Heart of Redemption (Hearts #2)

EPILOUGE

LIAM

“That is one of the ugliest things I have ever seen.” I muttered as Grayson wobbled around looking for a better ring.

“Never in my life did I ever think that I would be buying an engagement ring with you in our twenties.” He sodded as I folded my arms.

“Yeah, I was thinking maybe you would wait until you were… I don’t know… uhm fifties you would be getting married to a gold digger or something.” Neil said matter of a factly as I threw him a mean look.

I rolled my eyes, “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Neil. Really appreciate it.”

Neil chuckled, “Hey, just saying, you never know what life has in store. We never thought anyone could really get with Margo, she never showed any interest in any guy here at Hawthorne.”

I sighed, watching Grayson sift through the display case. “Well, let’s make sure this ring is perfect. Raine deserves nothing but the best. We have been through so much.” I voiced.

“Agreed,” Grayson said.

Neil picked up a rose gold, yet elegant ring. “How about this one?”

I studied it for a moment, then shook my head. “That’s not it, it’s too much. Margo is just perfect.”

“Okay little red riding hood.” He rolled his eyes.

This wasn’t just a ring for show. My heart was pounding, though I would never admit it. It wasn’t the kind of nervous I get before an exam or during a big game. No, this was a different beast entirely—the “about-to-commit-to-forever” kind of nerves.

“Relax, man,” Grayson said, slapping me on the back with a grin. “You look like you’re about to face a firing squad, not buy a ring.”

“Yeah, bro,” Neil chimed in, leaning casually against the doorframe. “It’s just a tiny piece of metal with a rock on it. No big deal.”

“You’re not helping,” I muttered, my hands shoved deep into my jacket pockets.

Chris, ever the mediator, stepped between them and threw an arm around Liam’s shoulder. “Ignore them. This is huge, and we’re here to make sure you don’t screw it up.”

I took a closer look at all of the sparkle of diamonds and the faint scent of lavender from strategically placed candles. A woman in a tailored suit appeared with a professional yet friendly smile.

“Mr. Brookshire…Welcome to Brookshire Jewelers. Looking for anything in particular?” She greeted, her gaze flicking between the four of us.

“Is my mother here today?” I asked as the lady held up her hand like it was a gesture to wait.

My mother popped out of the back door.

She gave me a warm hug, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Darling, what are you doing here, this is an engagement ring jeweler.” She warned as I looked at her with a still look.

“Oh, I see…” She smiled at me as I looked around.

“You’re going to find the perfect ring,” She said, her voice full of confidence that I didn’t quite feel yet.

“Why don’t you tell me a little about your fiancée-to-be?”

I coughed out, “She’s... amazing,” I said, my voice soft but full of affection. “She’s smart, kind, and she’s got this laugh that just...” I trailed off, a shy smile tugged at my lips.

Neil groaned. “We get it. She’s perfect. But what does she like?”

“Yeah,” Chris added. “Classic? Modern? Glittery? Simple? We need details.”

“Uh...” My brows furrowed. “She likes... flowers? And fashion?”

Neil snorted. “Great, we’ll get her a fern-shaped ring with a sewing needle on the side.”

“Neil!” Chris scolded. “Don’t make him overthink this more than he already is.”

My mother coughed politely, redirecting her attention. “It sounds like she appreciates thoughtful, meaningful things. Perhaps something elegant and timeless, with a personal touch?”

“That sounds right,” I said, nodded eagerly.

My mother looked at all four of us and nodded. She led us to a private viewing room where the rings were displayed under soft, flattering lights.

As we followed her, Neil whispered, “Remember, no pressure. It’s just forever.”

I shot him a glare, but my heart lightened a bit. We entered the room, and the sight of all those glittering rings made my pulse race even faster. Each one seemed to beckon with a promise of love and commitment.

My mother’s reassuring presence beside me helped to steady my nerves. She always knew how to make everything seem achievable, no matter how daunting.

Grayson, immediately started pointing out rings. “How about this one? Look at that sparkle!”

We followed her to a glass case, where rows of sparkling rings lay nestled on velvet cushions. The jeweler began pointing out options, but before I could absorb any of it, Neil leaned over, squinting at a massive diamond.

“How about this one?” Neil said, he pointed to a ring so large it looked like it belonged on a trophy. “Go big or go home, right?”

“Unless you want her to get robbed,” Grayson muttered. “That thing probably costs more than any New York citizen’s house.”

“Worth it for true love,” Neil said dramatically, clasping his hands over his heart.

Chris rolled his eyes and pointed at a sleek, minimalist band with a small diamond. “This one’s nice. Clean, simple, won’t blind anyone when the light hits it.”

“It’s a little... boring,” Neil countered. “You need something with the wow factor.”

“The wow factor isn’t everything,” Grayson said. “It should reflect Margo’s personality.”

“Exactly!” I said, latching onto the lifeline. “Something... like her. Not too flashy, but not boring either.”

“How about this?” The jeweler interjected, pulling out a ring with a delicate gold band and a single round diamond surrounded by tiny emeralds. “It’s timeless, but the emeralds add a unique touch.”

My eyes lit up. “No, but the one next to it.”

The group fell silent as I stared at the ring. For the first time all day, I looked sure of myself. “I think this is it,” I said softly.

I stared at the ring I was pointing to; my eyes couldn’t look away from the more understated piece with a delicate design and a single, stunning diamond. It seemed to call out to me, much like Margo did.

The ring looked like the night I saw her on the beach all by herself, the diamond looked like it would glisten with the moonlight.

My mother’s eyes widened. “Oh, that’s beautiful. It’s simple but has so much character. I pieced it together in Greece, when I went there for a branch extension.”

I smiled.

Chris, who had been silent, looked at it and nodded slowly. “It’s perfect,” He said, and for the first time, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. This was the one.

“It didn’t even look like you needed our help.” Grayson said confidently, ignoring the way I looked at him.

Neil clapped his hands together. “Finally! Mission accomplished.”

“Not bad, bro,” Chris said, giving me an approving nod.

Grayson smiled. “She’s going to love it.”

I felt a strange mix of relief and exhilaration. As we walked out of the store, Neil threw an arm around my shoulders.

“You’re gonna crush this proposal,” He said. “Just don’t cry too much, or she might say no.”

“Shut up,” I laughed. But as my friends teased and joked, I couldn’t stop picturing Margo’s face when I would asked her to marry me.

And for the first time, I wasn’t nervous—just excited.

THE END.

Thank you for reading!