Page 81 of When He Was Mine

The room Oliver rented at Diamond Square was spacious, almost too big for just the four of us, but I didn't complain. Soft lighting illuminated the elegant space, casting a warm glow over the large round dark wood table and the four matching cushioned chairs arranged around it. Finley and Sadie arrived a few minutes after us, led into the room by a waiter dressed impeccably in black slacks and a crisp dress shirt.

My gaze immediately fell on the hand Sadie had wrapped around my brother's arm, and my heart swelled with joy as I caught sight of the ring he had given her the night before. The large round diamond with its halo of smaller stones sparkled under the soft light, a testament to their love. I couldn't contain my excitement as I stood up to hug them both.

Sadie looked radiant in a burgundy long-sleeved jersey dress, while Finley appeared dashing in light slacks, a tweed sports jacket, and a matching burgundy tie. It was clear that Sadie was taming him from his usual torn jeans and rock and roll t-shirts.

"We're engaged," Sadie announced, holding out her hand with a dazzling smile. I squealed with delight and enveloped her in another hug, feeling elated. My brother playfully pressed his hands to his ears and shook his head.

"I can’t believe you’re going to be my sister," I exclaimed, beaming at them both.

Finley and Oliver chuckled as we hugged, their conversation turning to business while Sadie and I excitedly discussed our plans for the future. A waiter soon arrived with a bottle of Dom Perignon, prompting us to raise our glasses in a toast to the happy couple, the clinking of glasses breaking up our chatter.

"So, when are you two thinking of getting married?" Oliver inquired, his curiosity evident.

"Not sure. I still have a few big projects coming up," Finley replied thoughtfully.

"Sadie, when do you want to get married? Because if you wait for my brother to make up his mind, it will be five years from now," I teased, earning a playful glare from Finley.

"I resent that," he retorted, though his eyes twinkled with amusement.

"It’s true, dear brother. You get involved with things and lose yourself in them," I persisted, smirking.

"Still see that Oliver hasn’t tamed that sharp tongue of yours," Finley remarked, turning to Oliver with a grin.

"That is impossible. Ryleigh is her own woman," Oliver replied, his voice filled with pride.

"That she is," Finley agreed, reaching over to give my hand a reassuring squeeze.

"I’m starving, can we go eat?" I interjected, eager to continue celebrating.

"Sure. Let’s go," Finley replied, leading the way out of the room with Sadie on his arm, and Oliver and I following close behind. As we made our way to the restaurant, I couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness for my brother and his soon-to-be wife, grateful to share in their joyous moment.

Chapter 10

“What’s the matter?” Oliver asked.

“I ate too much.”

I was lying on the couch rubbing my stomach with my hand. I loved the buffet at Diamond Square and took a little of everything. They had a carve bar where the chefs were slicing tender roast beef, juicy turkey, pork roast and other meats.

The seafood section contained several raw selections along with cooked. I filled a separate plate up with crab legs and took a small bowl with clarified butter. I took several spoons of pasta salads and vegetables, but I made sure to save room for the dessert table.

Oliver chuckled. “You ate enough crab legs to turn into one.”

“You know I love crab.”

“That’s a given. You also ate too many macrons.”

I hummed. “They had blueberry and key lime. Why didn’t we take some home?”

“You had them on top of the cake for Finley and Sadie.”

He smiled. “And don’t forget the champagne.”

Oliver sat down next to me and gently pushed my hand away so he could take over rubbing my belly. He pushed up my white t-shirt and rubbed his smooth hand over my skin. The pads of his fingers brushed the undersides of my breasts and before long, he was palming them.

“My breasts don’t hurt, my stomach does.”

"I like them better than your stomach," Oliver murmured, his fingers trailing lightly over my skin.

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