Page 75 of His Christmas Wife

Behind her, his footfalls echoed with determination.

In her room, she took the box from its hiding spot.

Once she’d turned it over to him, he flipped open the lid. “Give me your hand.”

She glanced away as he snuggled the beautiful ring into place.

“That’s better.”

Unable to help herself, she looked at the diamond. It was exquisite enough to take away her breath every time she saw it.

He raised her hand to his lips and placed a kiss right below the radiant, glittering stone.

“Now you’re ready.”

In less than the three minutes that they’d spent together, Frost was already melting away her resolve.

“Would you like to open your gift before we leave?”

“Since we’re probably now running late, I’ll wait until later.”

He nodded. “Maybe with a glass of wine.”

Her breath caught. Was he planning to stay here after their agreement was over?

In the entrance, he helped her into her coat, and she grabbed her purse before hurrying back to the counter to grab the bag containing the candle.

“What’s that?”

“A little something for your grandmother.”

“For my grandmother?” he repeated with genuine shock. “I should have told you I bought her a present and card which I signed with both of our names.”

Another fib in the grand scheme they were creating. “This is a hostess gift. My way of thanking her for having us over.”

He studied her. “Thoughtful. Though wholly unnecessary. But thank you.”

“It’s the right thing to do.” Part of her just wished she wasn’t involved in this lie to begin with.

Outside, his sedan was parked nearby. Surprised, she looked at him. “You gave Mr. Jennings the day off?”

“I figured you would have something to say if I didn’t.” He opened her door.

Though that was true, she hoped it wasn’t the only reason he’d done it.

“Turns out he has someone special in his life that I didn’t know about.”

Oh?How many more times would he surprise her with his generosity? “Then I’m doubly glad you gave him time off. I’m sure they’ll enjoy spending the day together.”

“Yeah.” Frost looked at her pointedly. “It’s a day to spend with loved ones.”

It was. Unfortunately she might be spending it with someone she cared for but who didn’t return the feeling.

Maybe that was the worst thing of all.

With a decisive click, he closed the door before sliding behind the wheel.

As they neared the Garden District, the homes became more and more spectacular.

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