Chapter 10
Will
"Can I help you?" the ancient woman in the hospital gift store asked.
"Um, maybe?"
She grinned, tucking a chunk of electric blue hair behind her ear. "What's the occasion? Birth, cancer-free diagnosis?"
"How did you know it's a celebration?"
She laughed. "I've worked here fifty years. You learn to pick the body language."
"Birth. Or, more precisely, impending birth."
"And you want to get her something special?"
I nodded. "I… she's the love of my life. I've never felt this way about anyone before." I held up the congratulations teddy bear. "This doesn't seem special enough."
"Come this way."
She stepped behind the counter, bending to unlock a drawer and pull out a small tray from the secure case. She placed it on the counter, sliding the lid off.
"Rings and necklaces. We only carry a small number because not many people buy them, but I figure we carry some for moments such as this one."
She tapped the drawer. "I work with a local jeweller. They're all certified and—"
"That one." I reached over, running my thumb over the engagement ring.
"Good choice," she said with approval. "Rose gold, with sapphire and diamonds. The geometric cut is unusual but I can give you the name of the jeweller, she's local and can help with designing a matching wedding band."
"That'd be perfect, thanks."
Heart hammering in my chest, I pulled out my phone, snapped a picture of the ring and popped it into family chat.
DaddyDogg
Boys, speak now or forever hold your peace. I'm marrying Karen.
SamthePup
Yay!
Ash
About time.
JayWood
I called it. Pretty sure Liam owes me ten bucks.
Ryan
Congratulations, Dad. You and Karrie deserve all the happiness!
James
Does that mean we get to call her mum? Tell her I'm down for that if she doesn't mind.
Dr.Dogg
You sly dog. Well done old man! Has she said yes yet?
I gulped back tears as the woman packaged the ring, overwhelmed with love for my boys.
DaddyDogg
Not yet. Haven't asked. Will let you know.
SamthePup
If she says no tell her I'll help her do the dishes every night for a month.
Ash
Holy shit! That's a proposal she can't refuse. Sam doesn't do ANYTHING.
SamthePup
Hey!
I slid the phone back into my pocket, paid for the ring then strode back to Karen's room.
This is happening. I found my person.
Taking a deep breath, I stepped inside.