I shook my head slowly, my mind whirring. He was right; I never would have chosen the ruby ring for myself, but I had made sure never to voice as much aloud.
His lips turned up. “That’s what I thought. So please, give me the chance to do it right this time.”
I nodded, still speechless. I felt like I was floating, weightless from the joy and love coursing through my veins.
Oliver took a deep breath, never breaking eye contact. “All of the things I said the first time around were and are true. There has never been a moment in knowing you where I haven’t been acutely aware of your goodness or your brilliance or your beauty. But now I understand what it feels like to have my soul entwined with yours, the intimacy of knowing and being known by you. I plan to spend the rest of my days loving you, Laidie. And I know that no matter what comes my way, I’ll be able to make it through because I have you by my side.”
He let go of my hand and opened the ring box. I gasped, my hand flying to my mouth.
Inside, nestled in a cushion of black velvet, was a ring I instantly recognized. The marquise diamond was set in rose gold and flanked on either side by a trio of smaller diamonds that tapered off into a thin band.
“Is that the same ring?—”
“That you saw in the antique shop in London? Yes, it is.”
I stared at him, bewildered. “But I didn’t even say anything to you about it! How did you know?”
He chuckled. “I saw how you looked at it, so I snuck back out that afternoon and bought it.”
I didn’t think it was possible, but my eyes widened even more. “Wait, you have had this since then? We…we weren’t even…we hadn’t…that was before…” I sputtered
“No, but I was hopeful. I had a feeling we would get to this place eventually. I’ve been holding onto this ring as a reminder to keep fighting for you.”
I blinked back tears. This man would never cease to amaze me. “I love you,” I whispered.
He leaned up, capturing my mouth with his. The kiss was heaven, a manifestation of the love and trust and promises between us.
We pulled back and Oliver rested his forehead against mine. “Can I put it on you now?”
I uttered a sound that was part sob, part laughter. “Yes!”
He slipped the ruby ring off my finger, tucking it away before sliding the marquise ring into place. I held my hand out, admiring the way the vintage diamond sparkled.
Oliver rose to his feet, took my hands, and pulled me up beside him. Wrapping his arms around me, he said, “And now…shall we put the rest of your gifts to use?”
I threw back my head in joyful laughter before leading him to the bedroom.
I finished the half-Windsor knot of my charcoal tie and slid my arms through the matching suit jacket. Picking up my phone and putting it into my pocket, I checked my watch and made sure we were on time. I didn’t want anything to go wrong today. This was Adelaide’s day, and she had worked so hard for this moment.
I looked to my lovely fiancée waiting at the door of our suite in a navy-blue monochromatic business suit and nude heels. Her hair laid in effortless waves around her face, and I could smell her signature scent, a mixture of fresh fruit and warm vanilla.
She stared off into space and worried her lower lip between her teeth. Even though she had assured me she was ready for the meeting and I knew she was going to absolutely kill it, she had been fretting for the last few days.
“Hey,” I said as I approached her. I reached out and rubbed her upper arms with my palms. “Stop worrying. It’s all going to work out.”
“You say that, but we don’t know for sure. What if Imissed something and they decide to cut the program after all?”
“I know why you’re concerned, but I have seen your notes. I don’t think there’s a snowball’s chance in hell that you have forgotten anything in your planning. And I promise, the Council members do care about our people; I don’t think you’re going to have to work very hard to bring them around.” I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into my chest. “I also know how hard it is to say no to you. They don’t stand a chance.”
I felt her let out a small laugh. She pulled back and brushed her hands over her blouse. “We should get going. I want to get there early.”
We made our way down the grand staircase and found Vanessa and Skylar waiting for us in the foyer. Vanessa turned as she heard us approach.
“Vanessa, your cane is gorgeous! Is it new?” Adelaide exclaimed.
Today Vanessa had swapped her wheelchair for a cane, a beautiful wooden piece that was hand-carved with chamomile flowers down the body and up onto the handle. Vanessa held it up, a grin overtaking her face. “Thank you! Yes, Tadashi found it for me! He even found matching earrings, which I love,” she said, pushing her hair aside to show off the delicate flowers hanging from her earlobes. “He spoke to the Queen Mother and asked her for some recommendations on where she gets her canes. As he put it, ‘Mobility aid, but make it fashion.’”
Adelaide laughed. “That does sound like Dash.”
