“So, why isn’t it a good idea?” Tessa glanced at Bailey, who looked like she was on the verge of tears.
“For one thing, they’d probably send Bailey back to the Fischers while the investigation was in progress.”
Bailey shuddered. “No way! I’m never going back there. Not that they’d want me,” she added, and quickly told them about the house call she and Tristan had made on Mr. Fischer. “I don’t think he’ll be mistreating anybody ever again.”
“Good for you!” Tessa exclaimed.
“You know,” Andrei said, “by the time they check into Tessa’s background and do a credit check . . .” He shrugged. “The whole investigation might take a year or two. By then, Bailey will be married or an adult.”
“I didn’t think of that,” Bailey exclaimed. “But you’re probably right.”
“And in the meantime,” Tessa said, “you can stay here.”
* * *
Tessa snuggled against Andrei. A fire burned in the hearth, casting rainbow colors on the two empty goblets on the coffee table. “It would have been nice to adopt Bailey, but not at the risk of having her sent back to the Fischers, or to some other foster home.”
“Enough about Bailey,” Andrei murmured. His fingers stroked her nape, sending little shivers of pleasure down her spine. “You haven’t changed your mind about us, have you? No second thoughts?”
“No.” She smiled up at him. “No second thoughts.”
“Good.” Reaching into his jacket pocket, he withdrew a small velvet box. “I thought we should make it official.”
Tessa gasped when he lifted the lid. Inside, nestled against a bed of black velvet, lay the most exquisite diamond-and-platinum engagement ring she had ever seen. “Oh, Andrei,” she murmured. “It’s beautiful.”
Lifting it from the box, he slid it on her finger.
“It must have cost a fortune.” The center diamond was large and square, surrounded by a halo of fiery round diamonds.
“Nothing from Tiffany’s comes cheap,” he said, smiling. The center diamond was close to four carats. “I’m glad you like it.”
“How did you know my size?”
“I measured your finger while you were sleeping, of course.”
“I need to ask you a favor.”
“Anything, love.”
“My mom wants me to send her a photo of us. Is that possible?”
“I don’t see why not, unless you’re camera shy.”
“I didn’t know if vampires could be photographed.”
“These days it’s not a problem, more’s the pity.”
“What do you mean?”
“In days past, you couldn’t capture our image on film. And if you did, it quickly disappeared. But these days, with digital technology . . .” He shrugged. “It was more advantageous when our likeness couldn’t be captured.”
“I’ll just tell her no.”
“No, it’s fine. Where’s your phone?” he asked with a grin. “This will be my first selfie. And be sure to get your ring in the photo. I want your folks to know you’re marrying a man who can afford to take good care of you.”
* * *
Eyes as wide as saucers, Jilly stared at Tessa’s ring. “Girl, that is the most gorgeous thing I’ve ever seen. I had no idea Andrei was so dang rich.”
“Me either.” Tessa held up her hand, turning it this way and that so that the diamonds reflected the cafeteria lights. Tessa had been surprised when Jilly called last night to say she would be at work in the morning. She and Luke had decided to postpone their honeymoon until spring so they could save enough money to go to Hawaii.
Tessa added sweetener to her iced tea. “I sent my folks a photo of me and Andrei. My dad wasn’t too keen on my engagement to a ‘stranger’ until he saw the ring. Now he can’t wait to meet his future son-in-law.”
“When will your folks be home?”
“I don’t know. Hopefully by Christmas.”
“Have you and Andrei set a date?”
“No. I can’t do that until I know when my mom and dad will be back. So, how’s married life?”
“Wonderful! I mean, wonderful.” Jilly leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. “Making love to Luke was awesome before but it’s different now. Better, somehow, because I know he’s mine, that he really loves me.”
“He loved you before.”
“I know, but, well, a lot of people say a marriage license is just a piece of paper, but it’s more than that. It’s like a symbol of our love.” Cheeks flushed, she said, “I don’t know how to explain it, but I think you’ll be glad you waited.”