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“Yes. Just tired.”
“When will you take some time off?”
“I’m just dealing with a problem. As soon as it’s resolved, I’ll take a vacation.”
Mamma lowers her hand, then asks, “When will the wedding happen?”
“I have to talk to Gabriella, and it depends on work.”
“Let me know as soon as you’ve set a date.”
Taking my mother’s arm, I hook it through mine and lead her out of the room.
As we make our way down to the first floor, I say, “I’ve given Gabriella a credit card so she can get warm clothes. I would appreciate it if you accompanied her on the shopping trip so you can teach her what to look out for when she’s in public. As my fiancée, she’ll become a target.”
“Of course. I’ll also be able to take care of the Christmas shopping.”
Walking into the sitting room, I help Mamma to her chair before I look at Gabriella.
“Come,” I order before heading to the sunroom.
I hear Gabriella’s high heels on the tiles as she rushes to keep up with me, and I slow my pace.
Entering the room, I switch on the lights. It’s not too bright, the room filling with a soft yellow glow.
“It’s so pretty,” Gabriella breathes as her eyes dance over the lights and potted plants.
I walk to a sofa that’s partially hidden behind plants and remove the ring from my pocket before I take a seat.
Gabriella sits down beside me, her spine straight and her features tight with a nervous expression.
I stare at her, and once again, she doesn’t break eye contact. Instead, she says, “You didn’t get much sleep.”
My eyes narrow slightly. “Are you worried about me?”
She scoots backward and relaxes. “Of course.”
“Why?”
“You carry our whole world on your shoulders. If you fall, we all fall.”
I let out a sigh, and glancing at my closed fist, I ask, “Is that the only reason?”
“No,” she murmurs. “If I’m going to be your wife, it’s my duty to worry about you.”
“If?”
I hope she doesn’t think she has a choice in the matter.
“When,” she corrects herself.
I reach for her left hand, and bringing it to my thigh, I stare at her slender fingers before opening my fist.
“This ring belonged to my grandmother and mother. Once I put it on, you will never take it off.”
I feel her hand start to tremble, and as I position the diamond by her ring finger, my eyes lock on her face.
“Look at me,” I demand.
