What to Read After FSOG: The Gemstone Collection (WTRAFSOG Book 3)

by Lauren Hawkeye

  Her eyes narrowed. “Are you serious?”

  “Trust me. They’ll pay a lot of money for these pictures. You don’t need the money and I don’t need the money, so why not?” He smiled nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders.

  “That’s extremely generous of you. Are you sure? My kids aren’t going to think more of you if you give them monetary things, Tom. They’re not materialistic like that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure they’d love it, but you don’t need to buy their love. My kids love you because you’re a good person. Not because of your money.”

  “I already know that. They’re exactly like you. Trust me, we don’t need the money and it would give them a nice start. Shayla, too.”

  “Speaking of money, Tom…”

  “Yes,” he said very slowly, as if he knew what was coming.

  “Don’t you have some papers for me to sign? Something that says that I promise not to take you to the cleaners or something to protect yourself and all of your millions from me? Like maybe a prenup?” she said, playing with his fingers.

  “Nope.” he replied smugly.

  “What do you mean ‘nope’? You’re supposed to, aren’t you? I was expecting one,” she muttered in confusion.

  “I mean, no. I trust you. And better yet, I trust myself,” he proclaimed proudly. “I don’t plan on divorcing you. I don’t even like saying the word.”

  “I don’t want anything from you.” Panic-stricken, she sat straight up in bed.

  “That is not entirely true, Tess. You do want something from me. You want my word that I’ll never be with another woman. That I’ll never be unfaithful, right?”

  “Well, yeah, of course. That’s not an option, Tom.” Her tone turned serious.

  “I know. I’m one hundred percent positive you’ll be faithful to me, and I’ll always be faithful to you. I’m so sure of myself and how I feel about you, I don’t need a prenup, Tess,” he boasted, ridiculously satisfied with himself. “Divorce isn’t an option.”

  “I’m flattered, Tom, really, but I’d feel better if you had one. I don’t want people to think that-”

  “Tess, I’m not going to argue over a prenup. I love you more than you realize. I don’t give a damn what anyone else thinks. I trust you. I’m not doing it. So please don’t ask me about it. And if you sit here and get all stressed out the night before our wedding over a stupid prenup, I might just get pissed at you.”

  “We can’t have that now, can we? I don’t think I’d like it if you were pissed at me, and just so you know, if I thought there was a chance in hell we’d get divorced some day or if I had one doubt about us, I would’ve said no to you.” She curled up next to him. “Can we have one rule Tom? No going to bed angry or upset with each other.”

  “Did this rule help you over the last twenty-five years?” he asked inquisitively.

  “Yes.”

  “Then I agree. No going to bed angry. I’m not mad, Tess, I just believe in us. So much that I won’t go into this marriage thinking it might fail someday down the road.”

  “You’re right.” Tess giggled with excitement. “Tomorrow, we’re getting married.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  Tom was sound asleep, sprawled out naked, lying face down. A smile broadened across Tess’ face. I get to wake up next to his fine ass every day for the rest of my life. She lightly ran her fingers down his back.

  “Morning, Tess. Today’s the day.” Tom rolled over and asked, “Are you ready to marry me and be my wife until death do us part?”

  “Yes, I am. Would you mind if we say, as long as we both shall live?”

  “Absolutely. That would be perfect.”

  There was a knock on their bedroom door. Tess reached down to the end of the bed, pulling the sheet and down comforter over them.

  “Are you decent? Can we come in?” JC called through the closed door.

  Panic spilled over Tom’s face, appearing unsure of what to do, stay in bed or run for the bathroom. He tucked the covers up over his chest.

  “You can come in.” Tess laughed at Tom and shook her head.

  Tracy and JC stood at the door with two cups of freshly brewed coffee. “Hey, you two! Today’s the big day!”

  Both girls danced into the room and sat on Tess’ side of the bed. Neither paid attention to Tom, who was practically hiding under the covers.

  “It’s gorgeous outside!” Tracy said.

  JC started singing. “Going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married, going to the chapel and we’re gonna get married.”

  The fear in Tom’s eyes softened as he laughed out loud.

  “John’s making breakfast, so you’d better get up. Let’s go, sleepy heads. Today is your big day!”

  “Thanks for the coffee,” Tom said.

  “What’s he making?” Tess asked.

  “Your favorite!” JC danced out the door with Tracy right behind her.

  “Banana pancakes.” Tess glanced at Tom. “Are you all right? Don’t worry, they always knock first. You might want to try to relax. This won’t be the last time they come talk to us while we’re in bed.”

  “Seriously? It seemed a little awkward.”

  “Yes, seriously. They’re used to having their dad around, Tom. It’s not a big deal to them. They’re obviously comfortable around you.”

  He nodded, mulling it over in his head. “You think they see me differently because I’m going to be your husband? Is that what you’re saying?”

  “Yes. You’re part of their family now. My kids see you as a good man, not Hollywood hotshot, Tom Clemmins. The same way I see you. Don’t worry. They’re not going to call you Dad or anything, but they’re going to look up to you in a Dad-like way. Does that make sense? It’ll get easier, Tom.”

  “I guess I never looked at it that way.” A huge smile crossed his face. “Family. I like that.”

  “Good because in about seven hours, you’re going to be a big part of one.” She kissed his cheek. “Let’s eat before I decide to stay in here and lock the door.”

  “Not until tonight when you’re Tess Clemmins.”

  “I can’t wait!” She danced around the room.

  After breakfast Benny, Lisa, Tommy and Kim arrived. Tom smiled in relief, ecstatic to see Benny. Tess introduced her kids to the Levis. John had already met Lisa, and when Tess introduced him to Benny, Benny put up his hands as if they were going to box.

  “So you’re the guy who kicked Tommy’s ass? It’s nice to finally meet you.” Benny smirked, high-fiving John.

  “I still feel horrible. Thanks for reminding me,” John laughed, rolling his eyes.

  “You feel horrible? How do you think I feel?” Tom asked.

  Everybody laughed.

  While Tom and Benny were outside catching up, Tess filled Lisa in on wedding details. Tess also told her how much she appreciated Benny doing the film for Tom.

  “Tommy was going out of his mind. He only wanted to be with you. He was so cute. I didn’t think that man would ever be able to utter the word love, but once he finally admitted he was in love with you, look out! He’s head over heels for you. Benny and I knew from the moment he showed up at our villa with you, that you were the one.”

  “Seriously?”

  “Of course! We went to bed that night saying, ‘Thank God! Finally!’ He’s such a great guy, but nobody ever seemed to fit with him. You two are perfect for each other. How are your kids getting along with him? You heard about my first introduction to your boy John.”

  “They’re great. John likes him, and my girls do, too. It feels like we’re a family when we’re together.”

  “Wow.” Lisa’s eyes widened with a look of surprise, maybe disbelief.

  Tess clarified, “My kids are older. It would be entirely different if they were your kid’s ages. Mine aren’t looking for a father. All I’m saying is, it’s comfortable when we’re all together. Tom fits right in.”

  Lisa understood, nodding her head.

  Tess and Lisa went to
find Benny and Tom. They were in the kitchen talking. As Tess entered the room, she heard Benny telling Tom, “I don’t think that’s a very smart decision, Tommy. You should protect yourself. You never know what may happen in the future.”

  Tess fidgeted uncomfortably, realizing she’d walked in on a conversation about herself. As the men spotted her, a weighted silence filled the room. She chewed on her cheek, unable to mask the uneasy look on her face.

  Benny touched Tess’ shoulder. “No disrespect, Tess. Lisa and I love you, but I was just asking Tommy why he’s not doing any kind of a prenup with you.”

  Tom scowled at Benny, narrowing his eyes, looking more pissed with every second of silence ticking by slowly. The tension so thick you could cut it with a knife.

  Tess finally responded nonchalantly, “Hey, I asked the same question. Actually, I’d feel better if he did, but do you see that face right there?” She pointed to Tom. “He got pissed at me. It’s not worth arguing over. I don’t want anything from him. Nothing monetary anyway.” She chuckled, hoping to lighten the atmosphere.

  Tom still glared at Benny.

  “Tom, he’s your best friend. He’s supposed to be watching out for your best interests. Come on. If someone you knew were getting married like we are, you’d ask the exact same thing. So don’t be angry with him.” Tess smiled and kissed him on the lips. “You should be happy right now. We get married in five hours.”

  Benny squeezed her shoulder. “Truly, Tess, I didn’t mean anything by it.” He shook Tom’s hand. “I love you, Tommy. Come on, don’t be pissed at me. I only want you to be happy man.”

  “Benny, I told you, I know what I’m doing.”

  Shock covered Lisa’s face, and she stepped outside to check on her kids. Benny followed behind her.

  Tess reached for Tom’s hand, playing with his fingers. “He’s simply looking out for you. If he were marrying Lisa now, you’d be telling him the same thing.”

  “You’re right. If Benny were getting married, I’d be dragging him to his attorney’s office.”

  “I don’t want to come between the two of you. You should be thanking him for being such a good friend. If anyone should be offended, it should be me and I’m not. So put a smile on your face. This should be one of the happiest days of your life.”

  “It is the happiest day of my life, Tess.”

  Tom wasn’t over it, so she hopped up on the counter, wrapped her legs around him, and kissed him affectionately. She didn’t want him to think about anything else but her. It worked until her girls walked in on them.

  JC giggled, rolling her eyes as she muttered under her breath, “Great, I feel like I’m back in high school.”

  “We’re going to start getting ready, Mom. Marco and Rick should be here in about an hour.”

  Tess needed to loosen up, so she went to her room and turned on her music, loudly. She danced and sang in the shower.

  Tom stood watching her with a martini in his hand. “I thought this might help you loosen up, but I see the music beat me to it.”

  “Thanks,” she said, taking a long sip of her drink.

  Marco and Rick arrived to style the girls’ hair and makeup. Marco styled Tess’ hair perfectly, sweeping her long bangs to the side and pinning the rest back loosely in pieces. He wanted free reign over her makeup, assuring her, “I promise, it will look even better than the premier. You’ll be beautiful. Come on, girlfriend, you can trust me. Tom will love it, too.”

  Marco accentuated her blue eyes, giving them a smoldering, smoky look. “Marco! It’s exactly what I wanted.”

  “Miss Tess, you’re a perfect canvas. I love working on you. I usually have to work with bitchy, rich women. Not you, girlfriend. You’re special. Any time you need something, you call me and I’ll take care of it for you.” He air-kissed her cheeks. “You look H.O.T. Hot. He is one lucky man. Take some pictures for me.”

  “What do you mean? You and Rick are coming today, aren’t you? You have to come.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Absolutely!”

  “Girl, you know we love weddings. We’d love to come.”

  Marco rushed out the door to tell Rick when Tom entered the bedroom. “I invited them to the wedding, I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Jesus, Tess,” He swallowed hard, looking her over. “You look…beautiful. I mean really, really gorgeous. Damn, I’m the luckiest man in the world.”

  She blushed. “Thanks!”

  Tom shut the door before untying the belt on her silky robe, exposing her naked body underneath. Tess shuddered under the touch of his hands fondling her breasts. He began kissing her, sucking on her bottom lip, traveling down her neck.

  “Tom.” Tess’ heavy breathing turned into a loud sigh. “Wait. Tom, wait.”

  Tom pressed himself against her. “I want you right now. No more waiting. I’ve waited way too long for you.” He kissed her again. Both were on the verge of giving in when someone knocked on the door. Tom let go of her and backed away. “Shit.”

  “Just a second,” Tess answered. They smiled at each other, neither wanting to stop. Tom rolled his eyes, heading for the cold shower that awaited him. She tied her robe and answered the door.

  Tracy stared at her in awe. “Mom! You look beautiful!”

  “You look like a movie star,” JC exclaimed.

  “Thanks. You two look stunning.” Both wore a beautiful azure blue dress that resembled the color of the sea. They had their hair pulled back in a bun, reminding Tess of a flower. Loose curls framed Tracy’s face and JC wore a French braid weaved on both sides into her bun.

  “Rick is awesome! Where’s Tom? We wanted to tell him thanks for the hair and makeup,” JC said.

  “He’s in the shower.”

  “Oh! Okay then, just tell him thanks for us. We’re out of here. Come see us when you have your dress on.”

  Tess checked on John, who was already dressed in black pants and a black shirt with a white tie hanging around his neck. Shayla sat in a chair, talking to him.

  “Son, you look so handsome in black. You remind me so much of your dad,” Tess said, thinking of Richard for a moment. “Hey, you don’t have to wear a tie. Tom’s not.” Tess turned to Shayla. “You look absolutely beautiful. I love your dress.” Her long, blonde hair hung down to the middle of her back, and Tess thought Shayla looked like she should be sitting on a surfboard, with her golden skin, hazel eyes and beautiful white smile.

  “Thanks.” Shayla squeezed Tess tightly. “Thanks for making Tommy so happy. You’re lucky to have found each other. He deserves to finally have somebody nice in his life.”

  “You better go get dressed, Mom.” John chuckled, glancing at her robe.

  Tess smiled hugely and headed back to her room.

  Tom stood in the closet getting dressed. He was barefoot with black pants and black shirt, which was still unbuttoned. He gave her a quick peck on her cheek. “I’m gonna go out in the other room. I can’t watch you get dressed or we’ll never get out of here.”

  “Chicken,” she said with a smile.

  Tess turned on her music and slipped into a white, lace thong and exquisite bra. Simply putting them on made her feel sexy and confident. She laid her dress on the bed and unzipped it when her girls knocked on the door.

  “Mom, can we come in?”

  “Yes.”

  Tess pulled them through the door. Thirty seconds later Tom walked in. He stopped and stared at Tess from head to toe in her panties and bra, then noticed her girls standing in the same room, watching him inspect their mother. Tom turned three shades of red. “I was, umm, shit, never mind, I don’t remember what I wanted.” He turned and walked out.

  Tracy, JC and Tess burst out laughing. “Okay, stop! I have to get dressed before he comes back.” The giggles started all over again.

  Tess still chuckled as she slipped into her exquisite creamy white dress. The strapless dress had a sweetheart neckline accented with soft pleating at the bust, and cascading layers
of tulle flowed from her waist. The delicate dress was stunning and fit Tess’ body perfectly.

  Tracy switched her mom’s Ipod for her own, turning up the volume. “Come on, Momma, you know how to do this dance. We think this song is appropriate for today.”

  Tracy and JC turned on Beyonce’s “Single Ladies”. They tried to teach the dance to Tess earlier in the year, but Tess had been miserable then.

  John chatted in the kitchen with Tom, but when he heard the song come on in the other room, he chuckled. “Oh, I gotta go!”

  Tom warned, “Last time I went in there she was in her underwear.”

  John turned and smiled. “Come on, Tom. She’s my mom. I’ve seen her in her underwear.”

  “Not these underwear, you haven’t,” he said and followed John.

  John reached the room first and started dancing with his favorite girls. Tom stood in the doorway with a huge grin covering his face, watching.

  Benny and Lisa came to see what was going on. “Just fucking great! They all dance like her. Even John,” Lisa huffed.

  Tess grabbed Tom’s hand, dancing in front of him.

  “You’ve been holding out on me Tess,” he whispered in her ear.

  JC sang to Tom, “‘If you like it then you should’ve put a ring on it.’”

  Tears ran down his cheek from laughing so hard. “I’ll never forget this,” Tom said to Benny, shaking his head.

  Benny turned to Tom. “Tommy, we are definitely coming for Christmas.”

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  Everyone arrived at the dock an hour before sunset. Two boats waited; one would take Tess and Tom to the island, and the other would ferry the rest of the wedding party.

  Tess pulled Joey aside, advising him on what kind of pictures she wanted. Joey assured the pictures would be beautiful, explaining he used to photograph weddings.

  Everyone boarded the boats. The little boat Tom and Tess rode in had been cleaned and freshly painted. They rode in silence, holding hands as the little boat skimmed across the flat, calm sea. They reached the island and took off their shoes, leaving them on the beach next to everyone else’s. John waited for Tess with an exquisite bouquet of red roses.