Chapter 116

Jonathan Reid drew a box from his pocket. A few people gasped, though Jay didn’t know why. Surely a gift on such an occasion wasn’t unusual. He prayed his mother liked it.

“I won’t get down on one knee.” Jonathan addressed the room before turning to his wife. “I wanted to mark the occasion though in truth we have no need of gemstones. You are my gem, so choosing this was an unenviable task.”

April looked at Jay and rolled her eyes. They both knew Eleanor was fussy and liked to pick her own things. His mother took the box as if it might contain a dog turd. Jay had to bite his lip.

When she opened the box another gasp went around the room, this one from his mother. Jay almost choked on the swig of wine he was taking. Christ, how big was that thing? He could see it from here. Did real pearls grow so large?

“Oh, why, Jonathan. I…I love it. Thank you.” They kissed.