An elderly man she knew with a single glance was Cameron’s father came over to meet her. He held out both hands, and Jasmine placed her palms on his. “Welcome to the family. When Cameron told his mother and me that he was bringing someone special to meet us I never would’ve thought it would be someone as beautiful as you.” He kissed her on both cheeks. “I’m Nathan. And you are?”
Jasmine smiled. “I’m Jasmine Washington.” Her initial anxiety vanishing quickly, she went on tiptoe and pressed her cheek to Nathan’s. She’d taken an instant liking to the tall man with a shock of silver hair and laughing blue eyes. He was as charming as he was elegant.
Nathan held her left hand firmly, his eyes going to the ring on her finger. “Is this what I think it is?”
“Yes, Dad,” Cameron said, speaking for the first time. “Jasmine and I are engaged.”
Gasps and murmurs filled the room as those in attendance turned to one another, shaking their heads and lifting shoulders as if to confirm they had no inkling Cameron was bringing his fiancée to Sunday dinner.
A slender woman with gray eyes and coiffed snow-white hair walked into the parlor. Cameron may have resembled his father, but Jasmine knew the woman was his mother. A minute network of lines fanned out around her eyes when she saw Jasmine.
“Aren’t you lovely,” she crooned.
Jasmine lowered her eyes. “Thank you.”
“Don’t thank me, honey. Thank your parents for creating such a beautiful child. By the way, I’m Belinda.”
Jasmine extended her hand to the older woman. “I’m Jasmine Washington.”
Belinda brushed aside her hand and hugged Jasmine. “You were named for a flower. It really fits you.”
“Belinda, Cameron and Jasmine are engaged,” Nathan announced loudly.
Belinda dropped her arms as if she’d been told Jasmine was carrying a communicable disease. Reacting, seemingly in slow motion, she raised Jasmine’s left hand and stared numbly at the diamond ring. “Why didn’t you tell us, Cameron?”
He approached Jasmine and wrapped his arm around her waist. “I wanted to surprise you.”
Belinda frowned at him. “You did more than surprise us.”
“Cam, you’re being rude,” said a woman whom Jasmine knew was his sister. She was a younger version of Belinda. “Isn’t it time you introduce us to our future sister-in-law?”
The men rose to their feet as Cameron led Jasmine over to the adults who’d gathered in the parlor for pre-dinner cocktails. “Jasmine, I’d like you to meet my illustrious family, beginning with my brother Preston. The lovely woman clinging to his arm as if he’s going to run away is his wife, Madison. Preston and Maddie are the parents of a son and daughter who’re probably either playing games or texting friends on their electronic devices. Next up is my brother Leighton and his also-lovely wife, Melanie, who are blessed with three rather active boys. And last, but definitely not least, is my adorable and perfect sister, Evangeline, and my brother-in-law, Daniel. Evie and Daniel have twin daughters who are unquestionably the bosses of the entire Singleton clan. Everyone, I’d like you to meet Jasmine Washington.”
One by one the men and women approached Jasmine and politely welcomed her into the family. Straightening her shoulders, she knew they expected her to say something. What they didn’t know was she wanted to give Cameron a good cussing out for not alerting his family of their engagement.
“I know all of you are stunned because Cameron neglected to tell you that he was bringing his fiancée to meet you, which makes me just as taken aback as you are. However, he and I will definitely have a heart-to-heart talk later tonight.”
“It sounds like your ass is toast, brother,” Leighton said under his breath.
Madison took Jasmine’s left hand and stared at the ring. “It’s really beautiful. I wish you and Cameron all the best life has to offer you.”
Jasmine hugged Madison with her free arm. “Thank you so much.” Besides Nathan, the petite brunette was the first one to actually make her feel welcomed.
“The Singletons aren’t the friendliest folks when you first meet them,” she whispered in Jasmine’s ear, “but once you push out a baby you’ll become a part of their pseudo royal family.”
“Thanks for letting me know,” Jasmine whispered back.
“What are you two whispering about?” Preston asked.
“Madison and I are talking about getting together to do a little shopping.” It was the first thing to pop into Jasmine’s head. Perhaps it was because she’d complained to Cameron that she needed to buy clothes to accommodate her changing body.
Preston groaned and tossed back his drink. “The only time Maddie gives up shopping is during Lent.”
Leighton handed Cameron a double old-fashioned glass. “Preston, you knew Maddie was a shopaholic before you married her, so don’t act so put out because she’s found a new accomplice.”
“That’s not nice, Lee,” Madison countered.
Leighton waved a hand in dismissal. “Jasmine, can I get you something from the bar?”
