“The thing you were up to this afternoon,” she said reading his look.
“Yes, now I know you said you didn’t want to do gifts for any of the smaller occasions, but I couldn’t resist once I saw it,” he told her walking over to his suit coat. He crossed back over to her with a small jewelry box. “I didn’t get one of these for you when I asked because it wasn’t exactly planned but I want everyone to know how much you mean to me.”
“Jordan,” she said with a small laugh as he opened the box.
“I know it can’t be an engagement ring since we’re already married but will you wear my ring Mel?” he asked letting her see the ring nestled inside.
Her first thought at seeing the large emerald surrounded by diamonds was that it was gorgeous and she loved it. “It’s perfect.”
“Let’s see if it’s a perfect fit?” he asked sliding it onto her finger until it rested against the simple band she wore.
“Completely,” she smiled leaning forward to kiss him lightly knowing they had an audience.
“Alright, let me see,” Alana laughed rushing over. “You did good little brother.”
“I had some help,” Jordan said as Nicole kissed Mel’s cheek. “Nic and Tate made sure it was the right size and helped me narrow down the options.”
“An emerald though? Most guys just go with a diamond,” Grant stated.
“But diamonds don’t match her eyes,” he argued wrapping his arm around her waist. “And now that everyone’s seen the ring, it’s time we were leaving.”
“Goodnight everyone,” she called over her shoulder as they reached the door after a round of hugs. “Impressive Jordan, your mom was thrilled. She’s been after me to make you get me a ring for the last two months.”
“But you never said a thing. Mel, I want you to wear it. I know what we have isn’t the normal situation, but I still want you to wear it for more than just my parents’ approval.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever want to take it off,” she told him kissing his cheek. “It’s beautiful Jordan; it’s just…”
“What?”
“School…if I wear it someone’s bound to ask questions. Steph is already back at it and wearing it at school will only lead to more accusations of me being…”
“That’s your call Mel,” he said taking her hand across the middle console, “anytime you want to tell them I’ll be there right beside you.”
“Thanks and I promise I’ll wear it, just not at school,” she said melting into the seat. She dozed off and barely opened her eyes as Jordan carried her inside the house.
“Come on Mel, time for bed,” he teased dropping a small kiss on her lips.
“Mmm…thanks.” She sighed as he sat her down on her bed waking just enough to get herself ready for bed. “Goodnight Jordan.”
“Night Mel,” he said pulling the door to before heading to the fridge for a beer. He stood in the kitchen listening to the sounds of her in the bathroom and let out a string of curses.
“You really didn’t think this through did you, man?” he asked himself, leaning onto the counter. He wanted to go back into theroom, wrap her up in his arms and never let her go. “Just keep your hands off her, let her decide.”
He told himself the same thing over and over hoping it would drill into his brain so he could go through with the deal he’d made her. He wanted her more than he ever had but she hadn’t given him the slightest encouragement, and unfortunately, he had to acknowledge that maybe she never would.
∞∞∞
“So let me see the ring,” Tate said sliding up beside Mel as she unpacked her bag.
“You could have warned me,” she told him taking out the ring box she’d put in the front zipper pocket. She cracked it open letting him see the huge glittering stone and his mouth dropped open.
“Damn, you know if you ever decide to take off you could hock that thing for a pretty penny.”
“Oh shut up, Tate.” Mel laughed at the thought of it. They both knew she would never just up and go like her mother did no matter if she did or didn’t have kids. “Why didn’t you mention that he was picking one out?”
“Because he warned me not to, said he’d bar me from the cave if I did,” he told her looping his arm around her shoulders. “How was dinner with the folks?” he added as they reached their first class.
“Great and it wasn’t just his parents, everyone was there except for you,” she said pointedly raising an eyebrow at him.
