The Forgotten Heiress novel Chapter 72

"Are you ready?"

Jessica looked at Christian who was sitting in the front passenger seat looking back at her with understanding and encouragement shinning bright in his eyes. Jessica shrugged and gave him a brave smile before turning to look out the window as they rolled to a stop in front of Nick's house.

In the front yard people were mingling and helping themselves to the refreshments as they waited for her arrival.

Almost as one, they all stopped what they were doing and turned their gazes towards the SUV. Jessica placed a hand against her stomach, trying to calm the butterflies that were flapping like crazy.

Just then, directly in front of her, the crowd parted to reveal him standing there.

Was she ready?

In answer she reached for the door at the same time that Nick strode forward. He reached the SUV as the door swung open and he held a hand out to help her down. "Thanks." She murmured with a smile that she was sure stretched from ear to ear.

"You look beautiful." He told her when she stood in front of him.

Jessica could read the sincerity in his eyes and she could have sworn she felt the butterfly's in her stomach do a couple of summersaults. Looking into the twin, hazel colored pools that were his eyes she felt herself going under one more time.

Like always, everyone and everything else disappeared but him.

"I missed you." He murmured.

"You saw me yesterday."

"An eternity ago."

She threw her head back and laughed, making him smile. "Laying it on a little thick aren't you?" She immediately knew the question had been a mistake when a gleam of mischief appeared in his eyes.

The declaration was met with loud cheering and applause.

Nick grasped her hand and together they descended the steps into the waiting crowd. Jessica was nervous, she didn't know what to expect -or if anything was expected of her- but she drew the necessary confidence from Nick who never left her side. Everyone welcomed her with soft words, some with hugs and to her dismay; others grabbed her hand and rubbed it against their cheeks.

She swore to herself that if anyone tried to lick her, she would run.

"They are showing you respect and their subservience." He explained to her in a low tone when he noticed her discomfort.

Jessica nodded her understanding and the greetings continued until she was welcomed by everyone. After meeting her and exchanging a couple of words, their interest slowly returned to their food and drinks and when it was just the two of them, Jessica looked around for her family.

"Where are my parents?"