Protecting What's Mine

as a kid. If someone didn't know better, they would assume I grew up here. Boo

me

ps in. A long, low whistle escapes his lips

my arms before giving a little

is handsome face, he shakes his

feel like a princess. The gown is gorgeous.

oulders as if it's no big deal. "I'm a man of many t

l my

two are hanging in my closet in case this one didn't work." He gives me a playful

my eyes are drawn to the six-foot mirror leani

l beautif

apless, with a beaded sweetheart neckline and a long slit up one leg. Dominic

pick all this out yourself or did someone help you?" I wiggle my brows, allu

n more debonair than usual. "Fine. You

face one another. I don't think I've heard him mention a wo

om my personal shopper at Saks." One brow arche

settles across

ght on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan. Even though I've never gotten the feel

hat he has slid a large rectangular box out of his pocket until h

eded to be celebrated." A look of uncertainty flickers acros

awe. A stunning sapphire and diamond necklace lays nestled against a rich, b

e jewelry he picked up at a chain depar

rip my gaze away from it. "No," I finally murmur, "I can't accept this! It

re. The last two years have been terrible. I wanted to do something special for you. Something you w

g sapphires. They're practically glowing in the black

's been so much grief over the last two year

onflicted about accepting such an

ave cost a s

I can afford it. It's not like I have a wife or daughter t

his in question.

tulation, he be

s been generous t

" I wh

e necklace. It sparkles and shines as the gems catch light from the chandelier overhead.

r the stones, trailing gently across my chest before fiddling with the clasp in the back. Fo

with the necklace, dress, hair, or makeup. You have this light within you that shines so

gh the thick emotion cloggin

oking glass. The sophisticated hairdo, the flawless makeup, the lovely gown, the stunning n

etter job dressing m

ht. This party is all about you." He kisses my temple. Stepp

e top button has been left unfastened, so even though he's dre

ngth of him. "You look

ning his head my way. "Then we

trying to sound as regal as possibl

the bedroom behind and head down the

leave the British ac

ven though I know he's righ

the baby grand piano fills the air. I didn't realize that guests had already begun to arrive. As the babble of dozens of voices wafts over me, my belly

?" As always, his wor

e. A little nervous, I suppose." I force out a laug

n't leave your side, Gracie. You have my word

oughts, he adds in a quieter voic