Oh.My.God.“It’s beautiful, Ethan!Thank you.”
He removes the platinum necklace from the box, and I admirethe diamond-encrusted, crescent moon-shaped pendant nestled inside an openheart.I sweep my hair to the side so he can clasp it around my neck.A shiverruns down my spine as his fingers brush my nape.
“What’s this for?”
He kisses my cheek and places his lips at my ear.
“Because I love you to the moon and back.”
He walks off without a backward glance, leaving me to stareat his retreating form in shock.He loves me?He loves me.He loves me!Shockturns to giddiness, and I can’t stop smiling.Neither can Anna.
“Promise me I can be in the wedding,” she says.
“That’s a little premature, Anna.”
“Hey, I’m just saying.”
Her smile fades and her eyes dart to the door.I follow hergaze and find Helena standing there.
“Run along, Anna.I need to speak with Casey.”
Anna looks to me as if seeking permission, and I nod to lether know it’s okay.She walks away with her head down.
“Mrs.McKenzie, what can I do for you?”
“The question is what can you do for Ethan?”
“Excuse me?”
Her expression is cold, and I know this will be no friendlychat.She takes my arm and drags me around the corner, out of everyone’s lineof sight.
“I’ve been watching the two of you.It’s obvious that he’s…smittenwith you, but I cannot allow this to continue.”
“With all due respect, that’s up to Ethan and me.”
“This isn’t personal.You’re pretty, and you seem like anice girl.You’re just not the right girl for my son.”
“And Shae is?”
She obviously didn’t think I knew about Shae.She quicklydisposes of her surprise and her cold indifference returns.
“Yes… or someone like her.”
“Why?”
“My son deserves better.Shae’s a lawyer.They have a lot incommon.He would see that if he wasn’t blinded by you and your tits.”
Oh?And I’m just a lowly bartender.I knew his money wouldsomehow become an issue.
“He wasn’t interested in her long before me and mytitsgot here.”
“There are things about Ethan, about this family, that youdon’t know.Things you won’t be able to handle.”
Secrets?What’s he hiding from me?“How do you knowthat?”
“I just do.Do yourself, and Ethan, a favor and break itoff.Now.”
“I… I can’t.”
