Theodore (Xavier's Hatchlings #2) - Kathi S. Barton Page 0,17

she was almost afraid to see what it would look like. Pem wasn’t one to want diamonds or big rings. But she thought that if she were able to pick out what she wanted in an engagement ring, it would be emeralds. They were her favorite gem.

“My mom, as I told you, can see bits and pieces of the future. Most of my family can do that. Also, she and my dad have a direct contact with the dead. It’s come in handy more times than I think she likes to admit. She said this would make the woman I fell in love with sparkle like this does when the sun is shining on it.” The ring was an emerald. She turned to him when he moved to her on his knees. “Pembroke Black Manning, will you be my wife? Keep me safe? Protect me from myself? In turn, I will pamper you, love you, and make sure you come first in all things. As you do now.”

“Oh, Theo.” The ring slid onto her finger as if it had been measured for just her. The emerald was as big as a nickel and surrounded by several smaller diamonds. The weight of it wasn’t heavy, as she thought it would be, but felt like it had been made for her. “Yes. I’ll marry you. Anytime. You certainly know how to make a woman swoon, don’t you? I love this. Thank you so much for it.”

As he shifted and took them down the mountain, she wished that she’d kissed him. Pem had a feeling it would be something more than just a kiss between two people, but a claiming of sorts between the two of them. As soon as they landed in the yard, Grandma came out of the house. Showing her the ring was like having it put on her finger once again. Grandma hugged them both before telling them they needed to get going. The tears in her grandma’s eyes made her hug her tighter.

“You look so good together as a couple. I cannot believe how lucky we are to have such a man in our lives.” Pem agreed with her. “Oh child, he’s going to keep us safe. I just know it.”

She had to take a few minutes to gather herself. Pem had always had her emotions take her under at times, but this was nothing like that. She was happy. She felt better than she had in years. Pem only hoped that Theo would not rush her. There was just too much going on for her to deal with a pushy man.

Chapter 3

MaryBeth wasn’t sure what the holdup was, but she figured they had a good reason for making them wait for so long. They’d been asked to show up at the jail at nine. They’d been a little early and had been in town since eight, which had afforded them time to have a nice breakfast with the Manning family again. They were leaving to go back home. MaryBeth was going to miss them.

Thinking about the dinner she’d had with Theo’s family last night made her smile. Such good people. People that she was glad to be a part of. There was plenty enough food, that was for sure, and the conversation was loud and fun. MaryBeth thought she might have had more fun at that dinner than she’d had at any Thanksgiving with her own family. Yes, she thought, they were nice people.

Theo’s mom, Cindi, was such a wonderful person. She was older than her, by a great deal as it turned out, but she looked like she could have been Theo’s sister rather than mother. She also told her that she could and did speak to the dead and help them with some things that might have been left undone. Xavier, Theo’s father, did as well.

MaryBeth thought of her having all those boys at one time while growing up. But not a one of them were disrespectful to anyone. They were polite and even helped with dinner preparation and clean up without being asked.

When they began talking about the trial, Carson came to sit with her and Pem.

“Two things that I want you to know about tomorrow. I’ve already asked that neither of you carry into the jail tomorrow. They’ll check you and ask, but things have been known to get by even the best of places. Also, after the will is read, try very hard not to engage with your dad. He’s off