Nate takes my hand, kissing my knuckles and then the back of my hand, lighting up my nerve endings. Thank heavens this is a twin seat, because if we had a neighbor I’d be afraid he could feel me heating up. When Nate catches me eyeing the engagement ring on my finger, I smile sheepishly.
“Admiring the ring again?” he asks.
“It’s a great ring.” One month after moving to London, Nate surprised me by officially asking me to marry him. Got on one knee, popped the question, and gave me the most beautiful ring—a classic princess cut in white gold, but with a green sapphire instead of a diamond. I absolutely love it.
“Can’t wait to put another one on your finger.”
“We have to wait until after the twins’ weddings.” Christopher and Victoria announced they want to get married this year. Shortly after, Max and Emilia set the date too, also for this year. That means we’ll wait a while, because three weddings in one year is too much, even for my family.
“Or I could use my persuasion skills.” He wiggles his eyebrows, holding my gaze captive with his.
“No, you can’t use your bedroom stare when we’re in public. Absolutely not. We agreed.”
“You don’t make the rules, fiancée.”
His voice sends tendrils of heat all over my body, and I’m starting to understand the benefits of a private jet. Despite my siblings’ insistences, I refused to use the company’s jet because it still doesn’t feel right, no matter what they say. So here I am, captive to his charms, in public.
Unable to form a witty comeback, I resort to elbowing him slightly. Just then a flight attendant passes us, asking if there’s anything we need and reminding us to shut off our phones. Before I do, I send my mother a quick message, letting her know we’re taking off on time. We’re heading straight to their house from the airport, where she’s hosting a family dinner.
“Oh, that reminds me. Clara is going to be at dinner too,” Nate states. “She’s slowly becoming an adopted Bennett.”
Clara has become very close to my family indeed. It’s endearing to watch her with them. After having lost her parents so young and spending most of her childhood in group homes, I think she’s a little overwhelmed by the size of the family, not to mention our shenanigans. And I’d agree with Nate, except I have my doubts. Adopted Bennett is a moniker my family came up with years ago for close friends—platonic friends. The last few times Clara attended family events, I caught Blake giving her some very non-platonic looks. They were downright hot.
Now, I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I’m fairly certain my dearest brother is the next to fall. If not, Pippa and I are more than happy to give him a push.
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