Chapter 24
Gage hovered over the velvet-lined case, eyes tracing over the details of one ring after the next.
Elbow resting on the glass case, excitement brewing in his heart, Gage leaned in to inspect them further.
Carly’s sister Jill, bless her, had managed to get the rundown on rings, meaning she’d get the ring she wanted, while Gage’s proposal would have the element of surprise.
Of course, they’d been talking about marriage for months now, but Gage had been holding out for just the right time to pop the question.
With New Years right around the bend, a day that represented the very idea of fresh starts, it stood out among the prospective dates. Plus, as he and Carly stepped onto the red carpet for the upcoming movie premiere, Gage could proudly declare that he’d already put a ring on that finger of hers.
“Am I the only one who thinks these all look the same?” his father asked under his breath.
“They totally do,” Beau mumbled.
Gage glanced over and grinned. “I told them the style and cut she wanted, so the differences are…”
“Invisible?” Dad suggested with a laugh.
His brother chuckled as well.
“I heard that,” the jeweler said. Luckily, Dirk Johnson, owner of the jewelry establishment, was a close friend of Dad’s.
In fact, the man had agreed to meet them at the shop for an after-hours appointment.
Mark Craven had a lot of friends and Hollywood clout.
And now, with the help of Gage’s brother, Beau, Dad had come to accept Gage’s decision to be with Carly.
Sure, the days leading up to Gage’s TV stunt were rough.
Gage had feared he might never regain the man’s respect or approval.
He hadn’t even thought to reach out to his brother among all of it.
But his appearance on Star Chat had changed everything.
The bold move had not only warmed the hearts of America where Carly was concerned, his brother Beau had matched the funds raised and given a public statement in support of Gage, saying he looked forward to meeting Carly one day.
Gage hadn’t realized how much the years had come in between he and his brother, but boy had it felt good to have his support.
Shortly following Beau’s statement, Mark contacted his son with an apology.
The jeweler approached the other side of the glass counter, his mustache reminding Gage of the bartender at the resort. He could hardly wait to go back to the place he and Carly had first met. The Royal Palm resort would always be a special place for them.
Dirk took time to carefully point at the differences between each ring, and soon the choice was sure. “Let’s get it rung up for you, sir,” the jeweler said with a grin.
His father swung an arm over Gage’s back as Dirk stepped away.
“I wasn’t ready for this type of commitment at your age,” he said, “so I assumed you wouldn’t be either.
Of course, I was also under the impression that I wouldn’t gain a following if I tied myself to your mother too soon.
” He shrugged. “Those are the reasons I warned against it. And …I did like the idea of us both getting that eligible bachelor title, if I’m honest,” he added sheepishly.
Beau stepped over to the opposite counter, letting his father have a moment alone with him.
The man turned to look at him, his brown eyes hiding hints of moisture. “I want you to know that I respect you. It took guts to do what you did, despite what I thought. Despite what Hollywood might think. I admire that.”
A massive dose of warmth shot through him. Gage might have been prepared to live out his life without his father’s admiration, but he couldn’t put into words how wonderful it felt to have it. It was an unexpected gift.
“Thanks, Pop.” He came in for one of those awkward man hugs, but Dad pulled him in tight, held him there, and sighed. The familiar scent of his father’s aftershave put Gage right back in time.
“Who would’ve known that appearing on that show like you did would help your career. Not that you’ll be pursuing it over your architecture…”
Gage nodded. “Right. But I will say, Carly’s so excited about the film she’s already saying she wouldn’t mind if I ever wanted to shoot another sometime.”
Dad patted his back. “Well, you’ve got my support either way, son.”
“Thanks, Pop. Means a lot.”
“Hope that goes for me too,” Beau said, pulling Gage and his dad into a three-way hug with his muscled arms. “Because I’ve got an announcement.”
“What?” Gage and his dad said in unison.
Beau broke out in a grin. “Kidding.”
Gage wasn’t so sure his brother was kidding, but he shifted his mind back to thoughts of the proposal.
It had taken a lot of planning, a whole lot of help on Christian’s part, and the cooperation of executives of the Royal Palm to organize the big event, but it had finally come together.
Now to see if they could actually pull it off.