Diamond (Rare Gems #2)(37)
Thad got up and went to her, kneeling before her as she sobbed quietly. Lifting her chin up, he looked into her eyes and found that he was a goner. This was the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life not only loving, but worshiping as well. Smiling at her, he brushed away her tears with his thumb.
“I have a staff. Not nearly large enough for this house, but one that can run this one as well as the two of us. I’ve already called Benson. He’s the head of the house in Texas. I told him what I needed. He’ll be calling you in a couple of days.” Thad didn’t know if now was the time or not, but he decided that she might as well know it all. “I’ve asked Jane to set up your name on all my accounts, personal as well as business. You won’t be able to make any decisions with the business without some more experience, but you’ll be able to do that soon I’m sure. I’ve also had her order you a cell phone. I noticed that while you have one, it’s out of date and I want to be able to reach you when I need to just hear your voice.”
“You’re leaving, aren’t you?” He nodded. “I guess I assumed you would but I didn’t…how long will you be gone?”
Thad was thrilled to no end that she knew he was returning. “I’ll have to leave today. I’m sorry but I have to…I have a brother. His name is Ward. He’s murdered someone and I have to go down and see what kind of mess he’s left behind for me to clean up.”
“Murdered? You’re not going to pay people off, are you?” He was shocked, but then realized that had been what he’d first thought, too, when Jane had told him. “I won’t stand for you using your money to make a murderer go free.”
“He won’t. Ward is a pain in my ass, and according to Jane, the murder was brutal and he is on the run. I don’t know if he’ll come here or not, but I’ve already made some arrangements for security to come here and set up the house. The cleaning crew will be here in the morning.”
“You work fast.” He nodded at her and smiled. “I thought there was some sort of waiting period or something. But I guess if you have enough money, things sort of happen fast.”
“Something like that.” He reached into his pocket, then took her hand. “I know that this is going to be fast as well, but I was wondering if you’d marry me.”
“Oh my.” Thad moved the ring over her knuckles to set it home. “You do work fast. This is…Thad, this is beautiful.”
“Is that a yes?” Smiling, she nodded and Thad felt his life settle. Diamond Erickson was going to be his wife.
Chapter 12
Sapphire walked into the kitchen to grab a glass of tea before she headed to her home office. Grandmother was standing at the stove staring at Diamond, who looked like she was deep in thought. Sapphire looked at her grandmother.
“I don’t know what’s wrong with her. I came in just to start on dinner and she was sitting there staring at that glass like it was going to give her the secrets of life. And don’t even bother speaking to her. She’s not uttered a single word.” Grandmother huffed as she continued. “And Thad left too. I got this off the table.”
Sapphire took the note and read it quickly. I’ll be back before you know it. Do all the things we discussed and don’t forget to call me if you have any problems. Love, Thad.
Jade and Ruby came in just as Sapphire sat across from Diamond. Each of them sat down when Grandmother told them what was going on. Diamond continued to sit very still as Emerald walked in.
“What’s up?” Grandmother explained to Emerald what she’d just told the other two. “So she’s upset that he’s left her already? What an idiotic turd head.”
“Who’s an idiotic turd head? And where do you get those names you call people,” Opal asked as she entered the melee. “I swear you just reach out and grab a couple of words and mash them together.”
“I do. And it’s Diamond. She’s in a trance or something because lover-boy has left her and she’s more than likely knocked up and will resort to drugs when—” Sapphire cut Emerald off.
“Do you mind not making up stories right now? This is serious. I think she’s depressed.” Sapphire was just reaching for her phone to call Thad and give him a piece of her mind when Diamond spoke.
“I have a house now. A great big one. I have to go and buy things for it. There’s furniture but no sheets and towels for us to use. Benson will be here on Friday, but he will be busy hiring a staff.” Diamond laid a credit card on the table, and that’s when Sapphire saw the ring. “I’m to use that to do it all.”
Emerald grabbed Diamond’s hand and whistled. “Good Christ, did he rob a bank while he was at it? This is the most beautiful ring I’ve ever seen. I guess he popped the question.”
“He did. And I said yes, but now I’m…you want to go shopping with me?” Diamond looked at them all. “I could take you to the house to show you around. Then you can help me get whatever we’re going to need.”
There was a great deal of desperation there and Sapphire had a feeling they all heard it and not just her. She did pull out her cell then and contacted her office while she noticed the rest of them were making arrangements as well. When Allen, Blair’s dad, walked in the kitchen, he was absorbed in the shopping spree as well. Before any of them had a chance to ask any more questions, a large man in a black suit knocked on the back door.