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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 shoulders 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.
