Deacon parked his truck in front of the jewelry store and looked up at the sign on the top of the building, breathing deeply a few times. Today was the day: he was going to buy the ring to make Rayna his fiancee.

You don't have to be so nervous, Deacon. You two have been talking about marriage for over a year.

He took another deep breath before getting out of the car and walking into the store. When he walked in, someone immediately noticed him.

"Oh my gosh, Deacon Claybourne!" The young girl came up to him, and Deacon chuckled nervously. "What can I do for you?"

Deacon shrugged and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "I'm, uh, I'm here to buy an engagement ring. For my girlfriend."

The young worker gasped. "Oh! Of course. Follow me." Deacon nodded and followed the girl. "Did you have a specific cut in mind?"

Deacon shook his head. "Nope, just somethin' simple, but beautiful. Like her." He noticed the worker put her hands over her heart as she said 'awwww'. "I just want to make her my wife." He said simply.

The girl looked at him and nodded. "I think I have the perfect ring. Come over here, Mr. Claybourne."

Deacon breathed deep and followed the young worker through the store. When he saw all of the engagement rings in the cases, he started to feel nervous and overwhelmed. There were so many choices, it was crazy.

The girl grabbed a ring from the case before turning around and holding it up to show Deacon. When he saw it, he gasped and his jaw dropped.

"This is a halo cut. It's sparkly and gorgeous, but it's also simple and relatively small. I think this is exactly what you were looking for." She smiled, and Deacon nodded his head.

"Yeah, this is beautiful. Rayna will love it. This is the one I want." Deacon said, nodding rapidly.

The worker nodded and smiled. "I figured. Excellent, follow me and we'll let you take it home." Deacon nodded and followed the girl to the counter.

He blew out a breath as a small smile crept to his face. It was really happening-Deacon was going to make Rayna his fiancee. Finally.

XXX

He couldn't help the smile that was forming as he walked through the kitchen door of his and Rayna's house. When he closed the door and turned around, he smiled when he saw his girlfriend sitting at the kitchen counter.

"Hey! Where were you all day?" Rayna asked, her face lighting up.

Deacon walked into the kitchen and took his jacket off. "Oh, just getting stuff ready for the opening. Next Tuesday's coming quick." He chuckled and set his jacket and keys on the counter. "I just want everything to be perfect."

Rayna nodded with a smile. "It will be, babe. You've spent so much time on this. It will be perfect."

Deacon sat down on the stool next to her and grabbed her hands. "I know. Everything will be." He leaned forward to kiss her quickly and she smiled. "So, movie night tonight? I'll make some dinner and popcorn."

Rayna nodded. "That sounds perfect. The girls won't be home until tomorrow, anyway." She squeezed his hand with hers.

Deacon smiled. "Good, I'll start the food then."

"I'll go pick out a movie." Rayna said, kissing Deacon once more before letting go of his hands and standing up to go into their movie room.

Deacon stood up with a smile on his face as he moved around his kitchen counter.

Yup, Rayna was right: everything was going to be perfect. If it all went according to plan, next Tuesday was going to be a big night.

XXX