Diamond (Rare Gems #2)(38)

“Miss Erickson?” They all nodded, confusing the man. “Diamond Erickson? My name is Jon, and I’m going to be your driver and security guard today. Mr. Galloway asked that someone be with you at all times.”

He handed Diamond an envelope and stood very still while he waited for her to read it. When Diamond handed it to her, she laughed at what was there.

I know you can more than likely kill anything that dares to come at you with ill intent, but for my own peace of mind, could you please allow Jon to hang around with you today? Also, take your sisters and grandmother with you today and have them help you. And don’t be overwhelmed again. You’re going to be fine. Love, T.

“I guess we’re all going shopping.” As they all piled into the extra-long Hummer, Diamond looked as nervous as Sapphire’d ever seen her. Sapphire wasn’t sure if it was the house or the fact that Thad was going to be gone for a few days. Allen helped them figure it out.

“Heard tell you got this house big enough for ten families to live in. You gonna fill it with some grandkids for your grandmother or you gonna be selfish like this one is being?” Sapphire flushed, not wanting to mention to anyone that she thought she was pregnant just yet. “I’ve been waiting my whole life for a grandson and haven’t gotten a single one to show for it.”

“I don’t know.” Diamond smiled at Allen as she continued. “I really don’t want kids, and I’m pretty sure Thad doesn’t either. Sapphire and Blair told me that they were never having babies. They’re too messy.”

Allen’s mouth opened and closed several times before he glared at Diamond. When she laughed, he glared harder.

“You, young lady, are not funny. To tease an old man like that about his legacy? That’s shameful.” Allen crossed his arms over his chest and looked at her. “I suppose I’ll have to wait until next season for a baby to hold from you as well.”

“I’m not sure. We’ll let you know when we know.” Allen huffed at her. “You should know that I do plan to tell my husband before I do you anyway.”

The house, if one could call it simply a house, was much bigger than she’d imagined. Blair had told her how many square feet it was, but this…this was amazing. The front entrance alone was breathtaking, but the deeper they got into the house, the more Sapphire could see why her sister was overwhelmed. And the pool was something she could see herself using if they had one.

“You’ll come over all the time, right? And bring bread crumbs?” She and Diamond were in the master suite taking an inventory of what was needed in there. The list wasn’t as long as it could have been, but they were still finding things the young couple would need.

“I’d say bread crumbs would be a good start. You’ll need a great deal of help to keep this place just dusted.” Diamond nodded as she moved to the large window near the gas fireplace. “Diamond, tell me what’s wrong.”

“I don’t know how to be rich.” Sapphire started to laugh, but when her sister continued, she was glad that she hadn’t. “I mean look at this place. How on earth am I going to ever feel comfortable here?”

Sapphire thought she already did but didn’t comment on that. “What makes you feel like this? The house or the man?”

“He doesn’t love me.” Sapphire sat next to her on the bed. “He said he liked me a few days ago, but he gave me this house because I liked it. Who gives someone a house because they liked it?”

“Men.” Diamond laughed as Sapphire continued. “You have to realize that they only know how to fix things either by manly means or buying new. I don’t know if Thad doesn’t love you or not. If he doesn’t, he’s very close. Do you love him?”

“Yes.” Diamond got up to go to the closet as she finished telling her what was bothering her the most. “What if I embarrass him at some function?”

“Embarrass him how? By saying the wrong thing? Telling someone to kiss your ass? I’m pretty sure he knows you well enough by now to realize you’re not the sit back sort of woman.”

“I told him that too, and he told me he wanted me to be that way. What will happen if I say that to some dick who’s making me want to shift and tear out his throat?” Diamond turned back to her as she spoke. “I don’t want to lose him.”

“You won’t. And if you tear out someone’s throat, I’ll help you bury the body.” Diamond hugged her. “I love you very much. I want you to be happy here. Will you be?”

“Yes. I love this house. I know it’s huge and I’ll get lost in it a lot at first, but I really do love it. We’re going to have so much fun here.” She moved to the bathroom before she continued. “But we need to get some towels in here or no one will have a good time.”

Three hours later, after a huge lunch at Diamond’s favorite restaurant, they were hitting the mall. In pairs, they emptied the shelves. By dinnertime, not only were they exhausted, but had enough stuff purchased that they had to make arrangements to have a truck brought and loaded. Thad was going to be either completely surprised or one pissed off man. Sapphire thought he was going to be amazed rather than anything else.

~~~

Ward wasn’t happy. The airport wouldn’t give him a car without a valid driver’s license, and when he’d asked where his brother was staying, the woman at the information desk had simply walked away.