Page 87 of The Texan's Secrets

“Paris wanted to win an all-expenses-paid date and go to your party at the TCC. I’m really sorry.”

“Nickknowsthis?”

Emilia nodded. “I told him.”

A funny smile came up on Misha’s face. “What did he say? What did he do? What happened after?”

“You’re not mad?” Emilia was taken aback by Misha’s reaction.

Misha waved a dismissive hand. “No, I’m not mad. I’m curious about what Nick said.”

“That’s the weird part.”

Misha waited, looking expectant.

“He wasn’t mad. In fact, things are better than ever. He finally took me to his place.”

Misha’s eyes went wide.

The two women stared at each other for a moment.

“And...” Misha prompted.

Emilia hesitated but realized there was no reason to be shy. She and Nick hadn’t done anything wrong. In fact, it had all felt very, very right.

“After everything, we made wild passionate love at his place,” she blurted out.

“So...” Misha seemed to search for the right words. “You...know?”

Emilia knew alright. She knew Nick was one of the most amazing men she’d ever met. She grinned and nodded.

A knock sounded on the door, and Natalie opened it. “How are things coming in here?” She looked surprised to see Misha and Emilia sitting in the corner.

Misha quickly jumped up. “Oops. We got to talking.”

“There’s still time,” Natalie said, sounding calm even as she efficiently stripped the garment bag from one of the dresses.

Misha and Emilia dressed quickly and were soon standing in front of the full-length mirror, admiring their dresses and the delicate diamond earrings that had been bridesmaid gifts from Maggie earlier in the day.

“Perfect,” Natalie said with satisfaction. “Now all we need is a bride.”

“I can’t wait to see her,” Misha said excitedly.

In the hall outside the guest room, Maggie stood at the top of the stairs, one hand on the rail and the other against her chest.

She looked upset again.

Emilia rushed forward, more worried than ever. “What is it?”

Maggie removed the hand from her chest, and Emilia’s eyes all but bugged out.

The historic necklace glimmered against Maggie’s pale skin, a cascade of diamonds, emeralds and rubies in perfect symmetry.

“What on earth?” Misha rasped.

“They want me to wear it,” Maggie said with a catch in her voice. “Both Mom and Camille—to bring it full circle before it goes to the museum, they said.” Maggie drew in a shuddering breath. “They want to solidify and honor the new bond between us all.”

“Oh, Maggie.” Emilia was choking up herself.

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