Only she was able to see the glint of amusement in those emerald eyes. She better wrest control or this was going to be a disaster. “Absolutely. Aspen, I’d love to plan a party for you and Brick. But I can do it on my own. No need for Kane to be tortured with party planning when I’ve got it under control.”
“Nope, I’m all in.” His teeth flashed in a grin. “I’m looking forward to every step. We do this together—a best man and maid of honor gift.”
“That’s really nice, guys,” Brick said.
Aspen gave her a grateful look. “I’m overwhelmed—thank you so much. Just give us the date so we can clear it.”
“No problem. With time being so short, Sierra and I will get right to the planning.” Kane turned to her. “Just let me know when we can schedule an evening together and I’ll be there.”
Sierra dug her fingernails into her palms to keep from hitting him. She forced a sickly-sweet smile while her eyes shot murder. “Sure. Can’t wait.”
“Speaking of gifts, I’ve been dying to open the one you bought,” Aspen said.
“Oh, of course.” She took the wrapped box and handed it over. “But you can open it up at home. It’s getting late and I better get going.”
She hadn’t even finished her sentence before Aspen was ripping into it like a toddler on Christmas. Damn, she’d forgotten her sister was like a present junkie and could never wait. Unease shot through her. She’d hoped it’d be opened in private. Having Kane here to be a witness threw her off.
Aspen sucked in her breath as she drew the necklace out with trembling hands. The white gold flashed in the light, illuminating the gorgeous glimmer of rubies spelling out the word LOVE in elegant script. “It’s Mom’s necklace.”
A rush of memories overtook her. Standing in the chapel, before her wedding, and deliberately removing one of her mother’s most cherished items. Maybe she’d sensed all along her sister was the one destined to wear it. When Sierra decided to marry Patrick, she’d also shut down a part of her heart to protect herself.
Aspen had always loved more like Mom. With a reckless abandon and faith in the end result. Like her stories.
Sierra focused on the present and nodded. “I’ve been keeping it for you. Mom always believed in a great love, so I’ve been waiting for the right time for you to have it.” They shared a glance, and she knew Aspen understood why it was never gifted when she was engaged to Ryan. Even then, Sierra had known he wasn’t meant for her. Tears clogged her throat but she continued. “You found your great love, Aspen. And now the necklace is yours.”
Aspen began to cry. Brick hugged her close, then clasped the necklace around her neck. “It’s so beautiful. Thank you, Sierra.”
She smiled. “Welcome.”
Sierra hadn’t planned to look over at Kane; she had no intention of sharing such an emotional moment with him. But it was as if her gaze was drawn, and when their eyes locked, she stilled.
Raw emotion shot out at her; a mix of pain and longing and so much hunger it was as if her heart broke open to allow room for him to enter. She fought the urge to reach out to him; lay her hand on his rough cheek and soothe the beast that seemed ready to burst out. She wanted him to share his secrets. She knew there were many untold from their one night, and from his obvious reaction to her gift.
But she said nothing. When she managed to tear herself away and refocus, it was as if the moment was just a dream or a distant memory. His voice was calm and controlled, depicting none of the turmoil she’d glimpsed. “What a thoughtful gift.” He paused. “You two are lucky to have one another.”
A current of beeps broke the spell. Aspen scooped up her phone with a frown, then began laughing. “And it’s official. I won the bet.”
Brick shook his head as he did the same and studied his screen. “The news broke. I’ve got a ton of messages coming in. But how do you know its Marco?”
Aspen shot him a triumphant look. “Because Maleficent told me she found out from Marco, and he’s spent the last hour spreading the news. Told ya.”
“He should run for mayor,” Kane muttered.
Everyone laughed.
The server appeared asking about dessert. They all declined, and Brick paid the bill.
In the parking lot, Sierra hugged Brick and her sister, nodding at Kane, while she lied and promised to contact him about the engagement party. No need to blast out her intention to do it all herself or give suspicion that she wanted nothing to do with him. His gaze was like a physical hold, trying to clutch tight, but she jumped in her car and peeled away before anyone could stop her.
When she got home, she locked the doors and hid in her safe retreat.
She kicked off her strappy platform white sandals with funky chain straps—an oldie but goodie from years ago—and headed to the bedroom. Sliding her shoes carefully into their spot was a satisfying balm to her soul. She took a few moments to gaze at her collection and allowed a few moments of peace to steal over her.
Lovingly, she closed the closet doors and turned to grab her pj’s.
The doorbell rang.
Sierra closed her eyes, dreading the confrontation. Because she knew one thing she could no longer escape.
