A dozen things run through my mind, and top of the list is that maybe Willa is against marriage.
Not in theory clearly, as she has a wedding business, but maybe it’s not for her.
Crap, she may not want to marry me.
Shit, I’m spiraling here.
Shay, noting my now-panicked expression, clears her throat and waves her hand around. “No, no, it’s not bad at all. You just surprised me. Really, this is fabulous news.” Clapping her hands, she gushes, “Willa is going to be so happy, Shane. She loves you so much.”
Relieved, I smile and say softly, “I love her too. That’s why I want her to be my wife.”
Our salads arrive, so we take a break from our discussion to take a few bites.
After a minute, spearing a cherry tomato, Shay says, “So, what do you need my input on? Now I know the reason, but I’m still not sure what you’re wondering about.”
Holding up a finger to indicate that I need a sec, I swallow a bite of salad, then take a small sip of water.
Finally, I say, “First off, I need to know Willa’s ring size. Oh, and then I’m hoping you can tell me what type of ring she’d like.”
Shay scoffs. “Hell, we’re in the wedding planning business.Andwe’re best friends. I know exactly what her dream ring is.”
Smiling, I reply, “Perfect.”
Shay proceeds to tell me Willa’s ring size—seven—and what type of ring she’s always dreamed of.
Turns out, her ideal setting is a solitaire diamond in platinum. Something simple, but classic.
“I think she’d like a big-ass rock, though,” Shay reveals.
Laughing, I assure her, “That, I can do.”
I ask her about the proposal. Like, should I go big and all-out, or keep it more private.
“Truthfully,” she says, “I don’t think she’d like a lot of fanfare. Willa’s more of a low-key kind of girl when it comes to things like that. I think she’d be into a romantic dinner, maybe even one at home.”
“Ooh,” I reply, feeling excited as ideas pop into my mind. “I can hire a private chef to make us a gourmet meal. Maybe we can eat out in the back. Our quiet spot is by the pool. I could have a table set up out there. Oh, and how about a ton of little fairy lights strung up all around? Do you think she’d like that?”
Shay is smiling and nodding.
Softly, she says, “I think she’d love something along those lines.”
“Good, then it’s settled.” I blow out a breath. “Damn, I have a lot of work to do. I better get started. I’ll stop at one of the jewelers I know my teammates go to on the way home. And then I’ll look into a private chef.”
“I think you have it all worked out for now,” Shay says, laughing. She then adds, “Oh, and Shane?”
“Yes?”
“Congratulations.”
Shane has been so preoccupied throughout the past couple of weeks. He’s still very loving, though. Some days even excessively so.
I’m not worried.
I think he’s just in game mode.
The team has been doing really well, and he tells me it’s because the guys are über focused.
But tonight it’s all about me and Shane. He’s organized for us to have a romantic dinner out back by the infinity pool. He’s had people working back there all day, setting up a cloth-covered table and bringing in comfy chairs.
