Eternally Yours - Brenda Jackson [96]
“Welcome to Sisters, and I understand congratulations are in order, Clayton.”
Clayton smiled down at Netherland Brooms, the attractive owner of Sisters. “Thanks, and yes, they are. I would like you to meet Syneda Walters, my fiancée. Syneda, this is Netherland Brooms, but we all call her Nettie. She’s the owner of Sisters.”
Nettie took Syneda’s hand in hers. “I’m glad someone finally hooked this guy on in,” Nettie said to Syneda, grinning.
Syneda smiled at the woman’s comment. “Yeah, and I’m glad I was fortunate enough to be the one to do it.”
“The two of you make a lovely couple, and I wish you much happiness.”
“Thanks.”
Nettie turned to Clayton. “Your brothers and their wives are here. They have been quite busy this year, haven’t they?”
Clayton laughed, knowing she was referring to the pregnant state of his two sisters-in-law. “Yes, it appears they have been pretty busy.”
Clayton and Syneda followed Nettie over to the table where the Madaris party was sitting.
“We were wondering when the two of you were going to get here,” Dex said, smiling. “Justin and I can’t starve our ladies too long, don’t forget they’re each eating for two.”
“Sorry,” Clayton said, grinning. “We lost track of the time shopping.”
“The ring!” Lorren suddenly exclaimed. “You got your ring!”
Syneda nodded, beaming happily and holding her hand out for the others to see. “Isn’t it gorgeous?”
Lorren and Caitlin released oohs and aahs. Justin and Dex gave their brother nods of approvals.
The hostess came and took their order and within a reasonable time, their dinner was served. Afterward, Justin ordered champagne to toast the engaged couple.
“Well, well, well, look who just walked in,” Dex said, slanting a grin in Clayton’s direction. “And look who’s with her.”
Clayton turned and rolled his eyes to the ceiling, while muttering a silent curse. Why did his cousin Felicia have to show up now? And of all people, Bernard Wilson was with her.
“I’m sure she appreciates you sending Bernard her way,” Justin said, grinning.
Syneda lifted a brow after seeing an uncomfortable look on Clayton’s face. “Is something wrong?”
He shrugged. “No.”
Clayton heard the sounds of Justin and Dex chuckling and glared across the table at them.
Syneda looked around her. Her attention focused on Clayton’s cousin and the handsome man who was with her. They had seen them and were headed over to their table.
“Hi, everyone,” Felicia said when she reached the table. “Glad to see everyone out for a good cause. Let me introduce Bernard. But I think he knows everyone already.”
Bernard smiled as they sat down to join them. “I met everyone at that party for Senator Lansing, except for you,” he said to Syneda. “We were never officially introduced,” he said extending his hand to her. “Bernard Wilson.”
Syneda took the hand he offered. “Syneda Walters.”
“Soon to be Syneda Madaris,” Felicia said, smiling. “And thanks for asking me to be in the wedding.”
“The two of you are getting married?” Bernard asked Syneda in surprise, letting his gaze move from her to Clayton.
“That’s right,” Clayton said, sipping some of his champagne. “Why?”
“But I thought…”
He didn’t finish his statement when the hostess came to take the newcomers’ order.
They got into talking about other things. Dex and Justin began enlightening everyone about the small airplane the brothers had purchased together.
Bernard couldn’t help noticing Syneda and the amount of candy and nuts she was nibbling on. And that was after she had finished eating a slice of coconut pie with vanilla ice cream.
Syneda felt Bernard’s gaze on her and stopped munching. She lifted a brow. “Is anything wrong, Bernard?”
He smiled at her. “No, I was just noticing how much you’re enjoying those nuts. You do know they’re fattening, don’t you?”
Syneda heard Dex and Justin clear their throats. She