Page 57 of Promise Not to Fall for the Rich & Famous

“They totally do,” Beau mumbled.

Gage glanced over and grinned. “I told them the style and cut she wanted, so the differences are…”

“Invisible?” Dad suggested with a laugh.

His brother chuckled as well.

“I heard that,” the jeweler said. Luckily, Dirk Johnson, owner of the jewelry establishment, was a close friend of Dad’s. In fact, the man had agreed to meet them at the shop for an after-hours appointment. Mark Craven had a lot of friendsandHollywood clout. And now, with the help of Gage’s brother, Beau, Dad had come to accept Gage’s decision to be with Carly.

Sure, the days leading up to Gage’s TV stunt were rough. Gage had feared he might never regain the man’s respect or approval. He hadn’t even thought to reach out to his brother among all of it. But his appearance onStar Chathad changed everything. The bold move had not only warmed the hearts of America where Carly was concerned, his brother Beau had matched the funds raised and given a public statement in support of Gage, saying he looked forward to meeting Carly one day. Gage hadn’t realized how much the years had come in between he and his brother, but boy had it felt good to have his support.

Shortly following Beau’s statement, Mark contacted his son with an apology.

The jeweler approached the other side of the glass counter, his mustache reminding Gage of the bartender at the resort. He could hardly wait to go back to the place he and Carly had first met. The Royal Palm resort would always be a special place for them.

Dirk took time to carefully point at the differences between each ring, and soon the choice was sure. “Let’s get it rung up for you, sir,” the jeweler said with a grin.

His father swung an arm over Gage’s back as Dirk stepped away. “I wasn’t ready for this type of commitment at your age,” he said, “so I assumed you wouldn’t be either. Of course, I was also under the impression that I wouldn’t gain a following if I tied myself to your mother too soon.” He shrugged. “Those are the reasons I warned against it. And …Ididlike the idea of usboth getting that eligible bachelor title, if I’m honest,” he added sheepishly.

Beau stepped over to the opposite counter, letting his father have a moment alone with him.

The man turned to look at him, his brown eyes hiding hints of moisture. “I want you to know that I respect you. It took guts to do what you did, despite what I thought. Despite what Hollywood might think. I admire that.”

A massive dose of warmth shot through him. Gage might have been prepared to live out his life without his father’s admiration, but he couldn’t put into words how wonderful it felt to have it. It was an unexpected gift.

“Thanks, Pop.” He came in for one of those awkward man hugs, but Dad pulled him in tight, held him there, and sighed. The familiar scent of his father’s aftershave put Gage right back in time.

“Who would’ve known that appearing on that show like you did would help your career. Not that you’ll be pursuing it over your architecture…”

Gage nodded. “Right. But I will say, Carly’s so excited about the film she’s already saying she wouldn’t mind if I ever wanted to shoot another sometime.”

Dad patted his back. “Well, you’ve got my support either way, son.”

“Thanks, Pop. Means a lot.”

“Hope that goes for me too,” Beau said, pulling Gage and his dad into a three-way hug with his muscled arms. “Because I’ve got an announcement.”

“What?” Gage and his dad said in unison.

Beau broke out in a grin. “Kidding.”

Gage wasn’t so sure his brotherwaskidding, but he shifted his mind back to thoughts of the proposal. It had taken a lot of planning, a whole lot of help on Christian’s part, and thecooperation of executives of the Royal Palm to organize the big event, but it had finally come together. Now to see if they could actually pull it off.

CHAPTER 25

Carly had been looking forward to this weekend for months. Mark Craven had long ago reserved the famous classic rock and roll-themed mansion for the New Years Banquet. And while he probably didn’t do it with her family in mind, he’d invited them to come along all the same. Insisted was more like it.

She had to admit, being seated at the same table as her familyandhis—it was a gift. Even Gage’s brother Beau had come. Carly had met him on a few occasions, but she was glad they had this time to get to know each other better. All of them.

So far, nights at the mansion had consisted of fantastic food and a whole lot of fun. Old board games, card games, and trivia too. A few of Gage’s cousins and his aunt had joined them as well.

Carly had heard about the tragic loss of Mark Craven’s twin brother, but this was the first time she’d met the man’s surviving family. Gage’s aunt Sylvia had twin boys of her own, as well as two other children—another boy and one lone girl. Of course, they weren’t kids anymore. Each in their early to mid-twenties, the siblings looked more like a group of high-paid modelsmingling before a fashion shoot. Beau, who’d opted to sit with them over “the couples” table, fit right in.

Just spending time with so many attractive singles had awakened the matchmaker in Carly. Surely she had to know a few single ladies to set them up with. Or a wonderful guy for Elizabeth, the lone girl in the bunch. Not that they’d need any help in that area.

“Can you believe this was built in the late nineteen twenties?” Gage asked as he eyed the spacious ballroom.

Carly glanced up to notice some of the details herself. Crystal chandeliers, gold-leafed pillars, and decorative arches over the entry and stage where the live band played. “It’s incredible,” she said.