Van
“Mr. Sherman,” Mrs. McGrath said, luring me closer.
Julia’s mother’s eyes widened at the sight of the diamond on Julia’s finger. Her gaze went from the ring to me and back to Julia. As she inhaled, I imagined her response may be different if we weren’t surrounded. Seeing as how the crowd around her was enthralled by her every word, whatever she was about to say was for them, not truly for Julia and me.
She clasped her hands as her best wishes sprang from her lips. “Congratulations.”
“Thanks, Mom,” Julia said, reaching for my hand.
I held tight knowing that while Julia was competent, sometimes the additional support of another person was the small bit of encouragement that was needed. In the short time of our relationship, I sensed that the only time Julia’s confidence waned was in the presence of her mother.
“Mrs. McGrath,” I said with a smile and a nod.
“Ana, please.” She glanced at Julia’s hand as her cheeks rose in a polite smile. “It appears to be official. We are to be family.”
“It’s official,” I said.
The crowd around us grew silent as their collective gaze stayed fixed on our trio.
It was Ana who made the announcement. “What better time to announce to all of you, our dearest friends…our darling girl is once again engaged. May I introduce her fiancé, Donovan Sherman.”
Speaking up and commenting that Julia was not a girl but a woman was on the tip of my tongue; however, Ana had unleashed the masses. After a stifled gasp, all the women descended, hugging Julia and wishing her well. Simultaneously, a line of men formed, anxious to shake my hand and offer congratulations.
It was one thing to want to be a better man for Julia. It was another to give up my survival skills. The wolf was a predator always listening and always watching.
There was prey within my sights. I sensed their unease.
Unlike Marlin’s interest for our private meeting the other day, he and Gwen were currently silent, no well wishes or even acknowledgments. I met Marlin’s stare with a smirk and a nod. Before this night was over, I planned to plant more seeds for the sale of his shares.
This wasn’t the time.
As we began to walk away, Ana called to Julia. “When it’s time to eat, I have you and Mr. Sherman seated at our table.”
Julia stiffened under my touch.
Without a word from me, her spine straightened. “That’s very kind, Mother. I promised Vicki we would catch up.”
Ana feigned a smile as she looked at her friends. “Well, it seems we have more room at our table. Who would like…”?
I led Julia away. Leaning down, I whispered, “I’m proud of you.”
She nodded but remained quiet. Quickly, she replaced her empty flute with a full one, and we continued walking until we were away from the crowds in a more isolated spot.
Spinning toward me, her eyes sparkled. “That felt good. I’ve never done that before.”
“I’m proud of you.”
She inhaled, her pert breasts pushing against the red fabric as her matching lips curled into a smile. “I can really do this.”
“Stand up for yourself,” I said. “Not only are you capable, but you’re also damn good.” Looking beyond the competent woman near me, I realized that Julia had led us to the formal dining room. A chandelier hung from the center of the room. A lighted glass cupboard filled one full wall, and the table was set to seat sixteen. I scoffed. “It appears that you had nice intimate family meals as a child.”
Julia took another drink of champagne. “We rarely ate in here. I think my mom did when she was young, but for the most part, we ate in the kitchen.” Her blue eyes met mine. “Would you like a tour?”
“No.”
There was nothing I wouldn’t do to forever see the smile that broke out, consuming her beautiful face. “You’re not impressed,” she finally said.
“It’s stuff, Julia. I get the quest for more. I have that quest. I don’t acquire money or power to put it on display. I’ve found that those who do use it as a shield. They hide behind their spoils in order to keep their inadequacies from being seen. Just look around. Who would think that your family business had just narrowly escaped the brink of collapse? This home is their shield. Or maybe only your mother’s. She does enjoy her status—the perception of her status,” I corrected.