16. Cade
Biblical - Calum Scott
“ H appy birthday, baby,” I whisper to the sleeping beauty beside me. It’s 9am, and we spent the last 12 hours in bed, only leaving to eat and use the bathroom. I finally get to hold her in my arms and I’m not going to take this time for granted. She’s all soft skin and lush curves; her body slots into mine like a puzzle piece — like she was always meant to be there. She shifts beside me, her body gently brushing against mine, and I wonder if she feels the same — I could wake up like this every day for the rest of my life.
“Mmm,” Paige murmurs. “What time is it?”
“It’s 9am. You’re officially 23.”
“Yaaaaay me,” she says, dripping with sarcasm. “It’s way too early, Cade.”
“Sorry. We have an appointment we can’t miss.” That gets her attention, and she perks up like a puppy hearing the word “treat” .
“Appointment for what?” she questions, but if she thinks I’m going to tell her all of my plans she’s got another thing coming. I slap her ass, “time to get up.” God help me, but I can’t seem to keep my hands off her.
She grumbles something that sounds like “fine” and heads into the bathroom, sulking. Little does she know, we have an appointment at a jeweler to pick out the ring of her dreams. I probably could’ve arrived with a ring pop and she would've gotten down on her knees for me, but I wanted this to be a special day for her. Something tells me nobody has ever made her a priority before — I want to be the first man to do that for her and so much more. And maybe the last.
She emerges from the bathroom wrapped in nothing but a towel and my dick twitches behind my zipper. Her soft shoulders are glistening with the last drops of her shower and her hair is pulled back in a clip with a few wet strands sticking to the soft skin of her neck and collarbone. The hotel towels are small, and they don’t quite fit around her large hips allowing me a glimpse of the bare skin between her thighs. If I don’t avert my eyes, we’re never going to leave this room. Everything smells like her — vanilla with a hint of something flowery. It must be her shampoo; I could drown in it and die a happy man. Paige’s voice snaps me out of my daydreams.
“Can you at least give me a hint so I know what to wear to this appointment?”
“No hints, but wear whatever you’re comfortable in. It’s nothing fancy,” I reply, hoping not to give away any of my plans for today.
“Oook,” she murmurs skeptically. She walks over to the small vanity between the bedroom and bathroom, clipping her hair back before slathering her face in some kind of lotion. “We’re meeting up with some of my friends downtown later today. Bars aren’t usually my thing but some of them came in from out of town to be here fo r my birthday and they wanted to do something special — I suspect Mags is planning to ambush us and put you in the hot seat at some point.”
“Your pocket-sized bestie doesn't scare me, Sunshine.”
She has my rapt attention as she slathers more lotion on her legs, one at a time. I would endure the most excruciating forms of torture if it meant coming back to this room with this girl afterwards. The ring isn’t the only thing I have planned for today, so I avert my gaze and will my hard-on to subside. Car crashes, clowns, wet socks. That’ll do it.
My girl deserves to be spoiled on her birthday, and I intend to do just that. I can’t afford to get distracted by her delicious curves and the fuck me eyes.
I already showered and dressed before waking her, so I mindlessly scroll through social media while she puts the finishing touches on her makeup — it’s the “fuck me red” lipstick again that has me nearly coming in my pants. I take in the dusty rose of her cheeks and her slightly parted lips as she applies one more coat. Her hair is loosely curled around her shoulders and I want to wrap it around my fist as I plunge deep into her from behind, but we don’t have time for that now.
Paige steps into the adjoining bathroom one last time to check her outfit in the mirror. She chose a tight fitted pair of jeans that hug her ass in the most delicious way and a plush ivory v-neck sweater displaying the slightest hint of cleavage. Finally, she pulls on her deep red, thigh length peacoat with a tie that cinches in the waist, gesturing for me to grab her hand before we head out into the hallway. She looks like Christmas and feels like home.
“Ok Cowboy,” she says playfully, entering the elevator ahead of me, “where are we off to? Should I call an Uber?”
“Already done. The car should be pulling around any minute and they already know where we’re going, so don’t bother asking.” Her eyes narrow as she realizes I read into her little scheme perfectly.
“Ugh, fine,” she grumbles, but I know she’s not actually mad at me. She’s adorable when she’s pouting. I reach my thumb out to tug on her bottom lip before placing a chaste kiss where it had just been.
“No sad faces today, baby. I promise you’re going to like everything I have planned.”
Her eyes meet mine, and they’re sparkling with affection. From what I’ve learned about Paige over the last few months, she’s usually the planner. From birthday get-togethers to Halloween parties to housewarmings — she takes it all on herself. I know she enjoys some aspects of it — she thrives on control and organization, but nobody should have to plan their own birthday parties and According to Mags, Paige has planned at least the last 3 years of birthdays herself. My new goal in life is to show her it’s okay to let someone else take care of her, even if it isn’t in her nature. We’ve been in a super secret group chat planning the perfect birthday for my girl.
I lean in and give her a quick kiss on her temple before helping her into the back seat of our Uber, then slide in beside her, stretching an arm along the back of the seat behind her. She keeps her eyes trained out the window, watching the city speed by, my fingers gently tangling in her curls. She’s either taking in the scenery or she’s nervous; my money is on the latter, as I watch her bouncing her knee in the passenger seat. I take her hand in mine and give it a reassuring squeeze.
Before long we’re pulling up to a quaint building on the corner of Queen street. There’s a simple black awning with colorful lanterns in the window. When I was researching the best place for this outing, I wanted somewhere that with a more diverse selection of rings, including vintage inspired pieces and gemstones. I want s omething distinctive for my girl, something that makes her eyes sparkle when she looks at it.
I hold the door open for her and watch as she takes in our surroundings. The place is brightly lit with pastel pink walls and natural light wood accents. It has a bohemian feel to it, and it smells earthy and inviting. Her eyes are scanning the room with her mouth slightly parted — she’s speechless.
“Welcome to Wanderlust Jewelry!” A tall eccentric looking woman approaches us from behind the counter. She smiles at Paige who remains frozen in place. “What can we do for you today?”
“Hi, I’m Cade Brooks and this is my fiancée, Paige. We have an appointment to pick out a ring.”
Paige sucks in a sharp breath beside me, her eyes meeting mine, shining with unshed tears. This is the first time I’ve introduced her as my fiancée.
“You didn't think I’d let my future wife walk around without a ring, did you?” Her bottom lip quivers and I can’t help but place a soft kiss there. I don’t know what thoughts are going through her mind right now, but I hope they’re happy tears. “Are you ready, baby?” she nods in agreement and laces her fingers with mine.
“Congratulations! Do you have a style in mind or would you like to have a look around first?”
I glance down at Paige silently prompting her to answer.
“I’d love to look around, if that’s ok with you?” she asks me, an apprehensive look on her face.
“Anything you want, Sunshine,” I reply, then tug her towards one of the large jewelry cases under a rustic wood sign indicating a selection of gemstone rings. Something tells me I picked the right display because her entire face lights up. After a few heartbeats, she points out a ring in the middle row. It has a large green pear-shaped center stone with three delicate leaf-like stones on each side. Ther e’s another band on the bottom with a row of diamonds in the same leaf pattern and it nestles against the larger band above it. They’re both inset in a dainty yellow gold band. The green stones are beautiful with wispy green tendrils throughout the inside, creating an almost ethereal look to it.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” Lynn, the saleswoman, joins us at the counter. She takes the set from the case and displays it on the counter so Paige can get a closer look. “It’s a pear cut moss agate, the bottom band contains ethically sourced moissanite diamonds and it’s all set in 14 carat yellow gold. Moss agate is supposed to stoke creativity and emotional balance. It is also said to be symbolic of new beginnings and can help one find their true path in life. It has a grounding energy promoting healthy communication, understanding, and patience.”
Paige is listening intently to everything the woman is describing, but my heart has latched onto two words “new beginnings”. I don’t know much about diamonds or precious gems, but it feels almost like fate.
“It’s perfect,” I hear her whisper with a breathy sigh. I expected this appointment to take a lot longer, but I’ve recently learned that some things are inevitable. “Can I try it on?” she asks.
“Absolutely. If it doesn’t fit, we can have it sized for you.” Lynn says. “Would you like to do the honors?” She’s talking to me now. My hand momentarily shakes as I grip the twin bands between my fingers. I look over at Paige, whose bottom lip is trembling now. I take her left hand in mine and slowly glide them onto her ring finger. They’re a perfect fit. We’re a perfect fit.
Lynn asked Paige if she would like to wear them out of the store, but before she could answer, I requested a ring box. She places the rings in a delicate green velvet box which I then tucked into my right pocket — I’ll be needing this later. A flash of disappointment came over Paige’s face, but it was gone in a blink, replaced by a subtle smile.
Paige
I’m dreaming. — that’s the only logical explanation I have for the last 24 hours. From our first kiss, to the ring, every moment has left me breathless. The ring is gorgeous and delicate. Somehow, he instinctively knew I wouldn’t want something conventional. You can call it unromantic to take someone shopping for their own engagement ring, but somehow Cade knows I crave control in life, despite my desire for the opposite in the bedroom.
“He’s a keeper,” Lynn whispers before we leave the shop. I don’t disagree.
We stopped for breakfast after we left the jewelry store and Cade suggested we walk to our next destination a couple of blocks away. I don’t know where he’s leading me but, like a perfect gentleman, Cade is on the traffic side of the sidewalk as we stroll hand in hand along Young street. I smile up at my fiancé as we come to a stop outside of an electronics store.
“We’re here,” he says as he points to the display of Nikon cameras in the window.
“Cade, no. Absolutely not. This is too much,” I plead. He already spent an exorbitant amount of money on the ring. Surely he’s not going to also buy me a camera.
“Let me spoil you, Paige. You can’t become a photographer without the proper tools.”
“Okay,” I sigh. There’s no arguing with this man. When he sets his mind to something he’s going to make it happen come hell or high water. It looks like his latest aim is to give me everything I’ve ever dreamed of but never dared to ask for. Cade guides me through the entrance towards the massive display of photography gear. I don’t have the slightest clue what I’m looking for, so we seek out an employee and ask about a million questions. I almost feel bad for the guy, but I remind myself that it’s his job, and he’ll be well paid with the commission from the sale he’s about to get.
Approximately 30 minutes later, we exit the store with the best mirrorless camera and 50mm lens they have to offer, along with every accessory I could ever need, including a strap and various memory cards. I lift the camera and snap a photo of my fiancé before he can protest. Replacing the strap around my neck, we walk toward Ramsden park. It’s unseasonably warm for a January day, so we take a seat on a park bench to people watch.
“Thank you,” I sigh as I place my head on his shoulder. “I don’t know if I said it already but it bears repeating. This has all been such a whirlwind that I can’t remember if I stopped to tell you how much this means to me.”
I don’t think I’ve ever felt so incredibly special. I can count on one hand the number of truly memorable birthdays I’ve had in my 23 years on this earth. I grew up feeling like I wasn’t worthy of being celebrated, but Cade is slowly unraveling every thread in the tattered tapestry of my past, replacing each shredded piece with something new and indelible.
“You don’t have to thank me, baby. Your smile is all the thanks I need.”
There’s only honesty in his eyes as he lowers his lips to my forehead. I close my eyes to savor the moment. Everything is so perfect, I can’t help but anticipate the inevitable fall when this doesn’t work out.
Call me a cynic, but I haven’t exactly seen any evidence of happily ever after outside of romance novels, and I’m absolutely terrified I’m going to fall for this man. I’m halfway there already.
Everything is still so complicated. We haven’t even discussed the logistics of the wedding or the distance, but I don’t want to bring it up and put a damper on his trip. This has been the best birthday of my life.
I must have been really lost in my thoughts, because I missed Cade slipping off the bench. My eyes quickly shift to the snow at my feet, and I am surprised to find my cowboy down on one knee, a heartfelt expression on his face.
“Paige,” he says, a slight tremble in his voice, “you have the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever known and you are constantly putting everyone else’s needs ahead of your own. I want to be the man who puts you first. I want to show you that you can count on someone. I want to be by your side, holding your hand, no matter what the future holds. I didn’t see you coming, but now I can’t imagine my life without you. Will you marry me?”
We’ve drawn a little bit of a crowd and I must have waited too long to answer because Cade looks worried, and a woman to my left says “Well, answer him honey!” She’s snapping photos on her cell phone and I make a mental note to ask her to send them to me later.
I reach down and palm his cheeks in my hands, “Yes, Cade, of course I’ll marry you, you dummy. In case you forgot, I asked you first.”
“Actually, if memory serves, you didn’t really ask — it was more a command and it was sexy as fuck.”
I’m blushing now as Cade gently pushes the rings onto my finger and places a tender kiss on my palm. I giggle as he lifts me off the ground and spins me in a circle.
“It’s getting cold. We should head back to the hotel and get ready for your birthday celebration.”
I take his hand and we head over to an awaiting Uber, stopping first to accept an airdrop from the lady who was snapping photos of us. I’m not even sure when he put in the ride request, I must have been lost in my thoughts .
“Wait! We need a selfie.”
I hold out my phone and snap a photo with my ring finger on full display. Before I can pull away, Cade plants a kiss on my cheek and I snap one more photo for good measure along with a closeup of the ring.