me, too. I met his daughter.”

  Chloe’s mouth fell open and Jade gasped.

  “You’re kidding.”

  Jewel sighed and got serious. “No. I can’t believe it myself. Dom and Harper dared me to go out with him to prove I was just being superficial about my standards for dating. I took them up on the challenge figuring he was good for a few dates and maybe even a delicious romp or two and then that would be it. Well, that wasn’t it. We’ve been inseparable ever since. I was really nervous about meeting his daughter and almost backed out, but it was like I had to prove something to myself.”

  “I cannot believe what I’m hearing. Keep going.” Jade motioned with her hands encouraging Jewel to continue.

  “She is the cutest little thing—confident, fun and toothless. Ha!” Jewel clapped as she laughed.

  “How cute.” Chloe held one hand to her heart.

  “What about his ex-wife?”

  “I met her, too.”

  “You did?” Jade’s mouth fell open again.

  Jewel shared the exchange with them and revealed that he introduced her as his girlfriend. She didn’t let on in that moment, but she knew she’d made the right decision in sticking around after meeting Kylee. Jewel also shared the fact that Sterling made it clear that he wanted to be with her. Chloe covered her mouth with her hand and Jade squealed.

  “I don’t know.”

  “What do you mean you don’t know?” Chloe asked looking confused. “It’s obvious that you’re into him. I’ve never seen you like this over a man. Not even the ones who met your standard.”

  “I know. It’s almost scary. Besides being a dad and ex-husband, he’s perfect. Sterling is so intelligent, sweet, thoughtful and handsome! But...”

  “Are you hesitant to bring him around Mom and Dad?”

  “Eh. I already know Mom is going to have a fit about it. He’s not of our pedigree even though he has a successful business. He’s not from a wealthy family. The fact that he has a kid will probably make her heart stop for a while. But, Dad.” Jewel paused. “Sterling used to stop by to see me in the office all the time and once Dad walked in unexpectedly. We hadn’t done anything of course, but I still felt like a kid who had gotten caught in the room with a boy. Sterling stopped dropping in after that. And just so you know, we didn’t go out on our first date until after the work was completed.”

  “I don’t see what the problem is. You’re the one who told me to live my life on my own terms and now I’m getting married to the most amazing man ever.”

  “Don’t look at me,” Jade said. “I got my rebellious ways from you. If you want to date the man, have at him. At least you’ll get to see what kind of father he’ll be if you stay together.”

  “If being with him makes you feel good inside and out, go for it. Everything else will fall into place. As long as he’s treating you right, sooner or later, Mom and Dad will get on the bandwagon.”

  “You’re both right.” Jewel sighed. “I can’t believe I’m doing this!”

  “Oh! You should invite him to the wedding!” Chloe said, like it was the best idea she’d come up with all year.

  “Yes!” Jade cosigned.

  Little did they know, Jewel had already thought about asking Sterling.

  Chapter 24

  Sterling wished the summer would slow down just a little. Now that Kylee would be leaving again by the end of A
ugust, Sterling felt as if the days were passing far too quickly. He’d taken time off to spend with Kylee. Trips to the beach, amusement parks, Broadway shows and a day playing tourist in New York City made him exhausted but yielded delight beyond anything he could have imagined. Kylee belted tunes from the show all the way to Jewel’s house and Sterling joined in. Every time he messed up the words or went off key, Kylee would cackle until the sound dissipated from her little body. Sterling continued butchering the songs purposely just to hear the music her giggles created.

  Jewel opened the door at the same time Kylee and Sterling made it up the walk. Kylee leaped into her arms and hugged her neck. Jewel swung her around. Sterling’s heart swelled a little more. Jewel would be an amazing mother. Sterling sniffed a small chuckle at the ambitious thought. Where had it come from? He wasn’t ready for more kids just yet.

  One good look at Jewel and warmth spread over Sterling. Bone-straight, jet-black hair framed her beautiful face. Plump red lips called out to him. Sterling fought the urge to kiss the soft, glowing skin of her bare shoulders. The light fragrance she wore delicately caressed his sense of smell. The black strapless romper gave her a sexy, yet comfortable look.

  Sterling could tell she was a bit nervous by the way she fiddled with her fingers. “No need to be nervous. My family is super cool.”

  Jewel stood straighter. “I’m not nervous.”

  “You’re not?”

  “Of course I am. Who isn’t nervous about meeting their boyfriend’s parents?” She huffed.

  “You’ll be fine. Let’s go.”

  During the drive, Sterling noticed how stark the differences in their neighborhoods were. Jewel, being from the North Shore, lived among lush greenery and spacious lots with grand homes set far back from the side of the road. Sterling’s South Shore community was a typical suburban neighborhood with tree-lined streets, sidewalks and modest cozy homes set a short distance from one another. Kids whizzed down the road on bicycles. Couples walked with strollers, waving at their neighbors. The sounds of a summer on a Sunday afternoon filled the atmosphere. The mouthwatering aroma of a barbecue flavored the air.

  The closer they got to his parents’ home, the more anxious Sterling became. He knew his family would love Jewel. It was another step in confirming they were meant for each other. He wasn’t worried about her father. He’d already earned his respect. Of course, dating his daughter was different, but Sterling was sure Bobby Dale would be okay with her seeing a stand-up kind of guy who didn’t shy away from his responsibilities.

  A nervous smiled passed Jewel’s lips when Sterling pulled over to the curb. He squeezed her hand.

  “We’re here.”

  The second Sterling put the car in Park Kylee leaped out and went running through the open white gate toward the backyard.

  Sterling rounded the car, opened the passenger door and helped Jewel out. Then he reached into the back seat for the cake box that Jewel had brought from her grandparents’ restaurant and bakery.

  Jewel flashed Sterling a pensive gaze. He took her hand once again. “Ready?”

  Jewel inhaled and released the air slowly. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Let’s do this.”

  Sterling laughed. Jewel’s wit was one of his many favorite things about her.

  Sterling led Jewel through the gate into the yard and was bombarded with greetings by his entire family. Kylee was off somewhere in the back of the house.

  “Hey, sweetie!” Patti buried Sterling in her embrace and then took the cake box he was holding.

  Sterling planted a loud kiss on his mother’s cheek.

  “How’s it going, son?” Charles embraced Sterling and patted him on the back.

  “What’s up, big head?” Taylor swatted him.

  “Dude!” That was all Stephan said before slapping his brother five.

  Everyone stood still with anxious grins anticipating Sterling’s introduction. For an awkward moment they stared in awe as if she were on display at a museum. Sterling laughed. “Family!” he announced, shifting everyone’s attention at once. “This is my girlfriend, Jewel. Jewel this is my mother, Patti Bishop, my dad, Charles Bishop, and my sister and brother, Taylor and Stephan, whom I think you may already know.”

  “Yes. It’s a pleasure to meet you all. Thank you for having me.”

  Now Jewel was met with a barrage of greetings. Patti hugged her, Charles and Stephan offered cordial handshakes and nods and finally Taylor tilted her head and smiled.

  “Nice to meet you,” Taylor said. “Please excuse us, we’re not creepy. We’re just excited to meet someone that Sterling brought home to the family. I hope we didn’t make you feel like an exotic animal behind a glass wall at the zoo. Ha!” Taylor took Jewel by the hand. “Don’t be scared. We really are normal folk.” Her laugh followed them all the way to the backyard.

  Sterling couldn’t help but laugh at his family’s obvious enthusiasm. He assumed it was due to the fact that he’d only brought one woman around to meet his family since Raven—and that short-lived relationship properly forecasted by his mother and sister ended abruptly. He could tell right away that they liked Jewel.

  When Sterling got to the back of the house the women went inside and the men were seated under the gazebo. Knowing that he wouldn’t gain access to Jewel now that his mother and sister had swept her away, he joined his father and brother.

  “You’re right. I do remember her from high school. She was pretty cool.”

  “She’s still pretty cool.” Sterling winked at Stephan.

  “Nice looking young lady,” their dad noted.

  “I’d say so.”

  “Shoot. She’s a little more than nice looking,” Stephan added. “And right now, she’s alone with our sister and mother.”

  The three of them seemed to immediately connect in thought.

  “Yeah,” Charles said slowly, raising a brow. “She’s probably under some kind of interrogation. You might want to check in on her.” Charles snickered.

  Sterling posted his hands on the arms of the chair he sat in and lifted himself up. “I think you’re right.”

  Sterling found the three of them in the kitchen. Kylee was in the dining room playing a game on her tablet.

  “Mmm.” Patti’s eyes were closed and her head lifted to the ceiling. She held an empty fork and with her other hand cupped under it. “Now that was good. What does your grandma call that one?”

  “Lemonade pound cake.”

  “Let me taste, Ma!” Taylor maneuvered closer to the cake and stuck in a fresh fork. After her bite, she pretended to roll her eyes up into her head savoring the obviously scrumptious dessert. “That is amazing,” she said with her mouth still full.

  “It truly is. I love that one best. She makes so many.”

  “We have to go to their restaurant and bakery. Make sure you give me the address before you leave.” Patti put her fork down and dusted crumbs from her hands. “Come on, Taylor. Let’s get this food out.”

  “Please let me help.” Jewel grabbed a bowl of salad from the counter and followed the women to the yard.

  When the table was set, the family said grace. Patti told her husband about the delicious dessert awaiting them as they passed dishes and filled their plates with grilled chicken and vegetables, roasted corn on the cob and mixed green salad with summer fruit sprinkled on top.

  Jewel seemed to blend in as if she’d been a fixture within Sterling’s family for years. His chest swelled with pride. It pleased him to see his family embrace Jewel this way. Conversation flowed easily from one topic to the other. Patti had even chronicled how she and Charles met after he had an accident when she had just begun to work as a claims agent. Charles worked for the utility company at the time. Both enjoyed long careers with their companies and were fairly young retirees. Now they spent most of their time traveling back and forth to their second home in
Georgia where they planned to permanently retire one day.

  Sterling kept watch over Jewel who seemed to be thoroughly engaged. His heart melted a little when she helped Kylee break apart her chicken wing. Everything about Jewel screamed “she’s the one” to him. He hadn’t thought finding “the one” was even possible. That’s why he chose to put dating aside and focus on being the best father he could be. Until Jewel came around, Sterling didn’t realize what he’d been missing. Besides the toe-curling sex, Jewel reminded him what the good life was all about. No matter how successful his company was or how much money he made, life without a great woman wasn’t as fulfilling. Being a father filled many voids, but Sterling discovered more voids had existed when Jewel’s presence began to fill them.

  “Jade just got a promotion.” Sterling’s chest expanded a little further.

  “Congratulations, honey. What are you doing now?” Patti asked over a forkful of veggies.

  “Vice President of Operations,” Jewel answered and then flashed Sterling a sweet smile. He winked back.

  “Good for you. Congrats!” Taylor said.

  “That sounds like a pretty big deal,” Stephan said. “Chandler Foods is a huge company.”

  “Your family owns Chandlers over on the pier, too, right?” Patti asked.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I think I’ve seen your mother before. I’m in an organization and we had an event there a few years back.”

  Charles nodded in agreement. “I remember that. I was with you wasn’t I?”

  Patti nodded. “You sure were.”

  “Nice place from what I recall,” Charles said.

  “Yes. The view was beautiful.”

  Charles slapped the table with his palms, arresting everyone’s attention. “Time to play some cards. You know anything about pitty pat, young lady?” he asked Jewel.