Page 43 of Stolen Kiss

“We’re not talking about me, we’re talking about you.”

Jason fell silent. It hit him for a moment, would Heidi want to have a marriage with him. She ended it abruptly once, would she do it again?

“Bailey will get you the box for that ring.”

“Are you kicking me out?”

“Yes. I want to drink my tea in peace.”

“Don’t I get a cup?”

“You’ve just finished a mug of tea down stairs.”

“Do you know everything that goes on in this house?”

“Yes.”

“What about the estate?”

“I know you all went to pay your respects to your father. I noticed I didn’t get an invitation.”

“You hated him Aunt Cynthia. It’s not likely you’ll get an invitation to dance on his grave.”

“Jason,” she admonished.

“Am I wrong. Don’t you hate him?”

“Bailey will get you the box. Don’t forget to introduce me to the lucky lady before you propose.”

Like that would happen. Jason had no intention of scaring off Heidi or any other woman if Heidi didn’t want to be with him permanently.

He left his aunt to her cup of tea and headed to the door. Bailey opened it and handed him a box. Jason clapped him on the bicep and threw his head back laughing. He felt like he was in another world of servitude. A part of him like the familiarity of it. The other part wanted to burn the whole place down.

Striding across the grass he was relieved to see Archer was home. He jumped over the back wall and slumped on the sofa and lay down like he was in therapy.

“Where have you been and what’s in your pocket?” Archer asked.

“Auntie wanted to see me and she made me pick a ring. What’s all that about?”

“Wow, you marrying Heidi already?” Erica asked coming out with a cafetiere and three mugs.

Jason sat up and stood to take the pot and mugs from her.

“No. So bizarre to be summoned to choose a Turner ring. None of them would suit Heidi even if we were at that stage of our relationship.”

“She made me do it too,” Archer said. “I asked Erica what was her favourite gem and thankfully there was a pearl and Erica loved it.”

“They are all too big grand for Heidi, she’d laugh in my face if I handed her any of them.”

“So what did you do?”

“I chose the biggest rock there.”

“Can I see?” Erica asked.

Jason opened the box and turned it around for them both to see. They both leaned forward and lifted it up.

“Wow, that’s a rock and a half,” Erica said, fanning her face.

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