A/N: Thanks for your reviews.
For Anja, who suggested this one.
Chapter 9- The Purchase
After Johanna had left to go shopping with her mother, Jim settled down with the newspaper that was thicker than usual thanks to all the Black Friday sale ads tucked inside. He pulled them out, deciding it wouldn't hurt to browse through them and see if he got any ideas for Christmas gifts. He sighed internally at the thought of Christmas shopping being upon him again. The thought was always somewhat distressing…but then he smiled; he'd do his shopping with Johanna this year. They had done some of their shopping together the year before…but this year would be different. This would be their first Christmas together as a couple and he hoped that it would be special.
He certainly didn't want a repeat of Thanksgiving. Jim's blood stirred with anger as he thought of the evening before when his mother had pulled the worst stunt that she had ever pulled in her life. He wasn't sure if he'd ever be able to forgive her for deliberately putting pecans in the food when she knew that Johanna was allergic to them. How could she? Johanna had never done anything to her. Her only misdeed apparently was in loving him against his mother's wishes. Well that was too damn bad, he thought to himself.
Jim tossed aside the first three ads in the pile on his lap, feeling agitated about how terrible dinner had been…the long miserable night Johanna had endured thanks to the hives that littered her body. He had felt so damn helpless…and guilty. If he hadn't coerced her into going to his parents house for dinner, it wouldn't have happened. But he had nagged and possibly demanded and she had given in…because she loved him. She didn't even blame him for what happened even if it was his fault for being so misguided to tell his mother about her allergy.
He blew out a breath; this wasn't the start to the holiday season that he wanted for them. He had to make damn sure that Christmas went better. He couldn't blow that one…which meant that he needed the perfect gift. With that thought in mind, he did his to give his attention to the store ads but nothing was leaping from the pages; nothing had that 'special' quality that he was looking for. What did you give the woman you loved more than anything for your first Christmas together?
There had to be more than one gift of course, he mused…but there had to be something extra special. Something perfect.
He wasn't good at figuring out perfect gifts though; he was one of those 'wing it' type of guys that just hoped for the best when buying gifts for his loved ones…but his girlfriend deserved more effort than that. He flipped through a few more ads and tossed them aside before seeing an ad for a jewelry store. "Get her the gift she really wants" the ad proclaimed. Jewelry was always a good option, Jim mused…and he was well acquainted with that certain jewelry store.
There was a certain item in that store that he had been keeping his eye on…and according to the ad; the sales they were running were for forty to fifty percent off, one day only. Jim breathed deeply; maybe it was time to pay another visit and check on that item. Maybe today he'd buy instead of just looking.
Jim pushed through the door of the upscale jewelry store that was just down the street from the law firm. It was crowded as he had expected due to the holiday sale going on but he couldn't help wishing that some of those people would clear out until he was finished. He carefully picked his way through the people, making his way to the glass enclosed counter where the rings were displayed. The engagement rings to be more precise, he mused; his feet carrying him forward without much thought. He'd been here at least three times before during breaks from work…staring into that display case as he wondered if it was too soon. If he was rushing. If she would be ready…if she'd say yes.
He gave a soft shake of his head, trying to shake away the worry about the possibility that she might say no. Surely that wouldn't happen, would it? She didn't bring up the topic of marriage ever since their break up and he hoped that he had convinced her after Sharon's wedding that he wasn't opposed to it as she thought. He wasn't opposed at all…he just had this terrible habit of over thinking things…and sticking his foot in his mouth.
Jim stepped up to the counter, his eyes searching through the rows of rings until he found the one he kept coming back to on every single visit. That was the one…it had to be; it was the one that stayed on his mind, the only one he could really imagine on her hand.
But would she like it?
Of course she would like it; what woman didn't like a diamond ring, right?
A sigh slipped across his lips; but what if she didn't like that particular diamond? He was just being ridiculous. Of course she would like that diamond, Jo wasn't one of those fussy girls…but then again, how did he know if she was fussy when it came to diamonds? He hadn't ever bought her one before. She had a diamond necklace and a matching diamond ring that she had inherited from her great grandmother. She didn't wear either item all that often; they were reserved for special occasions, which he understood. They were old pieces, most likely worth a small fortune. They weren't items to be worn on a daily basis.
An engagement ring, however, was meant to be worn on a daily basis. It had to be something she'd be comfortable wearing every day. The ring he liked looked like it wouldn't be an issue…but really, what did he know about these things?
"You're back," a voice stated from behind the counter.
Jim glanced up, spotting the well dressed, grey haired man that he had spoken to on his previous visits. "I am," he said with a nod. "How are you Mr. Donavan?"
"I'm fine," the older man said with a smile. "How are you?"
"I'm good."
"Have you made up your mind yet or are you just keeping watch on that ring in the third row?"
Jim gave him an amused smirk. "It's a difficult decision."
"Which part? Deciding to marry the girl or choosing the ring?"
"Both, if you want to get down to it…but I definitely want to marry her."
Mr. Donovan smiled. "Then what's the problem? Why do you keep hesitating?"
Jim shoved his hands into his pockets as he shrugged. "I just sometimes wonder if it isn't too soon."
"How long have you been together?"
"Well…officially as a couple, six months; but…we've kind of had one of those co-workers to friends to more than friends to dating kind of things going on since we met…so really it's more like we've been together in one way or another for about three and a half years."
Mr. Donovan nodded. "Then I'd say it's probably time."
"You think so?" Jim asked, a small weight lifting from his shoulders. "You're not just saying that to sell me a ring, are you?"
"No," the older man laughed. "I meant what I said; I think it's probably time for you to give her a ring. She must be pretty patient if she's stuck around for three and a half years."
Jim gave a nod. "Yeah; she is patient…and forgiving…loving…a million other things."
"Girls who are those things and a million more are the ones we're meant to marry."
"She's the one," he replied; "There's no doubt about it."
"Then again, what's the problem?"
"I don't know; I just want to get her the perfect ring."
Mr. Donovan unlocked the case and carefully pulled out the ring that Jim admired every time he was in the store. "This is the one that you've been keeping your eye on, isn't it?"
"Yeah," he answered as he accepted it from the man's hand. "It's beautiful."
"It is," Mr. Donovan replied. "It's an excellent choice; but what makes you hesitate?"
"I worry that she won't like it. It's simple…what if she wants something fancier?"
"Is she the type of girl who likes statement pieces?"
Jim's brow furrowed. "What's a statement piece?"
"It's a piece of jewelry that catches attention; something, shall we say, flashy. It's usually something large with a lot going on; something that wouldn't be overlooked."
Jim shook his head. "No; Jo's not that kind of girl. She's very classy when it comes to her clothes and jewelry. She's not into gaudy things or things that catch everyone's attention."
"Well, then this ring would be a good fit for her. It's simple in design; the stone is a decent size without being overly big."
"I know you've told me about the ring before but will you tell me again?" Jim asked.
Mr. Donovan smiled indulgently. "Of course. The band is 18 karat gold, unadorned so that the diamond can speak for itself. The diamond is a 3 carat emerald cut solitaire. Emerald cut diamonds are considered the more rare cut."
"Why is that?" Jim asked.
"Because most people go for the standard round diamond or the princess cut. Most of the rings in the case that you've passed over on each visit are round cut or princess cut."
"I like the emerald cut," Jim stated; "It is a bit different from the rings I usually see."
"It stands out, not in an ostentatious way; but in the way of being something special," Mr. Donovan stated.
He smiled. "Like Johanna…she's special…different from all the rest."
"Then she should have a ring that reflects that," the other man stated.
Jim gave a nod. "That's what I'm hoping to give her…I really do like this one. I guess I just worry that she won't."
"Put aside the worry and think about how your gut always drives you to this ring. What does that tell you?"
"It tells me that I like this one."
"Why do you like it?"
"Because I can picture this one on her finger," Jim admitted. "It would look good there…it doesn't feel too heavy; it would be comfortable for her to wear every day, right?"
"Oh yes," Mr. Donovan stated. "I feel certain in saying that this would be a comfortable ring for a young lady to wear."
"It's understated and yet still beautiful."
"It is…you're not the only man who has been eyeing it up."
Jim's gaze jerked away from the ring and to the man behind the counter. "What?"
"There's been another man in here every so often eyeing up that ring."
"My ring!"
"It's not yours until it's purchased," Mr. Donovan reminded him; "But I have to admit, seeing the interest of that other man has had me a little worried because I know that's the one you want. He seems to be indecisive like you…but do you want to leave it to chance?"
"No," Jim remarked; his mind made up now that he knew someone else was eyeing the ring he had chosen for Johanna. "Any chance this ring is part of the sales you're running today?"
"Yes," Mr. Donovan answered. "For today only, it's fifty percent off."
His eyes widened. "Really?"
"Yes," the older man said with a smile. "So what do you think?"
Jim took a deep breath. "I'll take it."
"You're sure?"
"Yes," he replied as he handed it back to him. "That's the one I want."
"It's an excellent choice," the man remarked as he took the ring back. "Now, this ring is a size seven; does your girlfriend wear that size or will she need to come in and have it fitted?"
"I'm honestly not sure what size ring she wears," Jim said as he dug into the pocket of his jeans; "I slipped this ring out of her jewelry box, she wears it a good bit. Can you tell from it what size it is?"
The jeweler accepted the ring with a nod. "I'll examine the inside of the band; sometimes the size is imprinted on it. If not, I have other ways, but I have a feeling it's a seven."
"I hope it is," Jim said as he shifted on his feet while Mr. Donovan examined the ring that held a pink stone that Johanna sometimes wore to work.
"You're in luck," the older man said. "It's a seven."
"Thank God," he breathed as he took the ring back and slipped it into his pocket, praying he wouldn't lose it before he could return it to her jewelry box.
Mr. Donovan gave him a smile. "You're sure you're ready to purchase this ring? I don't want to feel like I pressured you."
"I'm ready…I don't want anyone else getting that ring."
"Very well," the man said; "I'll get it ready for you."
Jim waited patiently as Mr. Donovan wrote up the ring and gathered the documents proving the authenticity and weight of the diamond.
"You do accept checks, don't you?" he asked after a few moments while the jeweler was still in the process of totaling the ring and the care plan he had decided to purchase just in case something would happen to it.
The older man smiled reassuringly. "Yes, Mr. Beckett; we'll be happy to accept your check."
"That's good," he said as he pulled his checkbook from his coat pocket. He was glad he had stopped at his apartment and had gotten the checkbook for the account where his stock dividends accumulated. The ring would put a little dent in the account but it was alright, Johanna was worth it and his stocks were stable; the money would be replaced in time.
"Here's your total," Mr. Donovan said as he showed Jim the bottom of the receipt. "2,000.00."
Somehow, seeing the amount written out in the jeweler's neat handwriting at the bottom of the yellow slip made it seem larger…not the two thousand dollars was a small amount to begin with, it wasn't…but in writing it seemed like even more. His stomach clenched a little. "She's worth it," he chanted quietly as he wrote out the check. "She's worth it."
"I'm sure she'll be very pleased with this ring," the jeweler stated as he carefully tucked the ring into the cushion of the black velvet box that he had procured for it.
"I hope so…I hope she says yes."
"I'm sure you don't have to worry; if she's been around for three and a half years, she's planning on staying," Mr. Donovan said with an easy grin.
"Let's hope so," Jim said while signing his name to the check before he tore it from his checkbook and handed it over.
The jeweler took the check, leaving Jim to fidget at the counter, his gaze on that small black velvet box that held all of his hope for the future. She'd be happy…no, they'd be happy. This was the right thing to do…she was the one and that ring had been waiting for him, knowing it was made for his girl. He breathed deeply; it was expensive…but the cost didn't matter. All that mattered was making her his permanently.
"Here's your receipt," Mr. Donovan said, startling him from his thoughts.
"Thank you," Jim replied as he took it, folding it and placing it in his checkbook before he shoved it back into his pocket.
"It'll all work out," the jeweler assured while he put the ring and it's documents in the bad. "Trust me, I know these things."
"Alright, I'm going to hold you to that," he said with a laugh.
"You know where to find me if anything goes wrong, but I'm sure it won't. Your girlfriend will be very pleased, I'm sure. Make sure you keep the documents that are in the bag; some of them are the documents for the authenticity of the diamond, keep those for insurance purposes; the others are for the care plan if you'd need something."
"Okay," Jim breathed as he accepted the bag. "Thanks for your help."
"My pleasure…and when the time comes; we have a very nice selection of wedding bands."
"One ring at a time, Mr. Donovan," he laughed.
"No rush,' the man chuckled; "But we're here when you need one."
"I'm sure I'll be back sooner than that…Christmas is coming."
"The engagement ring isn't the gift?"
"I'm not sure yet," he admitted. "I have to think about the right time to ask her."
"Good idea, consider the best options," the jeweler remarked. "Good luck."
"Thank you," Jim said, giving a nod as he turned and headed for the door, hanging on to the bag tightly. There was nothing like a two thousand dollar ring to make you overly cautious about going out into that sea of humanity crowding the sidewalks outside.
Jim breathed a sigh of relief once he walked through the door of his apartment, feeling ridiculous for being so nervous about having that ring on him. Even locked in his own car, he had worried that today would be the day that he'd get mugged and that the ring would be gone before Johanna could even get a glimpse of it. But both he and the ring had made it home…thank God. He headed toward the bedroom and went straight to his dresser. He took the small jewelry box out of the bag and opened it, staring down at the diamond that sparkled inside. It was a beautiful ring, simple and elegant. He hoped she would love it; it seemed so right for her.
He allowed his thumb to graze the bottom of the stone for the briefest of seconds before yanking it away; fearful of marring it before he could give it to her. He sucked in a breath and closed the lid of the box before pulling open his top drawer and shoving it way in the back, making sure it was concealed by a pile of t-shirts. It should be safe there, he mused; Johanna wouldn't stumble across it accidentally. He took the papers from the bag, skimming them as he moved to his nightstand, opening the drawer there and burying them beneath the pile of papers he kept inside.
That just left the bag to get rid of, Jim thought to himself…the logical course of action was to throw it away but it wasn't time to empty the trash and Johanna was supposed to spend a few days with him, it wouldn't due for her to see the bag in one of the trash cans. He supposed he could sway her into changing plans and he could stay with her, he had been there most of the week anyway…but still, just in case, the bag needed to go; it was evidence he couldn't afford. What was he going to do with it? He thought about shoving it into the glovebox of his car but then discarded that idea; Johanna sometimes tucked her sunglasses in there for safekeeping. He couldn't throw it in the trunk either. For God's sake, a bag was going to blow this whole operation, Jim mused…until he remembered that there was a trash can in the lobby of his building. He could toss it there and no one would no who it belonged to. Problem solved, he thought as he shoved it into his pocket for the time being. He took out his checkbook and receipt for the ring and tossed them into his nightstand drawer as well; Johanna never went through his things, he had nothing to worry about in that area.
With the ring and its evidence hidden away, Jim made his way back through his apartment to the door, taking the bag back out of his pocket so he wouldn't forget to throw it away. Now all he had to do was get back to Johanna's apartment before she got home…and then he had to figure out when to propose…and how. It had to be just right. It had to be perfect. He breathed deeply and exhaled slowly; love was sometimes stressful…and expensive…but so worth it, he thought to himself, a smile tugging at his lips as he thought about making her his wife.
