Katherine's POV
"Let's go." John grinned. "You don't want to keep your girl in the cold."
"I don't even want to keep her near you." Jack replied.
John laughed.
I believed I might have to agree with Jack on what he said. I didn't want myself near John as well. I didn't like the way he kept staring at me. It was weird and I felt super uncomfortable.
"Let's go, babe." Jack said and guided me toward the entrance.
Babe?
I couldn't help myself. I stared at Jack in shock. I didn't even know he knew a word like that. He winked at me and I felt the world shifting under my feet. Thank goodness he was still holding me, I would have embarrassed my ancestors.
My face flamed up and I quickly looked away. I didn't think I could deal with flirty Jack even though I knew it was an act.
I glanced at John and winced when I saw that he was still looking at us. I realized that was why Jack had winked at me. He was still acting while I had allowed myself to get carried away.
I felt silly for getting affected by an act.
"Have I ever seen this affectionate with a woman?" John asked.
Please, don't talk. I wanted to beg John. I didn't need to start thinking I was the only lady Jack had ever been with.
"Have I ever seen you this chatty?" Jack scoffed. "Have you always been this nosy or it's the wine?"
"I've not taken a drink this evening."
"You could have fooled me."
John ignored his sarcasm and continued talking. "I thought you were going to get back together with Melissa when I heard grandpa wants you to get married. I didn't know you already have a girl. How sly of you, brother."
Melissa? Who is Melissa?
"Don't bring her name up before me again." Jack growled, narrowing his eyes at John.
Now, I was more curious to know who Melissa was.
"Ouch! Still a sore spot, I guess."
Fortunately, we got to the main door and I heaved a sigh of relief. I had been so worried the brothers were going to trade blows.
I stared wide-eyed in amazement as we walked in. His house was huge it could have passed for a hall. I could see the adjustments that had been made to the house to make up for the party and the guests that were invited.
"Are you ready?" Jack turned to face me and whispered.
I wasn't ready.
I nodded and blew out a breath. "I'm ready."
He nodded, took his hand off my back and slipped it in mine. I held my breath as we walked toward his grandfather, holding hands.
Focus on the crowd, focus on the crowd, Katherine. I kept reminding myself.
If I glanced at where our hands were joined, I was afraid I might pass out.
I loved the baby growing in my belly but I didn't think I liked being pregnant. It was making me extremely sensitive.
I noticed the old man before we got to him. He had an uncanny resemblance to Jack and a mischievous glint was in his eyes as he watched us walking toward him.
He glanced once at our joined hands and his lips spread wide in a grin. I knew he was already imagining a house full of kids and happily ever after for his grandson and I felt like shit for fooling him.
"How good to see you, Jack." His grandfather said, pulling the two of us into an embrace.
I pushed back the tears threatening to spill from my eyes. I hated being dishonest to a man as sweet and welcoming as this.
"You knew I was coming." Jack snorted but I could tell he was pleased to be with his grandfather.
"Who is this beautiful young lady?"
"Who do you think she is?"
Even though he had said the same thing to his brother a few minutes ago, the tone he used at the moment with his grandfather was different.
His grandfather's eyes sparkled at me and I smiled at him.
"Katherine, meet my grandfather, George Sanchez. Gramps, meet my girlfriend, um, wife-to-be, Katherine Nelson."
Wife-to-be?
I knew that was the essence of our agreement but it felt strange to hear him admit it out loud.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Sanchez." I smiled at his grandfather.
He snorted. "Call me George or feel free to call me gramps like my grandsons do."
Gramps? I couldn't do that when I knew I wasn't really going to be a part of the family. That would make it harder to leave if I get too attached.
"Thanks, George."
He laughed, knowing I wasn't going to call him gramps.
"I guess I have to worm my way into your girl's heart to make her like me enough to accept me as a grandfather." George laughed. "You should say hello to your mother. She has been waiting for you all night."
"She is always waiting for me."
"Because she is your mother. Now, stop being smart and go greet your mother. She would be happy to meet your girl. She finally has someone else to keep her company since you get too busy to visit."
"Katherine is a busy lady so I don't think she can keep mum company as much as she wants." Jack said.
"Are you too busy to visit your mother-in-law, darling?" George asked, pinning me down with a stare.
I couldn't swallow. "Not at all."
"I knew it." George smiled. "I like your girl, Jack."
Jack sighed. "We should go before you intimidate her into living here with you before the wedding."
"That won't be a bad idea." George laughed.
Jack shook his head and led me away which I was grateful for. His family wasn't at all what I expected.
He led me up the stairs and we walked into a big room. A woman was seated at the mirror, applying touches to her face and getting ready for the party which was about to start.
She turned toward the door when she heard it open and her eyes widened when they fell on Jack.
"Jack, is that you?" she asked, jumping to her feet and ran toward him.
"Do you have another son who looks as handsome as this?" he replied, wrapping his arms around her.
I kept my snort to myself. His response was cocky considering that he had a younger brother who looked like him.
Why was I surprised? I already knew he was an arrogant person.
She eased out of his embrace and turned to me. "Your girl?"
"Yes, mum. Katherine, meet my mum. Mum, meet Katherine."
"Good evening, ma'am."
She snorted. "Call me Emily."
I smiled, glad she didn't ask me to call her mum. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Emily."
"You too, darling. You just made me some dollars richer."
Jack groaned. "Did you make a bet with John again?"
"Yes, he said you didn't have a girlfriend and would come with Melissa. I told him not to count on that. You are a secretive person and it won't surprise me if you have a girl which you do." She winked at me as she added the last part.
"You didn't have to indulge John by making a bet with him. I swear, mum, you are spoiling him."
She sighed. "Don't start with me. Your grandfather already talked my ears off."
"As he should."
"I don't get why my father and my first son can't understand me. Since I didn't get lucky with husbands, can't I have fun with my sons?"
The family history just got clear to me. I wouldn't have guessed George was Jack's maternal grandfather since he bore his name. Jack and John probably bore their mother's last name because their fathers weren't worth being associated with.
I wondered who would have been crazy enough to break up with Emily with how rich her father was. Apparently, two men in the world was and I was about to join them soon.
I sighed at the reminder.
I glanced at Jack, feeling pity for him for the first time. I wondered if he got hard because of his mother's failed relationship with his father and watching another failed relationship with his step-father.
We heard a knock on the door and stared as a maid walked into the room.
"The party has started, madam." She curtsied. "I was told to inform you."
"Thank you, Susan."
The maid reeked of fish as she stepped in and I felt nausea creeping up my throat. I guessed she had come from the kitchen to inform her bosses of the party, and with the way Jack and Emily stared at her without reaction, I didn't think they sensed the smell from her.
It seemed like I was the only one with the heightened sense of smell and I covered my mouth with my hand as vomit threatened to get out.
"Are you okay, dear?" Emily asked, rushing to my side as she saw me.
I nodded, forcing the vomit to go down and was finally able to breath when Susan left the room.
"I'm fine." I sighed.
She narrowed her eyes at me and grinned. "Are you pregnant?"
My eyes widened in horror as my heart kicked into overdrive.