“Me too, please,” Kat said.
He chuckled darkly. “All good things in time.”
“Yes, like tonight,” my sister teased.
***
It was a wonderful night.
My cheeks ached from smiling as I prepared to see Victor’s latest masterpiece.
“I’m still working on the details,” he said, opening the velvet box under a magnifying glass.
I gasped and clutched his arm. “You made her the perfect ring.”
His lips wobbled into a smile. “I endeavor that it, and I, will be worthy of her.”
I shook his arm enthusiastically. “You two are meant to be. And I’m sure you’ll be an excellent husband if you put half as much effort into your relationship as you did into making her jewelry. The engravings? The diamonds sparkling around the main gem? What is that, a garnet?”
“Yes. Per her request.” His cheeks flushed a similar rouge color as he adjusted the light on the worktable.
The stone gleamed with the passion of pomegranate juice and crushed roses. Maybe even blood in a gothic, romantic way. Kat would swoon over this ring because it was a token of what, and who, truly made her heart sing.
I sniffled and wiped away a happy tear. “Thank you for taking care of my sister. I’m so glad you’re going to be my brother-in-law someday.”
“It’s an honor, Tori.” He bowed, ever the gentleman.
Kat was lucky, and so was I.
We’d found love, respect, and excitement in another person. Someone who’d help make us stronger, who sparked something inside of us.
Victor lingered to tuck the ring away for safekeeping, which was probably for the best, because Kat pounced on me the second I rejoined her in the living room.
“So, how is it?” she asked.
“Perfect,” I said.
“I knew it.” She hugged me hard enough my spine cracked.
I wheezed out a laugh. “Hug him. He made it.”
“Victor, you got the baby sis seal of approval,” she called, setting me down.
“Does that mean we can get married now?” he rumbled, emerging from the basement. “Tori can be the witness. Zero, the officiant.”
His sister must’ve already ordained herself online in preparation.
“You want to get married tonight?” Kat narrowed her eyes and slunk up to him. “But we don’t have a cake.”
“Do you want me to see if Angel could bring one after work?” I asked.
“Yes,” Victor said.
Right as Kat laughed and said, “No.”
“Victor,” she chided playfully.
“We’re already planning to spend the rest of our lives together,” he reasoned.
