Cal picks up one of the last ice cream sandwiches we made with the cookies I baked a few nights ago and takes a big bite. He smiles, watching me as I stare at the ring on my finger. It’s a classic round diamond, sparkling brilliantly at the center. The band is platinum, giving it an elegant, timeless feel. Tiny pave diamonds line the sides, catching the light with every movement. It’s simple yetsophisticated. The kind of ring I would have picked out of hundreds. Perfect in every way.
"Does Hannah know?" I ask, the thought suddenly dawning on me. Without her blessing, I can’t marry Cal.
"She helped me pick out the ring," he replies between bites. "She’s got great taste."
"Are you serious?" I say. "How on earth was she able to keep it a secret?"
"She’s five," he chuckles, "so confidentiality is a bit beyond her. I bribed her."
"You didn’t!" I say, mock horror in my voice.
"I promised her a trip to Disney World next summer."
"Cal!" I exclaim.
"Now, before you judge me," he says. "I was planning on taking her anyway. Will you come with us?"
"I'd go to the ends of the earth so long as I'm with you," I say, sliding off my chair and onto his lap. I wrap my arms around him and kiss him gently.
"I want you to meet my grandparents."
"I’d love to," I say, a surge of excitement filling me, quickly followed by a pang of guilt. I know Cal’s grandparents have visited the family, but that was during the time Cal and I weren’t speaking.
"Do you think they'll like me?" I ask, eyeing him closely.
"They're going to love you," he assures me, bringing my hand to his lips and kissing it gently.
I watch him as his gaze shifts to his watch. "Want to go back to the house with me to wait for Hannah?"
"What time isshe due back?"
He nuzzles my neck, kissing me there. "In about half an hour," he whispers in my ear.
"So, we have time," I say, giggling as his beard tickles my neck.
"What did you have in mind?" he murmurs, his tone low and teasing.
"I need your help hanging some drapes in my bedroom," I say, kissing him on the lips.
"Oh, really?" he says, arching an eyebrow. "Is that what they’re calling it these days?"
I throw my head back and laugh out loud, just as Cal begins to tickle me. I try to stand, but he's got a firm hold on me with one arm, while his other hand works its way up and down my sides. All the while, his lips and beard tickle the most sensitive part of my neck.
The shrill sound of his phone ringing cuts through the moment.
"Ugh," he murmurs, glancing at the caller ID and showing it to me.
It’s Meghan.
I quickly spring to my feet and adjust my shirt. I feel exposed, as though she’s walked in on us.
Cal doesn’t speak right away, but I can almost hear Meghan’s voice at the other end—impatient and condescending.
"I’ll be right there," he says, before ending the call. Glancing at me, he takes my hand and pulls me into his arms. "We weren’t doing anything wrong, babe."
"I know," I say, as heat works its way up my neck.
"Meghan and I have been over for years," he says. "I don’t owe her a thing, and neither do you. Plus, we're engaged, remember?"
