“Four-carat emerald cuton a silver band. Clean lines with no halo or pave, just as you wanted.”
I flip the lid open.
There it is.
The deep green stone gleams as if it’s illuminated from inside, complemented by a sleek, unbroken silver band. It’s both subtle and eye-catching, just like Amelia. My throat tightens with emotion. She’ll see this and realize I didn’t just listen; she’ll realize I remembered and truly cared.
Joe’s watching me. “No diamond, you sure?”
“Positive,” I say, eyes still on the ring. “Diamonds aren’t her. This… this is her.”
From there, I don’t even think. My SUV’s engine growls to life, and I’m steering straight toward Carter and Catalina’s place.
Arriving at their rustic home, I slam the door shut, lock the car, and walk toward the porch.
Catalina answers the door before I can knock, her hairpulled up, gold hoops swinging as she moves. “Maverickkk,” she says, “If you don’t have matcha, you can’t come in.”
I grin, pushing past her anyway. “I have something way better than your shit ass matcha, Carter home?”
She scoffs, glaring at me. “Yeah, he’s?—”
“In here,” Carter calls from the kitchen.
We walk in, and he’s leaning against the counter, sweet tea in hand. “This better be worth interrupting my afternoon, Mav.”
I pull the box from my pocket and flip it open right there on the counter.
Catalina gasps so loud that Carter jerks upright. She presses both hands to her mouth, eyes going wide and shiny. “Oh my God…”
Carter’s gaze shifts from her to the ring, then to me. “Holy shit.”
Catalina squeals, tears spilling down her cheeks. “It’s beautiful. She’s going to—” Her voice cracks, and she laughs through it. “She’s going to lose her fucking mind.”
I feel Carter’s hand clap my back. “Didn’t think you had it in you, little brother.”
“Little?” I shoot back. “I’m literally taller than you.”
“Yeah, but I’m still the oldest,” he says with a smirk.
Catalina sniffles, wiping her cheeks. “You’re such an idiot. And also, this is the sweetest thing I’ve ever seen. Don’t screw it up.”
I shake my head, smiling down at the box before snapping it shut. “No chance in hell.”
Carter leans against the counter again, smirk turning into something softer. “Who knew you were such a romantic?”
Catalina swoons, glaring daggers at Carter. “Where’s my present?”
Carter groans, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Your present is me not losin’ my mind every time you run that mouth.”
Catalina gasps. “That’s not romantic!”
“It’s honest, darlin’,” he deadpans.
Catalina pokes Carter in the chest, eyes narrowing. “Say something sweet. Right now.”
He stares at her for a beat, then he leans down, voice dropping low enough I shouldn’t hear it, except I do.
“I’ll be sweet later, darlin’. When I’ve got you on your knees beggin’ for it.”
