“Garrett does it because he cares,” she assured Rebecca. “Don’t get the wrong impression of him. I know I have control issues, especially concerning Tara. Letting her go this evening went way out of my comfort zone. Knowing you’ll be there and the fact they will have two hands watching the house makes me feel better. It feels like I can let down my hair a bit and relax without worrying.”
Rachel handed her the truck keys. “Tara will be mad if you make her late. Go home and give her the new pajamas, take a bath, and get ready.”
Riley clutched the keys to her chest and closed the door to change. It felt like her and Tara’s luck changed in Embers, and they found family among friends. Rachel, Delaney, and Rebecca gave her sisterly advice in a world she never learned to navigate. Tara got to act like a normal teen, including raging outbursts. This eased her mind after the last couple of years of seeing her sister’s terrified face every time someone knocked on their door.
Riley bade the ladies goodbye and drove home with a new sense of belonging and a healthier outlook on their future.
CHAPTER TWENTY SEVEN
Garrett drove to town and parked his truck in front of the jewelry store. Debating whether his decision might send Riley running in the opposite direction, or whether she’d welcome the idea of safety and security. In his mind, Garrett knew she was the woman for him. He loved Tara, too, like a little sister. It felt… right.
Getting out of the truck, he walked into the jewelry store to browse the engagement rings. Garrett told himself he didn’t have to propose right away. He’d buy a ring if he found one and hold onto it.
“Can I help you, sir?” the saleswoman asked.
Garrett smiled warmly at her. “I’m browsing.”
The woman giggled as she leaned in, showing her ample bosom. “What type of ring does she like?”
“I don’t know. I want to surprise her,” he said, leaning over the case to scan the selection. When he imagined the ring, he didn’t see her with something big or gaudy. She liked to ranch and cook. An idea formed in his mind as he recalled Riley telling him about her mom’s necklace. The turquoise pendant represented her family. Garret knew hewanted to incorporate it into her engagement ring. “Do you have any turquoise jewelry?” he asked, scanning the cases.
“Yes, we have a small selection over here,” she said, leading him to another section of the store.
“Do you, by chance, make custom rings?” he asked, perusing the selection.
“Yes, we do. Did you have something in mind?” she asked, producing a laptop from under the register.
“Can you make a marquise-cut diamond with a turquoise stone on the band?” he asked as he noticed a bracelet with an intricate design, weaving platinum and turquoise together. “Something like this,” he said, pointing to the bracelet. “Can I see it?”
She opened the case and laid the bracelet on a black velvet display. “We can weave the turquoise with the wedding band. When you put the set together, it’ll resemble something like this,” she said, turning her computer around.
Garrett grinned. It represented Riley.
“Of course, I’m not the jeweler who makes it. He’ll need to know the ring size and the date you want it for. I’m sure he has all the materials, but if he’s missing anything, he can have it here within two weeks. Do you know what size you’re considering for the diamond?” she asked, typing the details on a form.
“Maybe a carat? She doesn’t like anything flashy,” he explained. “How long will it take to make?”
“The jeweler will be here tomorrow. I can text you an approximate date after he checks the order. If he has the materials, it can take about a month to six weeks,” she informed him, putting the bracelet back in the case.
Garrett hesitated. “I think I’ll take the bracelet today.”
“Do you want me to gift wrap it for you?” she offered, taking it out.
“Yes, please,” he said, thinking about Riley’s birthday coming up in two weeks. The engagement ring would keep until he felt the time was right. He browsed the cases while the saleswoman wrapped the present. He spied a pair of delicate earrings with the same turquoise. Tara might like a pair to match her necklace. “May I add these earrings to my purchase?” he called to the saleswoman.
“Absolutely. Do you want these wrapped, too?”
“If you don’t mind,” he said, feeling pleased with himself for finding exactly what he wanted.
She took his card, swiped it, and handed him the bag as he signed the receipt.
Distracted by his purchases, he didn’t pay attention to the men standing by his truck until he stepped to the curb. The hairs on his neck bristled as he noticed his mother’s boyfriend, Kenny. The asshole smiled widely at him.
“I see you went shopping,” Kenny said, tossing his cigarette to the ground.
“Boy, you’re like a bad penny and keep showing up when nobody wants you,” Garrett remarked as he searched for any signs of his mother.
“It seems we have some business to take care of,” Kenny said as his two flunkies moved closer to him. Garrett braced himself for the attack.
