The Marriage Contract by Lisa Mondello

Author:Lisa Mondello [Mondello, Lisa]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Google: H7-mPgAACAAJ
Goodreads: 12702702
Publisher: Domhan
Published: 1999-12-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

Cara sank down into the wing chair next to the table full of colorfully wrapped presents just as Elsie took hold of the microphone. Karaoke music blared as her mother stood to the side, holding a camera, ready to capture the moment on film. Her father disappeared to the den with Larry from the hardware store.

And Devin disappeared to the back of the room as soon as Roger stood by her side. Penny immediately gathered up to his side. Although she didn't want to be, Cara was acutely aware of where Devin was at all times. Was it her imagination, or was he really avoiding her whenever Roger was around?

As Roger handed her the first gift to unwrap, she couldn’t take her eyes off Devin. He slumped against the doorjamb, holding the glass of champagne her mother had just passed out to everyone for the toast.

“Cara?” She looked at Roger, who wore a look of bewilderment. “Aren’t you going to open your present?”

Cara glanced down at her lap and realized she was holding a long black velvet jewelry box adorned with a thick white ribbon tied into a large bow. She didn't remember taking it in her hands. “Oh, yes, of course.”

She tore open the card to find it was a gift from her parents, a strand of pearls. What followed next was an array of gag gifts given by some of her friends from Boston. The beautiful royal blue nightie, given to her by Louise with a note to “get a life” got the best response from everyone in the room.

Except from Devin. With Roger's quip remark to “put it to good use,” Devin shifted uncomfortably, turning his attention away from all the hoots and giggles. Even from the distance, she could see the tightness in his jaw, his whole body for that matter.

Roger handed her his gift and kissed her lightly on the cheek. The box black velvet like the one her parents had given her, but much smaller. Her heart pounded furiously in her chest, drowning out the next wave of song coming from the speakers in the back of the living room. She didn't want to open it. It was so unexpected. Was Roger really going to ask her to marry him? And in front of all these people?

She cradled the box in her sweating palm for a long agonizing moment. She had the vague feeling opening the innocent looking package was the equivalent of opening Pandora's Box. One quick motion and it was done.

Relief washed over her. Her eyes focused on the single diamond centered elegantly in a black gold setting. Roger had given her a diamond pendant. Her smile couldn't have been bigger.

“I knew you'd like it,” Roger said, misreading her expression. “I've been working with a jeweler for months now to find the perfect diamond for you.”

“It's beautiful,” she said, looking at the gift. “I'll treasure it always.”

Now that the table was empty and the last gift was unwrapped, the crowd applauded. Standing up, Cara closed the box and handed it to Roger.

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