Total pages in book: 24
Estimated words: 21530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 86(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 21530 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 108(@200wpm)___ 86(@250wpm)___ 72(@300wpm)
So a few weeks after I get out of jail—only for a half a day while everything was processed, thank fuck—I suck up my pride and ask for help. I'm hopeless when it comes to jewelry, and all of Kelly's stuff is dainty and simple. It was hard enough to swipe one of her rings when she was sleeping to get her ring size, but it was, of course, just a simple gold band, giving me no clue what designs she'd like.
I knew Kelly didn't speak to her mom much, so I asked the only other woman I had any sort of trust in—Mrs. Blevins.
The older woman was over the moon about our little ‘date’, holding onto my arm as we walked down the streets of downtown Covington, and after we stopped for coffee, we headed to the jewelry store in the corner. It's been in the town for almost a century, owned by the same family, and I'm hopeful the right ring will be here.
"This one is gorgeous," Mrs. Blevins says, pointing to a large diamond on a golden band, "but you said all of her jewelry is simple, right? Describe it to me."
"Gold bands mostly, but there are a couple of silver pieces. Nothing flashy."
She hums thoughtfully. "I think I have an idea. Do you trust me, Cameron?"
I grimace at my full name but nod. "Of course."
Mrs. Blevins leads me around the store, showing me ring after ring, all of them different in subtle but meaningful ways. The worker behind the counter offers opinions, but it's clear he's giving Agatha the space to lead. Finally, when we're near the back of the store, Mrs. Blevins points at a display of rings with small, delicate bands, each with a slightly different gemstone.
"These are just what I was thinking," she says, smiling at me. “Your Kelly is a special woman, and she deserves a special, unique ring, don’t you think?”
The first three I look at aren't right—two too small, one too big—but when I spot the third to last ring, I know I've found the one. The band is dainty and gold, and there's a deep blue sapphire nestled in it. The stone is the exact color of her eyes. It's perfect.
"This one," I say softly, holding it out to the worker. "This is the one I want."
The worker takes it, nods, and disappears into the back. A minute later, he returns with a small box. The ring is inside, sitting on a little white cushion. I stare at it for a long moment before taking the box and tucking it into my pocket.
"You've got the ring," Mrs. Blevins says, grinning and clapping her hands. "Now all you've got to do is ask her. When are you going to do it?"
"I was thinking I'd rent a boat and take her out tonight. It's going to be a full moon and clear skies."
"Nonsense! That's not how you ask a woman to marry you. You need a romantic starlit evening, candles, and wine, and then you do it at the end of the night."
"Mrs. Blevins, we live in Georgia. It's a million degrees out. An outdoor candlelit dinner isn't going to work."
"Well, hm. All right, you do the boat thing. I suppose that sounds romantic enough." She gives me a stern look. "But don't get cold feet. That girl is special."
"I know," I tell her solemnly.
Mrs. Blevins smiles, clearly pleased with herself. "I'm going to make a call to the other ladies to tell them the news.”
"After the proposal," I say sternly, and she grins.
"Of course, dear. Just make it quick. My patience isn't what it used to be."
Kelly is a vision in a yellow sundress, but she's unsure as she climbs on the boat I've rented, gripping my arm so hard her knuckles are white.
"I'm not sure about this," she says, looking at the water.
I wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. "It'll be fine, sweetheart. I'm a strong swimmer, and if you start to fall overboard, I'll save you."
"Not helping!"
I laugh. Normally I'd let her bail on the date and just take her home to spend time together, but I've only had the ring for a handful of hours and it's already burning a damn hole in my pocket. Every time I move, I can feel it there, ready to change the entire course of the rest of my life.
I'm not nervous. In fact, I can't fucking wait. Kelly is the only person for me, the one I want by my side forever.
I don't take her out too far, just far enough that the lights of the marina fade and we can see all the stars above us. The moon is heavy and bright, and Kelly starts to relax as I open a bottle of champagne, passing her a glass. I prefer whiskey, but it didn't seem like the best choice for a proposal.