Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 92140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92140 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
“The round cut is the most popular with brides these days,” said Kirsten. “It shows off maximum brightness. The emerald cut produces a sort of ‘hall of mirrors’ effect that’s really breathtaking. And the princess cut—”
“That’s the one,” I said, pointing at it. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cut you off,” I said to Kirsten. “But I just have this feeling about that ring.”
Dex laughed. “That one is Hallie and Luna’s favorite too—probably because of the princess thing.”
Kirsten smiled. “It’s a beautiful stone.”
“Can I try it on?” I blurted.
“Of course.” Kirsten pulled it from the velvet and handed it to me.
I began slipping it on my finger, then I looked at Dex. “Is this okay?”
He smiled. “Sure.”
I held my breath as I worked it onto my finger, then held my hand out to admire it. “God. It’s so beautiful. But it’s your decision, Dex. Don’t let me make it for you.”
“You don’t think she’d want the biggest diamond?” he asked, gesturing at the solitaire.
I shook my head. “No. I don’t.”
“Okay. Then I guess the decision is made.”
“Wonderful.” Kirsten beamed. “We’ll have it sized, cleaned, and ready for you in a few days.”
Reluctantly, I worked the ring from my finger and gave it to Kirsten, who said she’d be right back with the paperwork.
“You’ve got her ring size and everything?” I asked Dex.
He nodded. “I had the girls sneak a ring from her jewelry box to me, and I brought it in. Then they snuck it back into the box without her noticing it was gone. Operation Cat Burglary, they called it. Luna wore cat ears. Hallie dressed in all black.”
I laughed. “I can picture it perfectly. Have you decided when you’ll pop the question?”
“I think Christmas morning. The girls thought it would be fun to put the ring box in her stocking—they’re going to make her a stocking to hang at our place this year.”
“Oh.” I fanned my face as my eyes filled. “That’s so sweet.”
“Now they just have to keep it a secret until then. Which will be hard because they’re so excited. They love her so much.”
I gave up trying not to cry and dug a tissue out of my purse to dab my eyes. “You’re all going to be so happy, Dex. Everything about this proposal is perfect.”
“She deserves perfection.” He hesitated. “But she’ll have to settle for me.”
I laughed and gave him another impetuous hug, patting him on the back. “You’re all she wants, I promise. And I can’t wait to call you my brother.”
CHAPTER 16
MILLIE
After saying goodbye to Dex, I decided to go in to work, even though I usually took Mondays off. I didn’t want to face my empty, silent house, even though I usually cherished a chilly fall afternoon curled up with a cup of tea and a book or a few episodes of Antiques Roadshow. But even that didn’t sound appealing.
Sitting at my desk, listless and unmotivated, I was staring out the window at a bleak gray sky when Felicity texted.
Did you see the rings???
Rather than text back, I called her.
“Well?” she answered breathlessly. “How did it go? What did they look like? Did he buy one?”
I had to laugh. “It went great. They were all stunning, and yes, he bought one. The perfect one.”
“What does it look like?”
I described it. “He’s going to propose Christmas morning. The girls are going to help.”
“I’m so excited for her. For all of them!”
“Me too.”
“You okay? You sound sort of down.”
“I’m fine.” I tried to perk up my voice. “Just a little tired. I didn’t sleep much last night.”
“Dare I ask why?”
“You could. But you probably don’t need to.”
“So it’s still going on? He’s still here?”
“No, he’s gone. He flew back to San Diego this morning.” I glanced out the window again.
“Oh. Well, that’s probably best.”
“Yeah.” I cleared my throat. “Listen, I should go, I’m at work and I’ve got a bunch of stuff to do.”
“Oh, sorry! I thought you had today off. In fact, I was going to tell you that Hutton said to come over any time if you want help with a business plan. He was serious when he offered to help you out.”
“Thank you. I’m definitely going to take him up on it.”
After hanging up, I tackled some chores I’d been avoiding—I cleared out my inbox, reorganized my desk, cleaned the windows, dusted the furniture, and rearranged my bookshelves. When my stomach began to growl, I ordered some lunch and ate it while I scrolled through websites of wedding gown designers on my laptop. Looking at them restored some of my enthusiasm.
When I was finished, I saw that I’d missed a phone call from a downstate area code, but the caller had left a message. I figured it must be the owner of the bridal salon I’d reached out to yesterday, and quickly accessed my voicemail to listen.