Adele’s eyes widened. “You do?”
Nate nodded. “They taste pretty good.”
“Okay. We’ll come to your house.”
Joseph sent an amused glance to Shona. “It looks as though you’ll have two early-morning visitors.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” When she’d finished eating, she held his hand and looked at him with eyes brimming with love. “Thank you for inviting us to Polson to listen to Adele’s choir. It was great to be part of the excitement.”
“I couldn’t imagine you not being there.” Joseph cleared his throat. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“I’d love one,” Shona replied.
“What about you, Nate?”
“No, thanks, but I’ll come and get another glass of lemonade.”
Adele sat forward in her seat. “Can I have alittlecup of coffee?”
“Nice try, pumpkin, but you’re too young. What about one of those frothy milk drinks you like?”
“Can it have chocolate on the top?”
Joseph smiled. “Your wish is my command. Nate and I will be back in a minute.” As soon as they were in the kitchen, Joseph opened a cupboard beside the refrigerator.
“What are you doing?” Nate asked.
“Looking for the ring I bought your mom.”
“Oh. I hope you haven’t lost it.”
“It’s in here somewhere.” Kneeling on the floor, he pulled out the recipe books he’d never used.
“I’ll make the coffee.”
“Thanks. Where did you learn to make waffles?”
“My roommate taught me. They work in a café that makes amazing breakfasts.”
Joseph reached for the red velvet box in the back of the cupboard. “Found it.”
“Can I see it?”
Joseph pulled himself to his feet. “Sure. I’ll just make sure Shona isn’t coming to see what we’re doing.” He moved across to the doorway and listened to the conversation happening around the dinner table. Luckily, Adele was telling Shona about another book she wanted to write.
“We’re safe for a few more minutes.” Quickly, he opened the box lid and showed Nate the ring. “What do you think?”
The solitaire diamond ring was designed and made by a local jeweler. She’d won international awards for the unique pieces she created and always had clients waiting to purchase items from her next collection.
Joseph couldn’t believe his luck when he’d visited Cassie’s store last week. He’d arrived just as she was photographing her latest collection for her website. As soon as he saw the engagement ring, he knew Shona would love it. With its simple design, elegant gold scrolling around the single, sparkly diamond, and the slender gold band, it would look perfect on her finger.
Nate studied the ring. “It’s amazing. It’s hard to create a setting that holds the diamond in place without it looking too bulky. If I was choosing a ring, that’s the one I would’ve gone for, too.”
Joseph smiled. When they’d visited Nate in Bozeman, he’d shown him his design portfolio. He was a talented artist, carver, and sculptor, and it showed in every aspect of the projects he’d completed—from the preliminary designs to the finished products. Having his approval meant a lot to Joseph.
“Are you ready for me to ask your mom to marry me?”
Nate looked down at the ring, then back at Joseph before nodding. “I’m glad you found Mom and fell in love with her. I hope she says yes.” With tears in his eyes, Nate hugged Joseph tight.
