Variations Of SPD
Chapter 3: New Love, First Date, & APromise Ring
By: Pink-Green-White-4ever
Last Revised: September 14, 2005
Summary: This chapter is centered on the boys and their thoughts on their significant others, as well as a few cute moments between the main three couples.
Rating: M, for adult-themed situations.
Disclaimer: I don't own PR, Disney does
AN: I got a quote, one for each of the guys in the story, with the exception of Brian - Bridge, Jack, and Sky. Can you guess which quote is for Sky? If you can, email me, and I'll make you something pretty. I'd say match all three, but as BloomingViolets pointed out to me, two of them could be about Bridge or Jack.
AN2: Don't forget to read A Different Side Of You, by BloomingViolets and me, and don't forget to check out BV's webpage, which can be found by clicking the homepage link in her profile, or by visiting the links page of my site.
"In my world, I walked to a different drum. You came along and joined me in my journey. I am now in harmony and at peace in the world of love." -- Unknown --
"Just when I thought that love could never be a part of me, that's when you came along and showed me happiness!" -- Unknown --
"If you're asking if I need you, the answer is forever. If you're asking if I will leave you, the answer is never. If you're asking what I value, the answer is you. If you asking if I love you, the answer is I DO." -- Unknown --
"Fancy meeting you here."
Sky looked up and over his right shoulder and glared at the man walking toward him. "I really don't want to talk about it," he muttered.
"I thought you and Syd had a lunch date today?" Jack asked, plopping down in the chair next to Sky. They'd both found themselves in the food court at New Tech City Mall, on a Saturday morning, and neither of them seemed to want to be there.
The former Blue Ranger glared at his former leader. "We did. She canceled this morning, called from the Academy. Brian needs help with his simulation training."
Jack shot an apologetic glance at his blue friend. Brian had been with them for over two weeks now, though Syd had finally settled him into the Academy's dorm instead of in the guestroom at the team's house. It seemed to Jack that the young boy was taking up a lot of Syd's time, and Sky didn't seem to like it one bit.
"I know what you're gonna say, why didn't I go help, right? I volunteered to; she told me that she didn't think Brian was ready for that level of training."
Shaking his head, Jack leaned back in his chair. Normally, he loved looking at the young ladies at the mall, but the last couple of months, a certain red haired, green eyed Pink Ranger had managed to snag all of his attention. Sighing in frustration, Jack scrubbed his hands over his face.
"Sky, I really don't know what to tell you, man. Be patient, alright. Sydney's gone through a lot the last couple of months, just like we all have; she's still adjusting to having a brother, and you've got to adjust to not being the center of her universe anymore. Besides, maybe this'll prepare you for life with kids. We all know you two are going to have some, eventually."
The young man in blue jeans, sneakers, and a navy polo merely glared at his red and black dressed friend. "And why, may I ask, are you not with Allison this morning? Don't the two of you usually head to the beach for a workout on Saturdays?"
"Yeah. They have combat training this morning with Commander Cruger. Z's overseeing it. Bridge is supposed to meet me here in twenty minutes, and then we were gonna go drag you off somewhere later."
Sky chuckled. "Male bonding, again, huh?"
Jack grinned back. "We haven't had an afternoon to ourselves since movie night when you were stuck in the infirmary; it's about time we get away from the girls for a while."
The man in blue was about to reply with a witty, sarcastic comment when Bridge came running up, out of breath. "GUYS!"
Both Sky and Jack look startled by his sudden appearance. "What's wrong Bridge?"
"I need help."
"With what?" Sky asked.
"I…well…after months of unofficial dating… well… um… IkindaaskedZonadate."
Jack laughed, not comprehending, even after over a year of being around the former Green Ranger, a thing Bridge had just said. The former Red Ranger turned to Sky for translation.
"He finally, officially, asked Z out on a date."
"Oh!" Jack turned, and grinned at Bridge. "Congrats. But why do you need our help?"
"It's my first date, ever, and I'm clueless."
Sky held up his hands in surrender. "Don't look at me, I haven't been on many dates, and when Syd and I go out, I usually let her plan them."
Jack shook his head. "You two are pathetic, I tell you. First of all, you need to buy her something."
"Chocolates?"
Jack shook his head no.
"Flowers?"
Another shake.
"Clothes?"
And another.
"Let me guess, jewelry?"
The former Red Ranger nodded. "Yeah; something simple and nice, trust me."
Sky shrugged his shoulders and stood up with Jack, the two of them walking with Bridge to the nearest jewelry store. 'This ought to be interesting!'
Their first stop was New Tech Mall Jewelers. While Jack dragged Bridge off toward the earrings, necklaces, and pendants, Sky wandered over toward the display case where the promise rings and wedding sets were housed, just to take a peek.
He stood there for a few moments, gazing into the case, before someone came over to him. "Cadet Tate, what are you doing here?"
Looking up like a deer caught in the headlights, Sky found himself face to face with his Aunt Taylor. "Gotcha Sky."
Sighing in relief, Sky nearly slumped against the glass. "Aunt Taylor."
"What are you doing here?" Taylor asked, though it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure it out – Sky has a girlfriend, a very beautiful girlfriend, who likes nice jewelry, and he happens to be dead serious about being with said girlfriend. "Or do I not want to know the answer?"
Sky laughed. "Bridge asked for Jack's help with his first date with Z tonight. Jack seems to think girls like pretty jewelry, so he dragged Bridge in here. I tagged along."
"And why, pray tell, aren't you over there with you friends?" Taylor asked, looking over her shoulder as the former Red Ranger went on and on about what Z would and wouldn't like while Bridge went bright red.
"Just looking."
"For Syd?" Taylor casually moved toward the case, looking down at the rings displayed. She saw a pretty one with diamonds and pink and blue gems. "A piece of advice from a girl who likes pretty jewelry, go with the one with Diamonds, Pink Tourmaline and Blue Sapphires. See ya round, Kiddo." That said, Taylor grinned at Sky's bright blush and turned and walked out of the store.
"May I help you Sir?" the saleswoman finally asked, having overheard the conversation between Aunt and Nephew.
Sky jumped, startled and smiled sheepishly. "Can I see the one with the pink and blue stones, please?"
"Certainly Sir," the saleswoman smiled, reaching down to open the case.
"Where have you guys been all day?" Sydney called out from the large kitchen when the three males walked in, each of them looking extremely tired. "Geesh, you look tired."
Jack smiled at her and kissed her on the cheek before moving toward the refrigerator to get a pop. Bridge sighed and slumped down on one of the bar stools that was on the other side of the counter that separated the dinning room from the kitchen, looking tired and cranky. And then there was Sky, who looked sorta nervous as he moved toward Syd, pulling her into his arms and pecking a kiss on her forehead.
"Jack tried to school Bridge in the dating game," Sky whispered, causing Sydney to giggle.
"Bridge, listen to me," Sydney murmured, looking over at the defeated-looking young man in green. "Just be yourself, that's what Z loves about you. She's not gonna care what you wear, where you go, or what you do tonight, as long as you're with her. She loves you."
The young man in blue jeans and a green t-shirt smiled. "I got her a pretty necklace, at Jack's insistence. It's got Citrine, I think that's what it is, and Emeralds; all I know is the one is sorta a yellow in color and the other is green. He says girls like sparkly things."
Syd smiled, knowing how true that was. "Yellow-orange, meaning it's just her color, and green for you. I'm sure she'll love it." Turning, Syd eyed her red and black dressed friend who was slugging down a pop. "And you, Allison called twenty minutes ago, said if you wanted to catch a movie and dinner with her, to give her a call. You'd better go call her. And next time, don't tire him out so bad before a date."
Nodding to Sydney, then saluting Sky and grinning at Bridge, Jack raced up the stairs that led from the dinning room up to the upstairs, to their rooms, to call Allison.
"Alright Tate, what have you got planned for this evening?" Syd asked, moving back to the stove to finish cooking dinner.
Sky followed her, leaning over her shoulder to see what she was cooking, his arms wrapping around her waist, hands tying together over her stomach. He smiled when he saw she was making Chicken Fettuccini Alfredo, a favorite of both of theirs. "I was hoping for a nice, quiet evening with the woman I love; dinner, maybe an in-home movie, and possibly a couple of rounds of nice, hot, sweaty..."
"Don't you dare say it in front of Bridge, or you're gonna embarrass the poor boy," Sydney hissed, turning in Sky's arms.
Seeing that as his cue to leave, Bridge grinned and slipped up the stairs to his room to get ready for his date. Sky grinned, watching his best friend leave before looking down into the lovely blue eyes of his girlfriend. "I bought you something today," he whispered to her, moving her over a few steps to the right and backing her into the counter next to the stove, before he leaned down and kissed her, his lips barely grazing hers and leaving them both wanting more.
"Oh?" Syd inquired softly, running her hands up Sky's arms before clasping them behind his neck. She marveled for the millionth time how nice it was to be snug and secure in his arms, not to mention the fact that he looked incredibly sexy in the tight blue jeans and blue polo. 'I'll bet he had tons of girls following him all over the mall and he didn't notice' she thought to herself, smiling up at him. "What'd you get me?"
Sky grinned at her and moved to seal his lips over hers. What started out as an innocent kiss soon became much more passionate as he moved his tongue against her lips, seeking a silent invitation to her mouth. Sydney gave it, opening her mouth to him, her own tongue peeping out to caress and dance with his.
"Are you two sucking face in the kitchen? Gross!"
The couple broke apart, startled, and turned to see Z leaning against the archway leading from the foyer, smiling wickedly.
"Don't you have a date to go get ready for?" Syd shot back teasingly. "You're gonna need at least two good hours to get all that sweat off and to hide your mug under some makeup before Bridge sees you."
"Watch it, Princess, this could have been you today," Z growled playfully, though in all honesty Syd and Sky both thought she looked ready to collapse from exhaustion. "And how did you get out of overseeing their combat training with me today?"
Syd smiled. "The Commander and Kat thought my expertise in the simulation room would help Brian get comfortable with it. I spent the entire day getting my ass kicked by my little brother, the master ninja."
Z laughed and nodded to Sky. "Sorry for interrupting the moment, but is Bridge home?"
"He just ran upstairs to get ready; Jack and Sky dragged him all over the mall in hopes of getting him ready for tonight."
"Really? Why?" Z asked.
Sky gave her a dumbfounded look. "You don't know?"
Z shook her head. "We're going on a real date, something we've both been too scared to do because we thought it would ruin our friendship. We both want more from each other, and I like Bridge the way he is, why would he need to get ready for tonight?"
Syd and Sky shared a look. "Um, Z, look, don't tell Bridge I told you this, but tonight's his first date."
The moment the words left Sky's mouth, Z looked floored. "Ever?"
Sky and Syd nodded. "His powers have always turned girls off, not to mention it makes it hard for him to get close to people because of it, so he's never asked anyone out. You're the first girl other than Sydney to give him the time of day, at least, who wasn't in a management position over him, like Kat."
"Oh no!" Z gasped. "Syd, what am I gonna do? I wanna make this special for him."
Sydney smiled. "Did you guys decide where to go for dinner?"
"No, we were gonna decide when we got ready to leave."
Nudging Sky's arm, Sydney nodded her head toward the phone. Getting the hint, Sky walked over and dialed a number he knew by heart. "Can I speak to Anthony please? Sky Tate. Hi Tony, listen, I need a favor. A friend of mine is going on his first date tonight, with the girl of his dreams. Can we get them a good seat, near the windows? Yeah, I'm paying for it; just put it on my account. Yes, Bridge Carson. Thanks Tony, you're the best."
"What did you just do?" Z suspiciously asked.
Sky grinned impishly at her and winked. "You've got reservations under Bridge's name for seven thirty at Ristorante de Amore, its downtown near the boardwalk amusement park. It's nice, quiet, on the waterfront, and I know the staff. You'll love it. Order whatever you two want, it's on me."
"Why did you just do that?"
Sky moved toward his yellow teammate and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her close to his side. "Because it's not every day my unofficial little brother and little sister make it official. You two deserve a nice night out, and I'm able to help with it. Afterward, you might want to talk Bridge into going over to the boardwalk, it's usually a nice place to be on Saturday nights."
Z smiled at Syd, who nodded, somehow knowing what Z was asking permission for. Leaning up, Z pecked a kiss to Sky's cheek. "You're sweet, Sky, thanks."
"Your welcome; now go get ready for your date." Sky shooed her up the back staircase before walking back over to Sydney and pulling her into a hug.
"She's right you know; you're so sweet." Looking down into her eyes, Sky felt himself simply melt.
Allison was waiting by the fountain in front of the Academy when Jack pulled up in the nice red Mustang Convertible that Syd's dad had bought him. In fact, Syd's parents had purchased each of them a vehicle of their choice when Cruger had taken them off active Ranger status, as none of them had vehicles of their own and they were no longer able to use the S.P.D. vehicles whenever they wanted.
He'd chosen the Mustang Convertible, Sky had gotten a sonic blue Ford Ranger XL, Bridge chose a Dodge Durango SXT in a forest green, Z had gotten a Dodge Charger SE in a lemony yellow, and Sydney had picked out a very sleek, Chrysler Seabring Convertible in a deep pink. Jason and Katherine had told them how proud of the team they were, and figured since they were well off enough, why not give the hard working Rangers a reward. In Jack's opinion, the cars and the house the Collins' had provided for the five former Rangers couldn't have come at a better time.
"Sorry! I wanted to be there to see Bridge and Z off on their first date," he apologized as he jumped out of the car and ran over to her. He grinned, kissed her on the cheek and led her over to his car. "You feel like dinner and a movie?"
"Sounds good to me," Allison grinned. In the few months she's known Jack Landors, she'd grown close to him. In fact, she'd even venture to guess she'd fallen in love with him, but she'd never tell him, because she knew he didn't feel the same way.
"Where would you like to go, Milady?"
"Somewhere quiet, it's been a hectic day," Allison giggled at the nickname as he pulled away from the Academy and headed for the freeway.
"I know a nice place, about forty five minutes away. It's up on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Sky said he's taken Syd there tons of times, does that sound quiet enough? And then maybe we can walk on the beach and come back and catch a movie or something.
"It sounds great, Jack," she murmured, leaning her head against his shoulder as he drove. He had the top down on his new car, so it was nice to just sit there and let the warm September air blow on her.
"Wow!" Bridge gasped when Z pulled her Dodge Charger into the driveway of the restaurant they were having dinner out. "Um, Z, I know you really want to be here, but, um, the Academy doesn't pay all that well. That is, unless you're Kat, or Commander Cruger, or General Birdie, or..."
Z smiled and shushed him with a well manicured finger tip to his lips. "I wasn't supposed to say anything, but this is compliments of Sky. He said have a good night. You don't have to worry about paying for it."
Bridge looked both embarrassed and awed. "I see."
The former Yellow Ranger gave him a look and then smiled widely. "You can spend all your money on me at the boardwalk, winning me a stuffed animal to add to my growing collection, ok?"
The former Green Ranger couldn't help but laugh. He was infinitely glad Sky had done what he'd done, especially since the necklace he'd bought Z had stretched his budget a little. "Before we go in, I have something for you," Bridge told her, his hands shaking as he took the little, rectangular velvet box out of his jacket pocket. He handed it to Z, and let her open it.
Z gasped when she saw the heart shaped pendant done in Citrine with Emerald accents. "Oh Bridge! It's beautiful!" she gasped, tears springing to her eyes. Other than her Z necklace, she'd never had any really gorgeous jewelry, and here Bridge had gone out and gotten her something.
"Jack helped me pick it out, I hope you don't mind the green ones," he murmured, and then did something unexpected. He reached down and removed his gloves, took the box from her hands, and released the necklace from its confines before he reached around Z's neck and put it on her. When he pulled his hands away, he let his fingers trail along the chain lying against her skin.
Z was startled to feel his fingers against her neck, knowing that it could hurt him to touch her skin to skin. "Bridge..."
Bridge smiled. "It doesn't bother me to touch you, all I feel is security, warmth, and love when I touch you. You're my buffer from everything Z; it's never been like that for me, with anyone."
Leaning forward, the young Hispanic woman touched her lips to Bridge's in a sweet kiss that spoke of so much more lying under the surface. "I love you, Bridge." Z saw his eyes water, and felt herself blinking back her own tears. "It's never been like this with anyone else for me, ever. You're the first, the last, and the only."
This time it was Bridge's turn to lean forward and kiss her. When he pulled back he squeezed her hand. "Shall we go eat and then go have fun?"
Nodding, Z grinned. "I'm game."
The pair stepped from Z's car and linked arms after Bridge put his gloves back on. Z was wearing a Chinese Cheongsam dress in dark green and light yellow with embroidered Tigers and Pandas on it, with a pair of bamboo sandals in a flip flop fashion with high heels, on her feet. Bridge was wearing a pair of khaki pants, a dark green polo shirt, black dress shoes, and a black leather jacket.
"Alright, let the fun begin!" Z announced, cause Bridge to grin and laugh as he led her into the restaurant after giving the keys to the valet.
Allison sighed softly while she and Jack walked along the beach, watching the sun set over the ocean. She was happy, happier than she'd been in a while. She had a good job, she was a Power Ranger just like she'd always wanted to be, she had incredible friends and teachers, but most of all, she was with a very incredibly kind, generous, and hot guy.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Jack asked, walking next to her in the soft sand. He looked at her and smiled. She was wearing a pink tank top with white sweater over it, tight blue jeans, and was carrying her sandals in her hand.
"I was just thinking how incredibly lucky I am."
"Oh?"
"Awesome job, fantastic friends, great mentors, and a date that's both handsome and considerate of me," she grinned, which made Jack smile. The former Ranger realized how much more she'd opened up in the last couple of months, especially around him. She'd gone from being a shy young lady to someone who was comfortable in her own skin. 'Just like I did during my time as a Ranger' he thought proudly.
"Um, Allison, can I ask you something?" Jack started. During his afternoon with Sky and Bridge, his former teammates had talked to him about his feelings for Allison. It wasn't until Sky had smirked at him and told him he spoke of the younger Pink Ranger the same why Sky did of Sydney that he realized he was falling in love with her.
"Sure," she chirped, stopping to face him.
"Well, I, uh, know we've been spending a lot of time together since the Officer's Ball a few months ago, and you see, I've realized something."
Allison felt her stomach drop out on her as she realized Jack was about to tell her he didn't want to see her anymore. "Yes?"
"Would you like to, maybe, make it a little more serious, and exclusively date me?"
The Pink Ranger's mouth dropped open in shock, tears forming in her eyes. Not even in her wildest dreams had she imagined he'd ask her that. "What?"
Jack winced, thinking she didn't want to. "I'd understand if you didn't, but um, I think...in fact, I know, I'm falling for you."
"Yes." Jack's eyes widened as the simple, one word answer left her mouth, which turned up in the brightest smile the former Ranger leader had ever seen on her face.
"Yes?"
Allison nodded. "I've been falling for you for weeks now, Jack. I'd love to date you, and only you."
Leaning forward, Jack reached up and cupped her cheeks, laying his lips on her ruby colored ones in a sweet, touching first kiss.
--
Sydney grinned, walking through their joint bathroom to Sky's room. He'd decorated it, with his mother's help, in several shades of blues. There was navy carpet and curtains, light blue walls and ceiling, and his furniture was even in blues. His bed was covered in navy and white sheets and blankets.
She smiled, seeing the maps of the world, and pictures of landmarks like the Sphinx and Pyramids of Egypt, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and Niagara Falls at the Canadian-United States border adorning his walls.
And then there was the one pink thing in the entire room. It was one of Syd's stuffed animals, a Phoenix her dad had gotten her not long ago, sitting in the middle of his neatly made bed. She laughed, noting how it stuck out like a sore thumb in all the blue.
"I can see I left my mark on you," she grinned at the figure sitting at the desk in front of the computer.
After Jack, Z and Bridge had left the house the pair had had a quiet dinner, and had watched a movie, before they'd headed upstairs. Sky had some test scores to go over and Syd had wanted a bubble bath. Much to her disappointment, he hadn't joined her.
Turning, Sky grinned at her sheepishly. "I've been wondering where my Phoenix went. When did you steal it off my bed?"
Sky shut the computer off and moved to where she was standing by his bed. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. "I didn't steal it, Syd, you left it in here a week ago, after you went back to your room one morning, and I just haven't seen the need to return it yet."
Syd laughed and kissed him back, before she pushed him back onto his bed, tumbling down on top of him a second later. "Really now?"
"Yep," Sky grinned, moving his hands to her sides, letting his fingers glide up and down, tickling her.
"SKY! STOP!" Sydney laughed and gasped, rolling off of him in hopes he'd stop his attack. She wasn't remotely lucky. Sky followed her, rolling over on top of her as his fingers continued their assault. "IF YOU DON'T STOP I'M GONNA PEE MY PANTS!"
Laughter rang out from the former Blue Ranger, causing him to roll off her to try and catch his breath. "Sorry," he mumbled a moment later, after he'd caught his breath.
"Jerk," she muttered, then snuggled close to him, burrowing under his right arm so she was close to his side. "Can I sleep in here with you?"
Turning his head in her direction, Sky opened his eyes and grinned at her. "I thought we were gonna try to stay out of each other's beds for a while?"
"Only during the week, when we both have to work. It's Saturday, Sky, I wanna sleep cuddled up with you," she pouted pleadingly.
He shook his head in disbelief at how he wasn't able to resist her when she was like this. "I suppose I wouldn't mind sharing my bed. What am I gonna get out of this deal?"
Sydney frowned at him, lost in her thoughts, before she smiled brightly and move to straddle his waist, one of her favorite positions. "Well, I suppose, for the greater good, I could be talked into performing a few certain services for you."
Sky's eyebrows shot up in question. "Oh really?" he grinned at her.
"Really."
"You're serious? You'd actually, you know?" he asked, eluding to a certain activity they had yet to engage in, even though they'd made love to one another tons of times over the last couple of months.
"Yep." Sydney felt her stomach tighten in nervousness, and strangely enough, excitement. She wasn't sure about performing the actual act, but she was curious, and that ruled out the nervousness.
Sky saw the internal war and sought to give her one last way out, though he really wanted to know what it felt like. "Sydney, you don't have to if you don't want to. I'd love nothing more than to just make love to you."
She smiled softly at him, leaning down to kiss him, her hands playing in his hair. His hands smoothed down her back, over her hips, coming to rest on the sides of her toned and incredibly soft thighs.
"I know I don't have to, but I'm curious, and I know you want to know what it feels like too, huh?"
Sky nodded and smiled. "Sorta, yeah."
"Then, allow me," Syd whispered seductively, kissing his mouth one last time before she slithered down his body, leaving wet kisses on the skin of his neck, chest and stomach before she reached her ultimate goal. She smiled at him and then began her assault.
"OH! MY! GOD!"
Syd smiled triumphantly as she crashed down on Sky's chest, her breathing labored. She noted the time on the clock; it had been four hours since she'd set out to seduce Schuyler Tate Collins, and she had succeeded, she thought, most splendidly.
"So, did I pay up enough to sleep with you tonight?"
Sky could only nod, as his breathing was still coming too hard to answer her. When he finally got his vocal cords to work again, he whispered, "Syd, sweetheart, you can sleep with me for the rest of our lives after that. Thank you."
Syd's laughter rang out as she snuggled close to her boyfriend, feeling herself drift off. "You never did give me my present," she murmured into his chest.
"Roll off me, and I'll go get it."
"But I'm comfortable!" Syd whined, and then shrieked when he rolled her off his chest himself. "SKY!"
Grinning, Sky moved over to the top drawer of his dresser, not bothering to put on his boxers as he did so, and removed the tiny velvet box he'd hid in there after returning home from the mall. He moved back over to Syd, who was sitting up on the bed, the sheet tucked under her arms, barely skimming the tops of her breasts. She made a very alluring picture as he sat down with her, while she was once again awed by him in his natural glory.
Gulping in air like there was no tomorrow, Sky attempted to settle his nerves, only succeeding after he looked up from the box into Syd's sleepy blue eyes. "Z wasn't the only one who had something picked out for her," he whispered, turning to face her, the box in hand. He held it out and opened it for her, watching her eyes widen and fill with tears.
"Oh Sky!" she gasped softly, reaching out to gingerly touch it. It was a princess cut, ten karatwhite gold,Diamond ring with Pink Tourmaline and Blue Sapphire gemsaccenting the sides.
"It's not an official engagement ring; it's more of a promise ring," he told her in a rush. "I liked it, but I have something else in mind for when I'm ready to propose to you. I just want to know one thing."
Sydney looked at him through her tears. "What?" she whimpered softly.
"That when I do ask you, you'll say yes?"
Smiling, Syd nodded and threw herself into his arms, her lips seeking his for a passionate kiss. When they pulled back, Sky pulled the ring out of the box and slipped it on her right hand ring finger. "I don't want to put a ring on your left hand until it's its time, alright?" Sydney nodded and looked down at the ring, smiling. "Looks like it's a little big, but we can get it sized to fit better, alright?"
"I love you, Schuyler," she murmured, looking from the ring to him.
"And I love you, Sydney," he gave back.