Eternally Yours - Brenda Jackson [64]
Clayton smiled and calmly resumed eating his nuts. “Won’t be the first time she’s given me hell about something.”
“No man should look that good,” Kattie Madaris Barnes said to the other women standing with her. They were all staring at the man across the room, Sterling Hamilton. He and Diamond Swain were talking to Oprah.
“Don’t forget you’re a married woman,” Lorren Madaris teased.
“I’m married, but I’m not blind,” Kattie replied, grinning.
“I heard he and Diamond Swain are secretly married,” Caitlin Madaris said.
“She’s not wearing a ring. I’ve already checked that out,” Traci replied.
Syneda hid her smile as she reached for a cracker covered with cheese. She had to admit Sterling Hamilton was indeed a very handsome man. But then, so was Clayton, she thought to herself. She could have pointed that out to Traci and Kattie, but they might get curious as to why she even thought so. As Clayton’s sisters, they wouldn’t see their brother through the eyes of another woman.
She glanced across the room where Clayton, Dex and Justin were involved in what appeared to be a deep conversation. In her opinion, and she knew Lorren and Caitlin would agree with her, the three Madaris brothers were three fine men. They gave true meaning to the words tall, dark and handsome. And although they were different in personality and temperament, she didn’t know any men more loving, considerate and loyal to their families.
She glanced at her watch. It was getting late. She had hoped to have gotten the opportunity to meet Senator Lansing by now.
During most of the evening, he’d been constantly surrounded by people, and now she didn’t see him anywhere.
“Syneda, are you all right? You haven’t had much to say all night,” Kattie said with concern in her voice.
Syneda smiled. “I’m fine, just kind of tired. I’ve been keeping late nights working on a case I’m appealing. I think I’ll turn in early tonight.”
“All of us should turn in early. Especially you two,” Traci said to Lorren and Caitlin. “Although it’s been a long time since I was pregnant, the one thing I do remember is needing plenty of rest.” She grinned. “And don’t forget Gramma Madaris expects all of us in church tomorrow, bright and early, beginning with Sunday school.”
“Sunday school starts at nine o’clock,” Kattie said. “Boy, is she asking for a lot.”
Traci smiled. “I know, but with tomorrow being her birthday, I guess she feels she can ask her children, grandchildren and great-grands for anything.”
“Where will her birthday party be held?” Syneda asked.
“It will be right after the services tomorrow in the church dining room. Gramma Madaris has been a member of that church for over sixty years. In fact, she and Grampa got married there when she was seventeen.”
“Good evening, ladies,” Justin said, coming over to join the group with Dex and Clayton with him. “I think you ladies are the most gorgeous ones here tonight. Don’t you agree, Dex?” he asked, placing a soft kiss on Lorren’s lips.
“Absolutely,” Dex said, smiling. His arms went around Caitlin protectively, gently pulling her against him. “All Madaris women are beautiful, and they’re all Madaris women.”
Syneda smiled. It was on the tip of her tongue to remind Dex she wasn’t a Madaris but thought better of it. Like everyone else, Dex considered her as part of the family.
She liked Justin and Dex. Justin had been there for Lorren when she had needed someone to help her through a difficult time in her life. And for that reason he was very special to her. With Dex, there was such tenderness in him, as well as stubbornness and pride. He was the type of man who protected his own. Last year Caitlin’s life had been threatened, and Dex had made it clear that no one messed with his wife unless they were willing to face his wrath.
Her gaze went to Clayton. He took another sip of his wine, watching her with dark eyes. A part of her came to life under his steady gaze. It was silently reaching out to her, touching her, making her want