Sandy - Vested Interest

There were hugs, some tears, and lots of laughs as I helped fasten the necklaces around their necks.

“You are all so beautiful,” I said, holding my hands in front of me. “All my girls.”

That prompted another round of hugs.

Wiping her eyes, Cami clapped her hands. “Time to get you into your dress!”

I slipped behind the screen, and Cami helped me step into the dress, fastening the hidden zipper, fluffing the skirt, and ensuring the sash was perfect.

I stood and looked in the mirror, eyeing myself critically. Cami had done a wonderful job. My dress was a soft silver-gray lace, straight at the neck and ending at the knee. It was cinched in at the waist with a deep green sash that matched my pretty shoes. The back was a deep cowl, the lace shimmering as it gathered low off my shoulders, showing off my neck and the line of my spine. It was daring, sexy, and I felt like a million bucks in it. Jordan would love it. He told me often enough how much he loved my long legs. He also enjoyed kissing his way down my spine. The dress might drive him to distraction.

I grinned at my reflection. Perfect.

I stepped out, pleased at the girls’ reactions.

“Oh Sandy!” Emmy clasped her hands at her chest. “That dress—Cami! It’s gorgeous!”

“You’re beautiful,” Dee whispered.

Liv grinned. “What a knockout.”

“Reid is going to cry.”

“So is Richard. He is such a sap at weddings.”

Cami dabbed her eyes. “Jordan is going to drag you away and have his wicked way with you. I outdid myself.”

There was a knock on the door, and I turned my head. “Come in.”

Gina entered, carrying a box. She stopped when she saw me. “Oh, Sandy, you are stunning!”

I twirled and she laughed. “My dad is gonna go crazy!”

I smiled at the woman I considered both an adopted daughter and my friend. Jordan had been correct. We became friends the day we met, and our bond had only grown stronger. She was accepting and gracious about my relationship with Jordan, pleased to see her father happy. Warren had taken a while to warm up to me. He had been polite but cool when we met, but seeing me with his father, he had accepted me, and we’d grown closer They both called me Sandy, but I was Nan to Gina’s children.

“You look beautiful yourself.”

She wore a green dress as well, although hers was loose and flowy. No one had been more surprised than she was to discover she was pregnant a few months ago. Now at six months, she was well rounded. She was also exhausted and had begged off the earlier luncheon with the girls.

She chuckled as she set down the flowers. “I feel fat.”

She greeted the girls, exchanging hugs. I had already given her the necklace last night, and it sparkled at her throat.

“You are pregnant, not fat. And you’re glowing.”

She smiled, rubbing her hand along the swell of her stomach. “I’m in good company today.”

I had to laugh. There were a few pregnant guests today. My boys and their families were all growing. I knew about Emmy, but I had noticed another guest only sipping at her champagne, not really drinking it. I didn’t say anything, knowing it was her news to share when she was ready.

I sat down, reaching for my shoes. I held one up, admiring the touch of sparkle on the strap and toes. They were a deep green, matching the sash at my waist and the ribbons woven into my hair.

I looked in the mirror, pleased with what I saw. I turned my head side to side, admiring the intricate braiding. I reached for my earrings, but Gina’s voice stopped me. “Dad asked me to give you this.”

I turned, looking at the small box she offered me. I accepted it, unfolding the small note that was attached.

The sky is blue, the venue borrowed,

The day is perfect, and I am old.

Now, in this box, if I may be so bold,

Is your something new.

I may suck at poetry,

But I ask that you do

Marry me today, my darling.

Jordan.I opened the lid, smiling and crying at the same time. Jordan always made me laugh with his humor.

Nestled in ivory satin was a set of lovely emerald earrings. Elegant and beautiful, they matched the design of my engagement ring. I hadn’t wanted a ring, thinking I was too old to be “engaged,” but Jordan had surprised me with this ring one day. A classic emerald cut stone, with smaller emeralds and diamonds on the band, it was exquisite. Our wedding bands echoed the design, and now I had earrings to match.

I met the girls’ curious stares and showed the earrings to them.

“They are lovely,” Gina enthused. “I always wondered, why emeralds?”

“They remind me of your father’s eyes,” I admitted. “I never had a favorite stone before.”