He was tempted to tell her right then and there how he felt, let her know she was his soul mate, but he knew he couldn’t. Not yet. She had to realize for herself that there was more between them than this. She had to realize and believe that she was the only woman for him.
He believed that would happen and, thankfully, he had a little time on his side to break down her defenses, to get her to see that all men weren’t alike, and that he was the man destined to love her forever.
“So what do you think of this one, Gemma?” Mira Austell asked, showing Gemma the diamond earrings dangling from her ears.
“They’re beautiful,” Gemma said, and truly meant it.
The Austell ladies had picked her up around ten and it was almost four in the afternoon and they were still at it. Gemma didn’t want to think about all the stores they had patronized or how many bags they had between the five of them.
Gemma had seen this gorgeous pair of sandals she just had to buy and also a party dress, since Callum had offered to take her to a club on the beach when she mentioned that she enjoyed dancing.
This particular place—an upscale jewelry store—was their last stop before calling it a day. Le’Claire suggested they stop here, since she wanted a new pair of pearl earrings.
“Gemma, Mira, come look at all these gorgeous rings,” Le’Shaunda was saying, and within seconds they were all crowded around the glass case.
“I really like that one,” Annette said, picking out a solitaire with a large stone.
“Umm, and I like that one,” Le’Claire said, smiling. “I have a birthday coming up soon, so it’s time to start dropping hints.”
Gemma thought Callum’s mother was beautiful and could understand how his father had fallen in love so fast. And no wonder Todd gave her anything she wanted. But then Callum gave her anything she wanted as well. Like father, like son. Todd had trained his offspring well. Last weekend Callum had treated her to a picnic on the beach, and another one was planned for this weekend as well. She had enjoyed her time with him and couldn’t help but appreciate the time and attention he gave to her when he really didn’t have to do so.
“Gemma, which of these do you like the best?” Le’Claire asked.
Gemma pressed her nose to the glass case as she peered inside. All the rings were beautiful and no doubt expensive. But if she had to choose…
“That one,” she said, pointing to a gorgeous four-carat, white-gold, emerald-cut ring. “I think that’s simply beautiful.”
The other ladies agreed, and each picked out their favorites. The store clerk even let everyone try them on to see how each ring looked on their hands. Gemma was amused by how the others said they would remind their husbands about those favorites when it got close to their birthdays.
“It’s almost dinnertime, so we might as well go somewhere to get something to eat,” Le’Shaunda said. “I know a wonderful restaurant nearby.”
Le’Claire beamed. “That’s a wonderful idea.”
Gemma thought it was a wonderful idea as well, although she missed seeing Callum. He had begun joining her for lunch every day at her office, always bringing good sandwiches for her to eat and wine to drink. They usually went out to a restaurant in town for dinner. Tonight they planned to watch a movie and make love. Or they would make love and then watch a movie. She liked the latter better, since they could make love again after the movie.
“Did Callum mention anything to you about a hunting trip in a couple of weeks?” Annette asked.
Gemma smiled over at her. “Yes, he did. I understand all the men are leaving for a six-day trip.”
“Yes,” Mira said as if she was eager for Colin to be gone. The other woman glanced over at Gemma and explained. “Of course I’m going to miss my husband, but that’s when we ladies get to do another shopping trip.”
Everyone laughed and Gemma couldn't keep from laughing right along with them.
Thirteen
“Hello,” Gemma mumbled into the telephone receiver.
“Wake up, sleepy.”