by Adrianne Lee
As he turned toward Stacey, he spied something shiny behind a cardboard box. The Purity. In all the excitement neither of them had even thought of it. Lyssa’s concern had been only for him. And for Stacey. Despite his deep concern about his cousin, his heart felt lighter than it had in weeks.
But what was he really elated about? He had the Purity back, but he still didn’t have Lyssa. His joy drained as if someone had pulled a plug. Even if he could convince her to give a permanent relationship with him a chance, her family would blast the idea apart. He’d already suffered their rebuffs. He might never overcome their prejudices of his family. What if they never took him to hearth and heart as he craved them to do? Could he live with that? Could he ask Lyssa to choose between her family and him?
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Tuesday
What was she going to do? Lyssa wondered, packing her carry-on bag. How was it possible to fall so completely in love with someone in thirteen days? If she weren’t so sad, she would have laughed. Possible or not, she had fallen head over heels for Craig Rival and, after almost losing him last night, knew for certain that despite her family and all her fears about marriage, she was irrevocably committed to him. But love didn’t seem to be enough.
They had argued all night about it. He wanted her family to take him into their hearts and love him as a son. He wanted her mother and father to be his mother and father, her uncles to be his uncles. His words rang in her head like a litany, “I won't accept anything else.”
She’d tried reasoning with him, but a part of her still feared the power of outside influences tearing apart whatever life they might build together, and evidently Craig feared that, too. He’d sworn he'd walk away from her before he’d allow her to walk away from her family.
And that’s what he’d done. Stormed out, leaving her alone to pack. Alone to travel to the airport.
Why couldn’t he understand? Compromise? The DeHavilands had harbored ill feelings for the Rivals since before Lyssa was born. At best, Craig could win their grudging respect. Why couldn’t that be enough for him? And yet, if situations were reversed, would that be enough for her?
She growled low in her throat, and closed her eyes against the need for Craig. Memories flooded her mind, and she recalled their one night of love making, the glorious feel of his hands caressing her naked body, the achingly sweet sound of her name on his lips as he’d entered her, the vibrant joining of their bodies that lingered in her mind, teasing her with tendrils of desire, even now. And probably always would.
Outside a car honked. The taxi. Lyssa gathered her luggage. Her heart felt as heavy as the carry-on bag, packed with a sadness that would never lighten. She took one last look around his condo, searing it into her memory, then rushed out to the cab. Tears stung her eyes. She gave the driver the address for Rival Gems International. She’d decided not to take the Purity until the insurance policy and the agreement were signed and filed. Had Craig returned to Harborview to sit by Stacey’s bedside, or would he be at the office when she stopped for the faux?
Despite her fear that she would break down if she saw him again, a part of her hoped for the encounter. But he wasn’t there. Ginger was at the showroom counter with C.J..
C.J. said, “Nasty business. I’m still reeling from the shock. You don’t look much better than I feel, sweetie.”
“I suppose your customer isn’t pleased about not getting the Purity.” Lyssa’s voice was as flat as her spirits.
“Hah! Life is so weird. You aren’t going to believe this. I was just telling Ginger all about it. My customer…one of those billionaire Texans. Oil, I suppose. Anyway…while his wife and he were staying at a ritzy hotel in Miami this weekend, they were robbed at gunpoint. Every speck of jewelry stolen…which is why I never wear the stuff. Scared them both spitless.
“Fortunately, their really pricey pieces were home in the vault, and they’ve decided that’s where they’re going to stay.” She handed Lyssa a slip of paper with a name and telephone number neatly written on it. “He wants all their genuine pieces copied. I’ve given them your name and number. Should net us both a pretty penny.”
“Thanks C.J.” What an odd turn of events. Lyssa stuffed the slip of paper into her purse. At least she’d have plenty of work to occupy the lonely, empty hours that were to be her future.
Ginger placed a jewelry box on the counter. “I have the faux Purity ready to go, Lyssa.”
“Faux…?” C.J.'s attention shifted between the two women, and Lyssa could almost see the wheels turning in her sharp brain. C.J. leaned an arm on the counter. “You made a faux of the Purity? Mind if I take a look?”
“Go ahead.” Lyssa nodded at Ginger. “Show her.”
A whistle of approval came from C.J. “Say, you wouldn't consider parting with this, would you?”
Would she? No. The faux by its very existence, denigrated all that the Purity stood for. There was only one right thing to do with the faux. Dismantle it. “I'm sorry C.J., it’s not for sale.”
C.J. rolled her eyes. “Don't tell me. More sentimental hooey. Well, if you change your mind…you know where to reach me.”
Then Ginger and Lyssa were alone. Lyssa lifted the jewelry case containing the faux. “Well, I have a taxi waiting and a plane to catch.”
Ginger said, “Where's Craig? Why isn’t he--? I thought--”
Lyssa smiled sadly at her cousin, feeling that they were once again on solid footing and hurrying toward a more comfortable ground. “It’s long and complicated.”
“I suppose I’m the last one you want giving you advice, but I think you and Craig have something as special as what Wayne and I had. Life is too short, Lyssa. Believe me, I’d give anything to have your chance at love and happiness.” Ginger tugged at her earring. “Just think about it.”
And Lyssa had done nothing but think about it. All the way to the airport, through ticketing and loading. Filled with melancholy, she settled into her seat. The plane was far from full. The higher prices and time of year, she supposed. In a way she was relieved not to have anyone seated next to her. She wasn’t in the mood for small talk.
Grandy. She’d better start figuring out how she was going to explain all the lies she’d told her. The engines roared to life and soon the plane was taxiing down the runway, lifting off. Lyssa closed her eyes, weary from lack of sleep. But, instead of Grandy, her mind was filled with thoughts of Craig.
There was no doubting the importance of family to him. She’d seen it in evidence during the long night at Harborview, watching his worry over Stacey’s surgery, his relief afterward, his tenderness toward his cousin as she came out of the anesthesia. Family love and support and connection was a need they shared, something inbred in them both.
Somehow she had to convince her family to give this man a chance. For her sake. But doubts pressed down on her.
She felt a jostle as someone sat in the seat beside her, and she turned her face toward the window. A muted clank, like charms on a bracelet bumping together, startled her. The jangle of a chain? She jerked around in the seat. “Craig?”
His easy grin slipped into place, and he leaned close until their foreheads touched. “We have to stop meeting like this.”
Not as far as she was concerned. He was the most welcome sight she could have had. Had he had a change of heart? Or was he here for some other reason? Her mouth was so dry she couldn’t swallow. Or speak.
He traced her jawline with his finger. “I’ve been considering your grandmother’s feelings about the Purity and its powers.”
Lyssa nuzzled his hand like an affection-hungry cat, telling herself she mustn’t. Nothing was settled yet and if they couldn’t come to terms, this could only prolong the hurt of parting.
“It seems a shame to waste a perfectly good enchanted necklace that according to Grandy guarantees, no matter what, our long and lasting love.” Craig settled back.
“Do you realize that you’re certifiable?”
“Crazy? About you? Yes.�
�
She smiled, but it held little joy. “Have you finally come to your senses and now agree with me about a compromise?”
“No. I’m not backing down an inch on this issue. I want the whole family or I walk.”
The weight in Lyssa heart seemed to triple. He wasn’t seriously planning on confronting her family with her, was he? It made her sad for him. For them. “Don’t get your hopes up.”
“If you’re turning down my proposal, please just say so.”
Tears welled in her beautiful sea-green eyes. “It’s not--”
“Good.” He kissed her cheek. “Because I took the liberty of calling your family--your mother, your father, and your uncles--and asking for your hand in marriage. See, I figured you weren’t taking one important thing into consideration. How can your family not welcome me with open arms when they see that I truly love you, Lyssa? That you truly love me? You do love me, you know.”
“I know.” But knowing her family, they probably hadn’t received him with open arms. In fact, he was probably on this plane thinking he could change their minds if he spoke with them in person. Her stomach was one big knot. But she had to know. “What did my family say when you asked for my hand?”
“They said a lot of things, but eventually, they all agreed on, ‘Whatever makes Lyssa happy makes us happy’.”
She couldn’t believe it. All her life they’d spoken of the Rivals with bitterness and spite. She should have realized their love for her could circumvent anything. And once they got to know Craig…
He interrupted her thoughts. “If you’re still worried about Grandy, well, I suspect she’ll be the least surprised of all. I look a great deal like my grandfather Channing, and I’d bet the Purity that she saw the resemblance when you introduced me as Craig Smith. I doubt she’s ever forgotten the face of the man who took away her wedding necklace.”
“I doubt she has either.”
“Hey, you’re smiling.” He nuzzled her ear. “Are you happy?”
Lyssa laughed. “What do you think?”
Craig swept his leather jacket off his lap, revealing his black briefcase beneath. Had he brought the Purity with him? He unlocked the lid, and she saw immediately that she’d guessed wrong. The case contained only one tiny jeweler’s box. Craig reached for it. “The DeHavilands aren’t the only ones with a family heirloom. This was made for my great great grandmother by my great great grandfather. It’s been in my family for four generations. Will you wear it as my wife?”
Lyssa looked down at the plain gold band, then up into the eyes of the man she loved. “Oh, yes.”
THE END
Table of Contents
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16