I read the message and look at Sarah, who grins back at me knowingly. “Sarah, apparently you have something for me?”
She waddles off into the other room to collect whatever it is.
“I think you’re going to love it,” Mom says.
I raise my eyebrow. “Oh, so you know as well?”
She laughs and nods while arranging her hair equipment. Sarah steps back in carrying a blue square box with a white ribbon tied perfectly on top. I already know it’s from Tiffany’s. She hands it to me, and I remove the ribbon and open the box to find a sparkling diamond necklace. I almost choke on thin air. I can only imagine the price tag.
“Oh my God,” I blurt out. I take the necklace out of the box, watching it glistening in the light, sending sparkles all around the room.
“What do you think?” Sarah asks.
“It’s… it’s beautiful. I’m speechless.”
Mom rests her hand on my shoulder while Mel looks at the necklace.
“Can you guys imagine what this must have cost?” I murmur.
“My brother has plenty of money, and he wants to spend it on you,” Brielle announces happily.
I smile. “My gift of cufflinks completely pales in comparison to this.”
Mom laughs. “Honey, you know he’ll love them.”
I pick up my phone, walk to the deck, and dial his number. He answers chirpily, “Hey, baby…” I can hear Chris and the others chatting in the background.
“Thank you so much. Your gift is amazing. I don’t know what else to say.”
“You don’t need to say anything. As long as you like it, I’m happy.”
“Like it? I love it.”
“I love the cufflinks. Where did you find them?”
“I had them made to match my ‘xo’ bracelet and necklace.”
“They’re perfect, just like you.”
“They aren’t as extravagant as your gift.”
“Jeni, baby, I love them. It’s sentimental, and I love that about you.”
“Jeni, hurry up. We have to get you all beautified,” Sarah calls out, gaining my attention.
“Guess you have to go?” Aiden asks.
I nod even though he can’t see me. “Yeah, but I’ll see you soon.”
“I can’t wait.”
We end the call, and I sigh, walking back inside to get, as Sarah calls it, beautified.
Time goes by quickly, and it’s not long before Mom is holding me by the shoulders and saying, “
You ready?”
I smile. “I’ve been waiting to marry Aiden all my life. I’m more than ready.”