Page 32 of Put a Rink on It

The second the ring is on my finger, something clicks inside me, and a younger version of me screams, “Ooh, how fancy.”

The band is slightly too big, but the diamond is exquisite. I almost laughed when Nero suggested it needed to be at least two carats, thinking no way would it look good on my finger.

I’ve never been more thrilled to be wrong.

I also would have thought I’d prefer a more round shape, but the square one suits me.

It’ll take getting used to—any new piece of jewelry does—but I get it now. What Nero said earlier about looking at it and loving it.

“We’ll take it.”

Nero’s words snap me out of the trance I’m in. “But we haven’t seen them all.”

“You’re glowing, Ships. We’re done looking. This is the one.”

I don’t have to look in the mirror to confirm the smile on my face, to know what he says is true. I feel it, a sentiment so strong, I’m surprised it’s not spilling out.

I guess in a way it is.

The worker claps his hands. “It’s a splendid choice. We’ll have the band fitted for you. Let’s size your finger.”

Reluctantly, I take the ring off. The worker lays it down on the felt tray. He retrieves a ring sizer and takes measurements. “If you’ll come with me, we’ll get everything squared away.” Nero follows him from the room, and another worker enters, packing up the rings we didn’t look at.

Nero’s lifestyle is wild. He’s dropping tens of thousands of dollars on a ring for us to put on a show, and it’s probably a drop in the bucket for him. That kind of money is unfathomable to me.

My gaze drifts to the ring sitting on the table. It truly is spectacular, more than I could have imagined.

“You love it.” Nero’s statement isn’t a question. He can tell.

I raise my gaze, finding him leaned against the doorframe. “I do,” I breathe out. “I can’t even put into words how much.”

“Your expression says it all.”

This is supposed to be fake. All of it. But by the way he’s looking at me and us being here in the first place, it feels otherwise.

“Was it ridiculously expensive?” I have to ask. Even if he won’t share, I can’t leave it unasked.

“The cost matches your enthusiasm.” His statement makes no sense.

“How so?”

We slip our winter gear back on as the worker returns with a folder for Nero and a box for the ring, which he fits inside. It’s a weird feeling when he flips it closed, knowing it’s mine but not quite yet.

“We’ll call and let you know within a week when it’s ready to be picked up.”

“Perfect. Thank you for your help.”

“My pleasure, Mr. Champion. Please keep us in mind when you need wedding bands.”

“We will.”

With his hand on my back, Nero escorts me from the room and back out into the store. “Oh, forgot one thing. Be right back.”

While he disappears, I admire the bands, wondering what we’ll choose. We didn’t set a timeline for the wedding. I’m in no rush, but I’m not sure where he stands.

“We’ll make a date to return for the bands.” Nero’s voice in my ear ignites a fire within me.

“Okay.” I turn to face my friend, who will soon earn a new title.