"Let me look at you," she said, cheerfully. By 'you' she meant my hand sporting the beautiful, precious ring that had meant a lot to her. "Perfect. I know it must have taken a lot for you to put your trust in another man, but you have nothing to worry about in Sawyer. That child could have grown to be a real playboy, and I'm sure there were more than a few girls who wanted to be more to Sawyer, but until now he hadn't met a girl he wanted to marry."
"He did live with Charlotte," I couldn't help saying. The words were out before I could reconcile them in my mind.
"He did, but she was all wrong for him. She's wrong for James as well, for that matter, but …" she sighed heavily. "Highly strung and greedy, she always has been. When Sawyer first dated her, it was Charlotte who did all the chasing, made more of their relationship than Sawyer was comfortable with at the beginning. They were better as friends than boyfriend and girlfriend. Ronald had her pegged as a flighty girl, something I hadn't seen in her in the beginning. That one has always been notorious for wanting more or what someone else had. Looking back, it was a mistake to tolerate the relationship between her and James, but it's too late to do anything about that now."
"By the sounds of things, James bore the brunt of what they did—not that I'm condoning any of it," I replied.
"He did, and I tried to point this out to Ronald at the time, but he's always had a soft spot for Sawyer."
"Sawyer told me what happened."
"He did?" she asked, surprised. "Did he tell you he pulled the girls together and asked them to share his uncle's inheritance?"
"Yes, he did, and I love him for that. I wouldn't expect anything less of him; he's full of compassion."
"Indeed. His action toward his brother showed everyone he was the better man."
"I believe congratulations are in order," Ronald's booming voice broke into our conversation, and we both turned to see him stepping into the hallway from the great room, Sawyer grinning widely behind him.
"Thank you." We both replied as Sawyer stepped forward and held me protectively by my waist when his father spoke to us.
"You haven't told the rest of the clan yet. Do you think you'll do this at dinner this evening?" Ronald asked.
"I was thinking maybe we'd keep it to ourselves for a couple more days and announce it on New Year's Eve, right before midnight," I replied, thinking Charlotte would be there and it would send a clear message to her about Sawyer's future, our future.
"Oh, what a wonderful idea!" Sawyer's mom gushed. She stepped forward and hugged her son excitedly, patting his back before she pulled me in for one as well.
"New Year's Eve it is then," Ronald confirmed.
Chapter Thirty-Two
In previous years, if Logan and I had been invited to a New Year's Eve party, I had usually done my own hair and makeup, bought a nice dress to wear in the post-Christmas sales, and turned up at the host's house or venue as Logan's plus one.
I always felt presentable until I got there and thought everyone else appeared spectacularly dressed and most of the women looked as if they'd taken days to get ready. Usually, I'd tried to wave this thought aside, blaming my confidence issues, but once I had spent time with Sawyer's family, the preparation that went into them attending a party was a real eye-opener.
The female members of the family went all out for the New Year's Eve party held by Sawyer's parents at their magnificent home. I gained insight into how the other half lived when two hairstylists, two makeup artists, a masseuse and two nail technicians arrived to ensure everyone looked their best on the night.
As we entered the family spa and indoor pool area, the atmosphere resembled a pamper party when their house staff served mimosas in the large twelve-person Jacuzzi.
After being coaxed to try a full-body bentonite clay skin treatment, I had waxing treatments and the most relaxing facial of my life; I felt like a limp noodle. This was followed by hair and full makeup appointments, and by the time I was done I'd never spent as many hours on getting ready, ever.
I felt a little guilty for having spent so much time on my appearance, but the result had made me look like a million bucks, even if I did say so myself.
Inspecting myself in the mirror, I stared in disbelief at how I looked in the new, expensive, black velvet cocktail dress I'd brought especially for the evening. I had hoped Sawyer would like it. It was backless and far riskier than I usually went for, but after trying it on in the store I’d had to have it. I loved how sexy I felt in it after noting how it accentuated my curves to perfection.
"Wow. What a fabulous dress, Billie. I hope you don't mind, but Mom thought you might like to wear these. I believe you told her you were wearing black velvet," Tammy said, placing two jewelry boxes on the table.
She looked incredible in a long purple velvet gown. An elegant diamond necklace and teardrop earrings accessorized her attire to perfection. "These were some of my grandma's favorite pieces," she informed me, passing me a round green velvet necklace box and tapping a long, slim one still where she'd left it.
Taking it from her with shaky hands, I cracked open the hinged box and gasped in shock. My eyes almost bulged out of my head when I saw a diamond necklace with a large princess cut emerald encased in its solid gold setting nestled inside of it.
"Oh my goodness! It's stunning," I remarked, my small voice trailing off in a whisper because I owned the ring belonging to this set. "I couldn't possibly…"
"Nonsense, of course, you can, otherwise no one will ever get to see them. They're beautiful, and sentimental to the family," Sawyer's sister told me in a casual manner.
Taking the necklace from the box, she turned me around to face the mirror and clasped it closed around my neck.
Staring at myself in the mirror again, I delicately fingered the necklace and leaned closer to take in the stunning jewels again.
"Here," she said, tapping my hand and wrapping the gorgeous matching bracelet around my wrist. I had been so enthralled I hadn't noticed her removing it from its box. "There's a ring that goes with the set as well, but I think maybe my mom thinks it may be a little big for you. I know she'd hate for it to get lost."
Dropping my gaze to the floor, I felt guilty about the ring again. I knew Sawyer and his parents were excited they knew a secret, so I couldn't come clean with her.
Fortunately, Belle pushed her way into the room wearing the most gorgeous dress made with feathers, satin and lace, and Tammy was immediately distracted.
When she had left the room, I slipped my feet into my black patent stiletto heels and glanced at myself in the mirror again. I felt as if I were in a dream, a great dream, one I wasn't waking up from.
I'd never worn much makeup ever, but the way it had been done was very subtle. My long hair had been styled in a half knot up-do with the length trailing in curls down my back.
Bubbles of anticipation burst in my stomach at how Sawyer would react when he saw me, and I realized I'd rarely felt this excited.
As if he'd read my mind, Sawyer knocked gently on the guest room door I'd been given for the beautician to work. When he opened it, his eyes almost bugged out of his head and for a few long seconds, he stood frozen and speechless.
I held my breath while his greedy eyes took me in, and I heard him swallow. Then he suddenly burst into life, and the small smile on his lips grew into a grin and he rushed over toward me.
"Wow," he whispered, shaking his head like he was lost for words. "Wow," he said, louder. “You look incredible." Sliding his large hand around my waist, his thumb touched my bare skin and glided the length of my back to the nape of my neck before he turned me back to the mirror and wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.
I'd barely gotten a look at him in his tuxedo because I'd been so busy staring at his face, but from the brief glimpse, I knew he looked hot as hell.
"These look as if they were made for you," he mumbled, fingering the diamonds in the mirror like I had done right before he came in. He planted small kisses on my bare sho
ulders before I turned in his arms. I glanced up at him full of concern. "I'm petrified I'm going to lose them, or a stone from them, at least."
"Not gonna happen. Mom has them checked by a jeweler twice a year to ensure the settings are sound," he reassured me gently.
"Good to know," I commented wryly, as he placed his forehead on mine.
Giving me a small smile, I looked into his bright hazel eyes and saw the familiar look of adoration in them. "Are you nervous?" he whispered.
"Petrified."
"You need never be afraid when you're with me. You and I are all that matters, remember?"
When he held me and reminded me of this, I felt calm again, and he was right, we'd committed to one another. I knew tongues would wag about me being an older divorcée, but if Sawyer and his family didn't care, then neither did I.
"Okay, how are we going to do this?"
Patting his breast pocket, Sawyer gave me a crooked smile. "With style, my precious. With style." Giving me a wink, he held out his arm and I threaded mine through it. "Don't worry, they'll love you. And anyway, even if they don't—that's my job." He smiled. My nerves instantly gathered and grew in my stomach when he opened the bedroom door and led me down the stairs.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Entering the grand, festively decorated room on Sawyer's arm felt surreal, like a fairy tale. The great room was now mainly devoid of furniture for the New Year's party. It had all been replaced with standing tables as cocktail and canapé servers milled around the guests.
Nervously, I tried not to noticeably cling to Sawyer as I scanned the many faces until I found someone I knew. A man in a smart tuxedo stood with his back to me talking to Lorna, but as soon as her eyes connected with mine she smiled widely, excused herself, and hurried over toward us.
"Jeez, you look fabulous," she gushed, holding me again by my elbows so she could check out my dress. The way she did this like was how she had done it the first time we met. Ignoring the jewels as if they were insignificant, she continued to gush about the fabric, the cut and the style of my cocktail dress.
"Oh, Jeez, look at you," a good-looking, medium built man around the same age as Sawyer said as he walked over toward us, a wide grin plastered to his face. Sawyer chuckled, slipped my arm from his and held my hand instead. "This explains a lot," the man commented, smiling, and nodded his head toward me. "We haven't seen you in months. Now I don't have to guess why," he offered with a chuckle. I stood observing Sawyer's well-polished friend, who was a couple of inches shorter with strawberry blond hair and golden tan.
"True, but as you can see, it was a no-brainer," Sawyer teased back before looking at me.
"Billie, this is Jenson, my best buddy from my baseball days."
"Pleased to meet you," he replied, warmly. He leaned forward and kissed my cheek.
"Seriously," Sawyer snapped in mock annoyance, and Jenson grinned. "Just testing," he joked. "Buddy, I think you've got it bad. Looks like your single days are numbered," he told Sawyer with a wink.
Sawyer chuckled. "You have no idea my friend," Sawyer admitted and slapped a heavy hand on his friend's shoulder.
The two friends continued to make small talk for another few minutes before Sawyer moved me on and introduced me to a few different groups of people, consisting of aunts, cousins and their other halves until my head was swimming with names and I could barely remember two from the first group he'd taken me to.
Glancing out the French doors I saw two gigantic tents had been erected on the lawn. From where I stood I saw each was decked out with wooden flooring and had been decorated with white satin draped ceilings and walls.
The first had been furnished with large round tables and chairs for people to sit down and eat, while the second was obviously for the entertainment and had a small stage and a dance floor already in place.
"This is how you grew up?" I asked, in disbelief. It amazed me how down to earth they all were, despite the abundance of wealth and high society people milling around.
"It is, but my parents are remarkably normal people, considering some of the stuffy and arrogant acquaintances they have to interact with in their day-to-day lives."
I had to agree; none of Sawyer's family appeared arrogant or entitled, as I would have expected, had I known his circumstance before meeting them. The only person who had tried to make me feel inferior was Charlotte.
As the night wore on, my apprehension grew in anticipation of our engagement announcement until every minute felt like an hour.
At one point I almost got cold feet when I glanced around the room and wondered how the heck I could fit into a world so steeped in affluent history. In my mind I was bound to stand out like a sore thumb.
Fortunately, my thoughts of running off into the night were frequently interrupted by various polite people who were curious about Sawyer and me, and some who genuinely wanted to talk to me about how happy Sawyer appeared to be. I was holding my own in conversation until I saw Charlotte and James arrive.
It took all of three seconds for her to find me in the crowded room and scowl. I managed to take in the incredible slinky, silver crystal-beaded dress with another plunging neckline she wore before she made a beeline for me.
As if they'd been looking out for her, Sawyer and Caitlin appeared by my side out of nowhere and Charlotte's pace immediately stalled. "I got your back," Caitlin mumbled, her hand reaching for mine by my side and giving it a tight little squeeze.
Glancing toward me, Sawyer bent his head and whispered in my ear. "Nothing matters but us," he reminded me and I glanced up at him, flashed him a mock seductive smile, and he chuckled. Before his ex could gather her wits for her next move, Sawyer turned me away from her and led me toward the music in the tent. "Dance with me. I want to see how your ass feels when you move in this dress."
Glancing over my shoulder, I saw Caitlin walk toward Charlotte, effectively blocking her from reaching me as Sawyer and I left through the French doors and into the entertainment tent. As we stepped onto the dance floor "Senorita" by Shawn Mendes and Camilla Cabello began to play.
Wrapping his arms around my waist from behind again Sawyer began to sway with me as the sensual tone of the music washed over us.
"Thank you," he whispered.
"For?"
"For everything you've done to me … for making me fall in love, and for all the things you've let me do to you." He chuckled, dipped his head, and brushed his lips over my bare shoulder. A small thrill of delight shot down my spine before he placed a firmer kiss on my shoulder and rested his chin there. The intimacy of this drained all stress from my body.
Singing quietly in my ear, the sultry words of the song made me shiver as tiny electrical pulses radiated through me. "This would be a great song to eat you out to," he muttered, making my feet falter and my core pulse.
"Sawyer," I admonished, spinning in his arms at his dirty confession. Pulling me tightly against him, he chuckled heartily and despite my shock, I found myself laughing along with him.
"I love catching you off guard." He chuckled again. "But not quite as much as I love burying my face in your pussy." My jaw dropped in utter shock at his filthy words and I glanced around to make sure no one could hear him. Before I could protest further, he grabbed my hand and slid my engagement ring back on. Lacing his hand in mine he led me back inside.
"Come on. It's time. I can't wait another minute to let the world—well, a few who think it revolves around them—know you're mine."
My heart was beating like a clock out of sync from a surge of adrenaline, while he tugged me gently behind him. I felt like a nervous high school girl entering her prom all over again. A feeling that was in direct opposition to how confident and relaxed Sawyer appeared with what he was about to do.
Nodding in the direction of his father, I saw Ronald pick up a large serving spoon from the buffet from inside the dining room, walk to a standing table in the great room and bang it on it. Within seconds every person in the room fell si
lent.
"Once again, it is the pleasure of my beautiful wife, Harriett, and I to welcome you into our home as we see out another old year and make ready to bring in the new," he bellowed. A small, polite ripple of applause erupted around the room. "As we near midnight, I believe our son, Sawyer, has some news he'd like to share with you all before we gather together in the entertainment tent for the traditional count down to the Ball Drop, in Times Square."
"Don't tell us, he's got a recording contract," James mumbled loud enough for us to hear and lifted a beer to his lips.
"Not this time, brother, this is worth a hundred of those," Sawyer threw back without malice. Having stepped near his father, Sawyer left me standing a few feet away from him. When he realized I wasn't at his side, he turned and waved his hand for me to join him again. Oh, dear goodness, what the heck am I doing?
My stomach was in turmoil, but I sucked a deep breath and nervously followed his lead until his arm encircled my waist.
"You've all met my girl, Billie, I take it?" he asked but didn't wait for them to reply. Clearing his throat, he smiled down at me and winked, before readdressing the room full of people.
"You'll have to excuse me because I've never done this before." he smiled. "A few days ago, I asked Billie to be my wife, and I'm excited to tell you all that she said yes. So, if you wouldn't mind, ladies and gentlemen, get out your cell phones and record this for posterity because I know you all never thought you'd hear these words pass my lips." After a few loud chuckles, I saw his sisters doing what Sawyer had suggested. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I proudly and formally introduce my fiancée and bride-to-be: Billie Collier, soon to be Mrs. Billie Wild."
The cheers in the room were deafening as Sawyer took my mouth in a kiss so full of emotion it brought tears to my eyes. Breaking the kiss, Tammy stepped forward, dabbing her eyes with a tissue and whispered in my ear. "The ring looks perfect on you. I'm so glad Mom gave it to Sawyer." I let out a sigh of relief and realized I'd forgotten to breathe.
DARE You, Dare Duet, Part One: Billie and Sawyer: Unchained Attraction Series Page 27
