That earns me a soft laugh that loosens something in my chest. She finishes her coffee, grabs her bag, and kisses me. Then she pauses at the door. She locks her gaze with mine. "I'm okay."
"I know," I answer, because I do.
She nods and exits. When the door closes behind her, my eyes sweep the condo. Her sweater's draped over the chair. Her shoes sit by the door. It's all evidence that we're beyond anything casual, and this is the life we're creating.
I shower, dress, and move through my routine, but my mind keeps circling back to the same thought.
She chose this.
Chose me.
Chose us every day since we met.
Before I leave for work, I reach into the nightstand and pull out the ring. It's small, custom, heavy in my palm. The center stone is a deep red garnet, almost wine-dark and cut imperfectly on purpose. It catches light in unexpected ways. Around it is a thin halo of pale blue sapphires, subtle unless you're looking closely. It screams protection as it circles the garnet, holding it in place without dimming it.
It represents us just like the hourglass she gifted me, fire wrapped in calm, chaos anchored by intention.
I close my fingers around it and slide it back into my pocket, right over my heart. I don't need to propose yet to know the answer. I already know she'll say yes, so I just have to figure out how to make it special when I ask her.
I leave for work. The day passes in a blur of routine and distraction. Emails, meetings, and the familiar faces of clients fill my day. Amy checks in more than usual, eyes sharp, instincts honed, but I'm unsure why.
"You good?" she asks near the end of the day while packing up to go home.
"Yeah, I'm perfect. Why?" I question.
"Just checking," she says, then zips her purse.
There's a knock on the door, and Adrian steps through.
My stomach flips, and my chest tightens.
Neither of us says anything. We stare at the other.
Amy clears her throat. "Can I help you?"
Adrian turns toward her. His Russian accent flares, "I'm here to see Dr. Mercer. I'm Blue's father."
"Oh! It's nice to meet you," she says, steps closer, and holds out her hand, gushing, "I'm Amy. I love Blue! She's so talented! She made me this skirt I'm wearing!"
Adrian offers a warm smile. His eyes light up. "Yes. Her mom and I are very proud of her." He shakes her hand. He turns to me, and the warmth disappears. "Do you have a few minutes?"
Is he going to kidnap me again?
No, he'd have someone else do it.
Blue needs her parents in her life.
"Please. I'll join you in a moment," I instruct, motioning for him to enter my personal office.
He nods and obeys.
I turn toward Amy. "Have a great night."
She hesitates. "You want me to stay until he leaves?"
I shake my head. "No need. Go home."
She studies me for a second, then nods. "Okay. I'll see you tomorrow." She steps out the door, and the office feels instantly smaller.
