“I’m going to say yes, even if the diamond’s the size of a pinhead, but I like the idea of witnesses,” I said. “So, let’s wait until I pick my ring, please.”
“The diamond’s bigger than a pinhead,” he assured me.
“Well, if it’s not, I don’t care,” I pressed as we pulled up and parked in front of the store.
After lifting me down from the cab, Cash took my hand and guided me into the jeweler, who was ready and waiting with six rings for me to choose from.
A simple round solitaire, just over a carat. Pretty, and near perfect. An oval, a princess, etc., but when I reached the emerald cut emerald with diamond baguets on the side, I nearly lost my mind. I clasped my hands in front of me and leaned in with a quiet sigh. “Oh my god,” I breathed out.
“Told ya,” Cash said to Mr. Rondan.
Mr. Rondan chuckled.
“I’m glad I didn’t take that bet,” he said, as he took the ring out of the case and handed it to Cash.
“What’s happening?” I asked.
“I suggested we go with more contemporary choices, but Cash said you’d love the emerald above all else,” Mr. Rondan said. “He offered a small wager on your choice, but I declined. I’m glad I did because I would have lost. In all my years, I’ve been wrong twice. This is the second time.”
“What was the first time?”
“You don’t know her. She returned the ring for a smaller diamond.” He smiled. “Never before have I had a bride want a smaller diamond.”
I smiled, turning back to Cash to find him down on one knee, holding the emerald ring up. I covered my mouth with my hands, forcing myself not to cry. “Teagan Elizabeth Reed, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”
“Yes,” I breathed out, and Cash slid the ring on my finger before standing and pulling me into his arms and kissing me.
I held the ring up to the light and let out a cry of excitement. “Oh my god, honey, it’s so pretty.”
“You like it?”
“I love, love, love it.”
“Thanks, Mr. Rondan,” Cash said, shaking the jeweler’s hand.
“Yes, thank you, Mr. Rondan,” I parroted.
“You bet. Enjoy it, you two.” He handed us a bag with the ring box inside. “Have a great night.”
We headed back out to the truck but before Cash could open the passenger door, I wrapped my arms around his waist. “I love you, Cash. This is beyond amazing.”
“Love you more, baby. I’m glad you love the ring.”
I cupped his face. “It’s like you plucked my dream ring from my dreams.”
He stared at me for a few seconds, his love for me filling me to the brim before he leaned down to kiss me. “Let’s get to dinner.”
I blinked back tears as I whispered, “Okay.”
He helped me into the truck, and we headed toward the Pearl. I was thrilled to find we were back at the Pink Priest and when we walked inside, I heard, “Surprise!” yelled from the left of me.
I jumped a little as I turned toward the sound to find my family and a few of our close friends pouring out from the side room, Dad leading the pack, to pull me into their arms to congratulate me.
“Oh my god!” I squeaked.
Once Cash pulled me back to him, I leaned up and whispered, “If I’d known it was a party, I would have insisted on panties.”
“Nah, this is our night. I get to enjoy it too,” he retorted, squeezing my ass.
