“And a few others,” he said. “It’s a dinner party.” He held her hand. “Come on.”
This time, she followed him up the stairs, through the door, into the foyer that was festooned with pine garland, holly wreaths and white tapered candles.
“Why all the secrecy?” she asked as they headed up the main staircase.
“Because that’s how you do a surprise.”
“I feel silly.”
“Well, you’re about to feel great. Because that’s what all the best surprises do for you.” He paused at his bedroom door. “AndI do really good surprises.”
She couldn’t help but smile at his self-confidence.
“To start,” he said, pushing open the door. “A dress.”
Kristy stopped to admire the lovely black silk dress with red spaghetti straps and piping, and a chiffon overskirt.
“It’s a Zenia Topaz,” he said.
“I know,” said Kristy, moving forward. “I love her work.”
“Good. Now, put it on.”
Kristy took a quick shower, refreshed her makeup, brushed her hair, and slipped into the silky-soft creation. It fitted perfectly.
“How did you do this?” she whispered to Jack, turning so he could fasten the buttons.
“It was easy.” His hands were warm against her skin, and he kissed the tip of her shoulder when he was done.
Then he reached around her, holding a long aqua box in front of her eyes.
“This goes with it,” he said softly.
“I can’t,” she shook her head, recognizing the big, white bow that was Tiffany’s signature.
“Ahh, but you must.” He pulled the end of the bow.
She watched, mesmerized, as the ribbon fell away and he reached around with his other hand to open the box.
“It goes with the dress,” he said, revealing a delicate choker of large, square-cut rubies.
“Jack,” she breathed in astonishment. He made it so hard for her to remember reality.
“You’ll be glad you did,” he said, removing the necklace from the box. “Trust me on this.” He fastened it around her neck.
She knew she should refuse, but she had a feeling it would be futile. Then, she turned to look in the mirror, and she no longer wanted to refuse. The necklace was stunning against her throat.
“Shall we go to dinner?” he gently asked.
She took a very deep breath, sliding into the fantasy. She was Mrs. Osland for tonight, and for tomorrow night and for three more nights after that.
“It’s beautiful,” she said to Jack.
“You’re what’s beautiful,” he replied, taking her hand and twining her fingers with his.
She entered the dining room on Jack’s arm.
It was set with white linen and sterling silver, with three holly-and-white-candle centerpieces flickering in a line down the middle of the long table.
Cleveland sat at one end, with Liza presiding at the other. Elaine, Hunter, Melanie and Aunt Gwen were also present, along with a diminutive woman whom Kristy vaguely recognized. In her mid-forties, the woman had short, dark hair and a narrow face. Her eyes were a beautiful, deep brown. She was also wearing a—
Kristy nearly staggered to a stop.
Zenia Topaz.
Zenia Topazwas sitting at Jack’s dining-room table.
Hunter rose from his chair next to her.
“Zenia,” said Jack. “I’d like you to meet Kristy Mahoney. My wife.”
Kristy found her voice. “Ms. Topaz, it’s an honor—”
“Zenia, please,” the woman’s laughter tinkled. “The dress looks wonderful on you.”
Kristy glanced down. “Did you bring the dress?”
Zenia nodded. “I hope Jack wasn’t lying when he said you’d like it.”
“No.” Kristy shook her head. “I love it. And I’m so happy to meet you.”
She couldn’t believe she was talking to Zenia Topaz.
Hunter moved to one side and gestured to the chair he’d been occupying. “Please, Kristy. Sit.”
She glanced at Jack.
“You’re the guest of honor,” he said.
“Zenia’s the guest of honor.” Kristy accepted Hunter’s offer and smiling a greeting at the others around the table, she sat.
“Red or white, ma’am?” asked one of the stewards.
“Red, thank you,” said Kristy as Jack and Hunter took their own seats.
“Jack tells me you’re entering Matte Fashion,” Zenia said to Kristy.
Other conversations started around the table and blended into the background as the staff served a crab salad appetizer.
“I’ve been working on a collection,” Kristy answered.
“Would you mind if I took a look at it?”