George appeared and caught Jack staring out the window. “You look deep in thought.” He opened the register and placed the money in the deposit bag. “Everything all right?”
“Yeah. No. I don’t know.”
George chuckled. “Well, which is it?”
“I kinda got a situation,” Jack said after a moment. “One I can’t quite figure out.”
George’s brow furrowed. “That don’t sound like you.” He filled a glass with tea and sat down. “Lay it on me, kid.”
“It’s Ellie,” said Jack.
“Somethin’ wrong with Miss Ellie?”
“No. Nothing like that. It’s just that she’ll be going home soon, and truth be told, I can’t stomach the thought of her leaving. I love her, George,” Jack confessed. “I mean I really love her.”
George’s eyes widened. “Love? I ain’t never heard you talk about a girl like that before.”
“That’s because I’ve never felt this way before.”
“I see your predicament.”
“But so far,” said Jack, “the only solution I’ve come up with is to propose.”
George choked down his tea. “Propose? Why you wanna go and do a thing like that?”
“Didn’t you hear the part about me loving her?”
“Yes, but you ain’t ready to be married. Not sayin’ Ellie ain’t a great girl, but you’ve known her for less than three months. Look, I know you’re troubled about what to do, but gettin’ married is a big step and not somethin’ to be taken lightly. B’sides, I thought you was plannin’ on stayin’ here and helpin’ me.”
“I was. I mean, I am. It’s just… I can’t do nothing. Otherwise, she’ll leave, meet someone new, and forget all about me.”
George released an old man’s sigh. “Listen, you ain’t gonna solve nothin’ sittin’ in here. Why don’t you get your tackle and head out on the water while I finish cleanin’ up?”
“You mean it?”
George nodded.
Jack grabbed his rod and tackle and headed for the door. “You really think I’ll find the answer out there, George?”
“Don’t know, but it’ll sure beat the hell outta sweepin’ these floors.”
That evening, Jack fished alone. Despite George telling him he wasn’t ready for marriage, Jack wondered how hard it could be. He and Ellie loved each other, and that had to count for something. Sure, there’d be challenges, but considering the difficulties he’d already endured, Jack saw marriage as an opportunity rather than a risk.
* * *
With his mind made up, Jack borrowed George’s truck and drove to Knoxville, stopping at Kimball’s Jewelers on Market Street.
“Good evening, sir,” said a well-dressed man standing behind the counter. “May I help you?”
“I hope so,” said Jack anxiously. “I’m in the market for an engagement ring.”
The man gave him the once-over. “You look awfully young to be thinking about marriage.”
“I’m eighteen,” Jack said firmly. “I got proof if you need to see it.” He reached for his wallet.
The man held up a hand. “That won’t be necessary. So what did you have in mind?”
Jack pulled the wad of money from his pocket and laid it on the counter. “Five hundred fifty-seven dollars. That’s all I got. Do you think you could help me?”
