The Forgotten Heiress novel Chapter 71

"I'm sure." Lauren took the ring and slipped it back on Jessica's finger. "I think you should have something that belonged to your father and besides, according to him the ring is an heirloom passed down to the eldest child. It was always meant to be yours; I just kept it safe for you."

Jessica fanned her eyes trying to keep the tears at bay, if she started crying she didn't know if she would ever stop. "Thank you."

"If you are really thankful, you will also accept these." She indicated the diamond studs still lying on her hand. "It would hurt my feelings if you accepted something from your father and not from me."

"Is that emotional blackmail I hear?" Jessica's eyebrows shot up in disbelief and Lauren shrugged.

"You bet it is."

Jessica threw her head back and laughed. "They are beautiful mom and if you insist then how can I say no?" Jessica took the earrings and put them on. "How do I look now?"

"You look beautiful, just like a princess."

Lauren smiled but Jessica noticed that the happiness didn't reach her eyes. Jessica smiled back and hugged her mom. "I'm still going to be around. Now that I've found you I'm not going to lose you." She promised.

Now it was her mom's turn to give her a watery smile. "You have no idea how glad I am to hear that."

Before Jessica could respond, Riley came barging in and told them it was time to go. He noticed a packed box by the door and asked if it need to be taken downstairs. Jessica nodded and trying not to laugh, she watched as a grumbling Riley headed out of her room and took the heavy box down to the garage with the rest of the things.

"Not everyone has your strength." He yelled from down the hall.

Jessica grimaced. "Sorry!"

Lauren shook her head and laughed. "You'll never know how happy it makes me to see all three of you getting along."

"Me too. I like having a brother and sister. When I first came here I was jealous. I felt like they'd gotten everything that was supposed to be mine-even my name! I feared that there was no room for me, that I was excess baggage." Jessica explained. "But with your caring, patience and understanding you showed me how wrong I was."