A/N: I needed some love triangle relief so I did this. Please review!
I stared at my plate silently, moving the food around on the plate.
Jem has proposed to me. And I have said yes.
Tessa's glare, her trembling hands, the Carstair's ring on her finger.
I hadn't seen any of it coming and yet it was always before me. I never saw it because I was too busy watching her. Whether it was Jem or Gideon or Gabriel escorting her to dinner I never noticed. I just watched the way her cheeks flushed when she saw me after we had fought or kissed the night before.
Today she walked in with Jem. I saw him for the first time instead of just Tessa. Her hand was on his arm. He smiled like the world belonged to him. I moved my gaze down to Tessa.
Yes, he had the whole world.
Charlotte smiled. "We were beginning t o wonder where you two were-"
Jem didn't move from the entry way. "Tessa and I have news."
My stomach twisted and I sat my fork down. Tessa looked alarmed, and I realized Jem was being Jem, doing what he thought was obvious, but wasn't to everyone else.
"Well, tell us!" Charlotte explained.
Jem grinned hugely. "Tessa and I are engaged to be married. I asked her and she accepted me."
Tessa studied the floor.
She's worried for him, I realized. She's worried of what we will say.
Henry made an awful choking sound and Sophie let out a squeak. Gideon dropped his fork with a clang onto his dish, and the awful silence was left hanging around us. Tessa was looking like she might fling Jem from the room. Jem whose smile was becoming empty.
Without thinking I lifted my wine glass and stood. "I do not know two finer people," I choked. "And could not imagine better news. May your lives together be happy and long."
The silence broke and the shocked group turned to one of joy, swarming the couple. As I turned away, I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Thanks, Will," Jem whispered into my ear. I prayed he could not see me trembling.
And told the worst lie to him I ever have.
"Congratulations, brother."