A string of lanterns and golden lights crisscross overhead between vendor stalls as Chaz and I wander through the crowded market. It’s a feast for the senses. I lift my camera, snapping shots of the people and the vibrant booths piled high with handmade crafts, scarves, and colorful food. I take the occasional shot of him browsing the goods and looking gorgeous in his beanie with the curls peeking out and his brown eyes flecked with muted tones of sepia. He doesn’t notice at first, but when he catches me aiming the lens at him, he steals the camera.
“Chaz,” I groan, preferring to be on the other end.
“Say cheese, Blue.” He pulls me in for a selfie, and I find myself laughing and putting up the peace sign as I make a duck face.
“That’s the money shot right there,” he teases, handing the camera back to me.
After sampling a trio of tacos, Chaz nudges me with his shoulder. “Pick one. Donuts or Churros?”
I glance between the options with serious consideration. “You’re evil for making me choose.”
He laughs. “Both it is, then.”
We stop at the donut cart first, where the vendor takes one freshly made circle of dough and coats it with chocolate icing as per Chaz’s request. He thanks her and hands it to me.
“To your chocolate addiction.”
“And to the man who indulges it,” I reply, biting into the soft, molten goodness. “Oh my God, you have to try this,” I insist and lift it to his mouth.
Chaz obliges, sinking his straight teeth into the sweet dough. “Mm.” He swallows, licking the icing from the corner of his mouth. “Not bad, but you taste better.” He sneaks in a brief, sugary kiss that lingers on my lips as he loops my arm through his.
For the next hour, we roam the market, sampling churros, pieces of fudge, roasted nuts, smoked sausage, and tiny cups of hot cider. We’re both foodies, and it’s fun to share that with him.
When we come upon a jewelry stall located at the end of the market, I browse the display of silver rings.
“You like those?” Chaz asks from behind me.
“They’re pretty,” I say, stepping away. But his hand catches my wrist, tugging me back.”
“Which one?”
“Chaz—”
“Humor me.”
“Fine.” I point to a delicate silver band with a subtle braided design. “That one.”
He removes my glove and slides the ring onto my finger, his large hands gentle as he works it over my knuckle. For a moment, we both stare at this simple, braided band resting on my finger, looking far more significant than it should.
“Fits just right,” he says quietly, his eyes meeting mine. Then, with a dimpled grin that melts the moment into something lighthearted, he adds, “Looks like you’re stuck with me now, wifey.”
I roll my eyes, but the word lodges itself in my chest.Wifey.It’s innocent—a joke, nothing more—yet something about it digs in deep. Jordyn’s voice echoes in my mind.He’s ready to put a ring on it.
Chaz slips cash to the vendor and takes another meaningful look at the band.
“Thank you,” I say.
“My pleasure, Blue.” He pulls my glove back on and curls his hand around mine, our fingers interlocking as we stroll back toward the boardwalk.
I try not to think about it, but my thumb brushes over the ridge through the wool. The weight feels heavier now—not the ring itself, but some promise it silently holds.
My secret once again pulses in the back of my mind, dark and insistent. But when Chaz glances over at me, his expression is so open, so warm with emotion. Any thought I have of confessing fades into the cold night air.
The waterfront is empty, a stark contrast to the summer bustle. We’ve exchanged very few words since leaving the market. Only the crunch of snow beneath our boots fills the silence.
The training at the café had gone even better than I’d expected. Lexie had fit right in, and our date had been perfect. I loved watching her lose herself in the moments, lighting up at allthe little discoveries. Enjoying every bite of food in a way I know hadn’t been possible for her growing up.
Her smile and laughter are like a thousand sunbeams, more precious because they’ve traveled through clouds and storms.
