Total pages in book: 69
Estimated words: 67614 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67614 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 338(@200wpm)___ 270(@250wpm)___ 225(@300wpm)
“I’ve called you both here today because I need your opinion.”
Lucy and Lorelei stand across the counter from me at Gems, both with curiosity in their eyes.
“Okay,” Lucy says. “We’re both good at sharing our opinions.”
“I know.” I grin at her and pull a tray lined with black velvet from under the counter. There are four rings resting in it. “You know Breena the best. I’m not a fool, and I’m okay with admitting that.”
“You’re going to propose.” Lorelei’s voice goes soft and dreamy as she stares down at the rings. “Oh, my goddess, this is the sweetest thing.”
“You know, for someone who can be such a hard-ass, you sure have a soft side,” I tell her.
“Breena deserves this,” she replies. “And she wants it, and I’m just so happy she’s getting it.”
“I know it’s not as important for witches to have traditional engagement rings,” I say, “but gemstones are my business, and it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t propose with a traditional ring.”
“Breena’s more of an old-fashioned kind of girl,” Lucy agrees, nodding as she reaches for the two-karat diamond ring set with a halo of rubies around it. “She would love something like this.”
“Oh, see, I disagree,” Lorelei replies and reaches for a different ring. “This one, with the sapphires and diamonds, is more to her taste.”
“Honestly, I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these,” Lucy decides. “Which I know isn’t exactly a ton of help.”
“No help whatsoever,” I say with a laugh. “But it’s good to know she wouldn’t hate any of them.”
“There’s nothing here to hate,” Lorelei says. “So, when are you going to do it? On the summer solstice?”
“Beltane,” I reply and watch as they both gape at me.
“Giles, we’re celebrating Beltane tomorrow,” Lucy reminds me.
“I know, which is why I need to decide on a ring today.”
“What’s the rush?”
I blink at Lucy and then laugh. “Are you seriously asking me that? The woman who married Jonas mere weeks after meeting him?”
“Okay, okay, point taken.”
“It’s a fair question,” Lorelei points out.
“I don’t want to waste any more time. I know she’s it for me, so why not make her mine in every way possible as soon as I can? I want to marry her.”
“She’s going to be so excited,” Lucy says, clapping her hands. “I think my vote is still the rubies with that kick-ass rock. But you could give her a candy ring, and she’d be thrilled.”
“She loves you,” Lorelei agrees.
“Thanks, ladies. For confusing me further on the ring decision.”
“You’re welcome.” Lucy’s voice is full of cheer as she leans over the counter to kiss my cheek. “You’ve got this. Are you proposing at the festival?”
“Yes.”
“Good. We will all want to witness it.” Lorelei winks at me. “We’ll see you tomorrow!”
They wave and walk out of the shop, and I’m left staring at the four rings. I was hoping there would be one that stood out above the others, and it would be a no-brainer decision.
No such luck.
I suppose I could put them all in a hat and pull one randomly.
But that seems stupid.
I turn to put them back in the safe, when something glitters and catches my attention.
“Oh, I never thought of you.” A vintage ring I’ve had on consignment for the past several months sits in the display case. It still hasn’t sold. It’s a three-karat oval diamond surrounded by a halo designed to look like a regal crown. The detail is impeccable, and it’s all set in rose gold. “This would be gorgeous on her finger.”
I know the history of the piece as it came from the original owner and was even in its box from the early nineteen hundreds.
But the best part is, they were a member of the coven family, and I know that Breena would love that little piece of history.
With the decision made, I set the ring in its original box and tuck it into my pocket, making a mental note to pay Percy for it the next time I see him.
“The flowers are my favorite part of the celebration,” my mom says as she loops her arm through mine and walks with me between all the tables with their beautiful centerpieces full of spring blooms. “It’s a reminder that the Earth is waking back up from winter and soaking in the sunshine.”
“I know this is your favorite.” I lean down and kiss her cheek. “And I think you’re going to like the little surprise I have planned for later today.”
Her eyes narrow on me, and then they go wide. “Oh, Giles.”
“You’re psychic. I’m surprised you didn’t know before I did.”
“I guess I didn’t think to look. Goddess, this is so wonderful.”
“I haven’t asked yet. She might say no.”
“Not a chance.” Mom laughs and then pats my arm. “When are you going to do it?”