Page 50 of Falling for your Fake Boyfriend

“It’s a bit of an adventure finding the actual bed, but it’s there.”

She walked straight to the upholstered bench at the foot of the bed and sat down with a sigh. “Those stairs get harder each time I climb them.” Her gnarled fingers smoothed over the top of the velvet box. “I do hope you’re planning to go to the dance tonight.”

“I am.”

She laughed again. “Love your enthusiasm. Like someone saying they’re going to the dentist for a root canal.” Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened the velvet box. The contents glittered before the sunlight in the room even hit them.

“Oh my, I’ve never seen anything like it.” I sat on the bench next to her and stared down at the set—a choker style necklace with jeweled clusters from clasp to clasp and sparkling diamonds surrounding massive blue sapphires. The matching drop earrings had the same pattern and precious stones.

“You can touch them. They won’t break,” she said with a chuckle.

“So, they’re real?” I asked and realized how silly the question was considering my surroundings.

“My Lucas gave them to me on our tenth wedding anniversary.”

“What a gift. What a wonderful man.”

“That he was. Now, what color are you wearing this evening?”

I looked up at her. The jewels were so bright, I could still see spots in my eyes as if I’d been staring at the sun. “It’s light blue. And that reminds me—is it going to be considered a terrible faux pas if I wear the same dress tomorrow to the wedding? I didn’t know about the formal dance, and I only brought the one dress.”

“In my daughter-in-law’s eyes, yes. But I find my day always goes much better when I don’t give a hoot about her feelings or opinion.”

I laughed. “Well, you and I are of the same mindset there. In fact, now I look forward to showing up in the same dress. Not that it’ll matter. Rachel will be the shining jewel of the day. No one will even take notice of little old me.”

“Rachel is always radiant in my eyes, but she’s lost far too much weight. I blame that on her mother, too. She kept pestering her about her weight, reminding her that she would be the center of many photos and that the camera adds ten pounds. Which is all a bunch of baloney, but for months I’ve seen my granddaughter nibble on nothing but meals that wouldn’t even satisfy a rabbit.” There was a good deal of anger and angst in her tone and expression. Hazel was once the woman of the house, the person calling all the shots. It must have been hard to give up the reins to a woman so wholly unsuited for the job. Margaret’s harsh admonishment was still sitting like a rock in my stomach. I never expected a thank you, but I certainly hadn’t expected a lecture.

“Let’s see the dress.” Hazel switched topics, and her smile returned.

I walked to the antique armoire where I’d hung the dress and pulled it out of the garment bag. I’d forgotten how beautiful it was.

“That’s perfect. This necklace looks best with an off-the-shoulder neckline,” Hazel said.

I stopped and stared at her, wondering if I’d heard her right. “You can’t be serious?”

“Quite serious, yes.” She lifted the necklace out of the box. “Bring the dress here.”

I was more than slightly stunned as I carried the dress over to the bench. She held up the diamonds and sapphires next to the pale blue fabric. “It’s almost as if the dress was made for these jewels. And the earrings look best when the hair is swept up off the neck.”

I gripped the dress and sat down. “Hazel, I couldn’t possibly wear these jewels. They’re far too valuable, and the sentimental attachment—well, it’s priceless.”

“Yes, which is why I’ve never allowed Maggie to borrow them. She doesn’t have a sentimental bone in her skinny little body. I insist you wear them to the dance tonight. They’ve been tucked away in their box for far too long. They need a night out.” She placed her hand over mine. “It’s my way of saying thank you. My Bryan was so shaken, he stayed with me for hours. And I can tell you there was nothing better than knowing that one of my grandchildren still needed me.”

“I’m sure they all need you still. I just don’t think?—”

“It would make Margaret green with envy. Although, the last thing I want to do is cause you any trouble?—”

A quick image of Margaret’s expression when she saw me in the jewels flashed through my head. “I’ll wear them,” I said eagerly. “And I’ll wear them with pride and make sure they have a good time on their rare night out.”

“Wonderful. I might even make an appearance just so I can see Maggie’s reaction.” Hazel’s brow furrowed. “If she says one wrong word to you because of?—”

“Too late for that, Hazel. I’m already battle-hardened, and I understand her mode of attack. It’ll be fine.” I touched the necklace in the box. I could almost feel heat radiating off the incredible diamonds. “I’ll feel like such a princess. Just wearing them will make it a night to remember.”

“You just make sure you have a good time. And even though he probably doesn’t deserve it, save a few dances for that grandson of mine.”

“I will.” If Alexandria allows it, I thought wryly.

I carried the velvet box over to the vanity table and set it down. The weight of being responsible for something so precious suddenly hit me. “Are you sure about this, Hazel?”

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