“It’s perfect. And I plan to wear it all the time and never take it off.” To my relief, the ring didn’t have any stones. Even inlaid stones would’ve been at risk. But platinum was solid. And beautiful.
I opened the box cradled in my hand. “The person at the jewelry store, an interesting woman named Zelda, said we can exchange it if you don’t—”
“Oh Taryn.” Her eyes filled.
My heart sank.
“It’s perfect.” She whispered the words reverently.
My heart soared.
I slipped the white-gold ring from its nestled perch. I’d chosen an emerald-cut diamond with two aquamarine gems on the other side. The two blue gems matched her eyes perfectly. The sky on a summer day, I’d once told her.
She’d laughed.
Not at my attempt at romance. No, she never did that. She’d giggled because I’d offered the comparison on a dull, dreary, typically rainy November day in the Pacific Northwest. Mission City had seen a lot of rain that month.
We’d spent many a day lazing around my house in pajamas. Reading books to each other. Baking. Playing with my dog, Taffy.
Making love.
I slipped the ring onto her finger. I’d snagged her class ring one day when she hadn’t been paying attention.
Again, Zelda had happily offered to resize it if necessary.
To my relief, that wouldn’t be necessary.
She slid the platinum band onto my finger. The thing was more of a wedding ring, but, to me, it didn’t matter. I was putting it on now. She was my everything. I’d always be hers.
Our gazes meshed.
She mouthed,I love you.
We moved closer and our lips brushed. Just the lightest of kisses. This moment felt too special to embark on one of those hot’n’heavy kisses that invariably landed us on the nearest bed, couch, or even against Cooper’s kitchen table when he’d been in the shower.
I’d have sworn he took an extra-long one because he’d seen how horny we’d been. He was accommodating that way.
The kiss ended. I mouthedI love you, too.
“Nope. Doesn’t count. You have to say it loud enough for the camera to pick up.”
Stephanie and I both turned.
My future brother-in-law stood at the front of a growing crowd who’d all, apparently, gathered.
I had wondered why we seemed to be the only people up here.
Apparently, Cooper had been holding them back.
“Louder?” Steph squinted.
“So Lachlan can hear.” Cooper rolled his eyes.
“Hey, that’s my brother you’re talking about,” Said with precisely zero seriousness on my part.
“Your future brother-in-law,” Stephanie added.
The phone nearly slipped from Cooper’s grip.
