“Corrupted?”
Samantha sighs, and I rub her arms softly. “I’m sorry. I won’t ever hurt you again.”
Our eyes meet, and she wipes a tear away. “Just hurt me another way.”
We share a look, and I think she just sent me a wicked little message. What the hell? Suddenly, she inhales and walks inside. “Let’s just get the job done.”
Walking back into the large glass home, I watch her peruse.
“Look, you choose,” I say low, following her.
She shakes her head and keeps looking. “No, let’s do it together.”
I look at her, and it feels better. Or less messed up. Samantha takes my hand, and for whatever reason, it feels right. We walk around the rings in their black velvet boxes as if… As if we are a real couple.
I should find that screwed up, but I don’t. I even like it, and I find it comforting.
I find strength in it, somehow.
We continue around the rings as the Pacific waves move in the background. It feels strange, but it also feels special. I know it’s messed up, but something about it feels good.
Most of the rings are nice, several are classy, and a few are timeless. A couple are even spectacular.
I am unsure how and why, but we end up liking the same rack, and it soon gets down to three rings. We try them all on her engagement finger, and they all fit, and well.
We mumble away in private, and we share looks and comments, inches apart.
Finally, we agree.
The ring we choose is immaculate, classy, and timeless. It is also like what my father gave to my darling mother.
“We will take this one,” I say, my voice strong and deep.
The woman nods happily. The ring is worth around half a million.
Minutes later, the chopper flies out with the three people andtheir rings. My personal banker in NYC wired them a million to encourage them to fly out and fast. Naturally, as a sign of good faith. I’m unsure how much I’ll get back, but I give zero fucks. Seeing Samantha’s face light up is worth it.
She is worth it.
As the chopper streaks away, the sun starts to set over the water. We walk outside, alone, and we stand in the golden light.
I twirl the large ring in my two fingers, and I am slightly nervous, but she seems to be at ease.
Sam is also stunning in her green billowing satin robe. The golden light from the powerful sun sits behind her, making her look like an angel.
My angel.
Her scruffy hair swirls in the wind, and she makes the most spectacular image.
“Do you think we should?” I ask, stepping up.
Samantha nods and she lifts her eyes from the ring to my mine. As the sun sets on the horizon, miles across the perfect blue ocean, I stand on the manicured grass next to the perfect retreat.
I kneel in front of her, and I gulp.
For some reason, my heart is racing, and my mouth is dry. I do not get nervous, but right here and right now,I am.
Sam looks perfect, and as the warm wind blows her robe, I can make out every inch of her body.
