Read The Good Sister: Part Two for Free Online Page A

up on Ashton’s arm once we were in the car, figuring it would be a long drive back to the chateau. I was surprised when the car came to a stop in front of a store. Ashton helped me out of the car, took my hand, and led me through the glass doors.
    “Cartier!” I exclaimed.
    Ashton let out a guffaw.
    “I told you, my dove; I would secure you a ring.”
    “Ashton, this is too much. I don’t need a fancy ring.”
    “You are my wife, and my wife shall have anything her heart desires, but I desire a fancy ring.”
    “But…”
    “Come, my dove,” he said, placing his arm around me, keeping me tucked into the side of his body where I felt secure.
    “Lord Archer,” a tall, extremely graceful woman greeted. “Welcome. It is good to see you again.”
    I was surprised the woman didn’t speak French nor did she have a French accent, then I was surprised hearing the woman say it was good to see him … did she say again?
    “One of my associates explained you were in need of an engagement ring.”
    “Yes. Whatever ring my dove finds appealing,” Ashton replied.
    The blonde woman smiled at me. “And you must be his dove?”
    “Yes,” I confirmed. “I am Trinity.”
    Ashton smiled as if he were as proud as a peacock.
    “I am pleased to meet you, Trinity. I am Siena , executive sales for Cartier Paris.”
    “It is nice to meet you, Siena .” 
    “Well, if you will both come with me, we will have a private showing.”
    A private showing?
    Ashton and I walked past cases and cases of glimmering jewels before finally coming to a stop in a separate room which looked … plush would be the best way to describe it. Beneath the glitter of the crystal chandeliers, Ashton and I took a seat on a long red chaise while several sales associates brought in shimmering diamond rings on black padded trays. Music started. Magic from the ceiling overhead.
    Each tray was set atop a large glass table in front of us. Then the sales associates marched out of the room, reminding me of a formal retreat. Siena took a seat in a high-backed chair. She crossed her long tanned legs. I can only imagine my expression defined stunned. I was speechless, unsure what to do.
    “Pick,” Ashton said.
    “Ashton…” I protested, resting my hand upon his knee.
    “Pick any ring you desire, my love.”
    I glanced up into his eyes. “You want me to just pick a ring?”
    “Yes.”
    I reached out with a trembling hand, moving my fingers over the vast selection of diamonds, with no idea of which to pick. They were all beyond words. How had this become my life? How was it possible for this man to love me?
    I placed my fingers on a ring. Picked it up. It reminded me of an heirloom. The center stone was emerald cut with what looked like hundreds of facets glittering from within the stone. It was in a platinum setting with diamonds embedded within the band, and coming to a curling v where the band met the emerald cut stone. Beneath the setting of the emerald cut stone were more pavé stones. It was beautiful, timeless, and I couldn’t hold back my smile.
    “That would be an excellent choice,” Siena said.
    “Do you fancy this ring?” Ashton asked.
    “It’s beautiful,” I said, placing it back onto the tray.
    “Ms. Lexington,” Ashton said, “how many carats is this particular ring?”
    “The ring Trinity was holding is 4.49 carats, but we do have this ring in 1.50 carats.”
    “We shall take this ring.” Ashton plucked it up from the tray. “And I wish to look at wedding bands also.”
    “Of course, Lord Archer,” Siena replied and tapped a buzzer at her side.
    The formal regiment of sales associates returned, removing the trays. Siena leaned over the table and measured my ring finger.
    “Carla, we need the Ballerine ring 4.49 carats in a 16.5 mm,” Siena informed, “and please bring some matching wedding bands for Lord Archer’s inspection.”
    Carla nodded and left the room.
    “Did you receive my other request?” Lord Archer asked of