Chapter 26

James was standing on Oxford Street checking his watch every 5 minutes. He looked up and gave a small smile to his little helper.

"Sorry I'm late James."

"It's perfectly fine. I've not been waiting long."

"So, is this is then."

"Yeah. Thanks for helping me Sammy."

"I don't mind. Come on, lets go in."

James and Sammy made their way into Ernest Jones Jewellers. They walked around for a few minutes looking at a range of engagement rings.

"Can I help you and your young lady Sir."

James looked up to see the shop assistant. She was a woman in her forties, about 5.8" with medium brown hair. James thought to himself that she looked a bit like Allison Janney from The West Wing. She gave him a small smile as he moved closer to the counter.

"Yes I could use your help actually. I'm here to pick out an engagement ring for my partner."

"I see." She smiled, looking at Sammy.

"Oh it's not me. I'm just a friend."

"Right, I'm sorry about that."

"It's quite alright."

"So, what kind of ring did you have in mind."

"Oh, I don't really know."

"Well what does M like, gold or silver." Sammy asked.

"The only jewellery I see her wear is pearls or studs. The ring she has on at the moment is gold. It's her wedding ring"

"The one her late Husband gave her." Sammy said to the assistant.

"I understand." She smiled, sympathetically.

"Well, this is a new chapter in both your lives isn't it."

"In more ways than one." James smiled.

"What do you mean by that."

"Oh nothing."

"James you can't say something like that and then not follow through. What do you know that we don't."

"I'm not sure M wants people knowing yet."

"Knowing what."

"Mind you, having said that, Eve, Mallory and Tanner already know, so I guess you and Q are the only ones left."

"Know what, James come on, tell me."

He looked up to see the shop assistant smiling at the pair and looking somewhat intrigued to know aswell, even though she had no idea who M was.

"If you want my help James then I order you to tell me." Sammy stated.

"Alright, alright. The thing is, well M's pregnant."

"Holy shit, really. Isn't she a little old."

"Sammy".

"Sorry, that came out wrong. It certainly explains her quick exit from the office the other day. Is she alright."

"She's fine. She gets tired a lot but, she'll be okay. We're happy, we know it won't be plain sailing because of her age but as long as she has plenty of support, she should be okay."

"Well you know we're all there for her."

"She knows. Anyway back to the ring."

"Well I think you should go for a silver or white gold. It's a new chapter, she has you and a new baby on the way, so why not a new ring."

"Could we see a range of white gold engagement rings please." James asked.

"Ofcourse Sir."

The assisitant went through the back and came back with 3 rings.

"Right, these 3 are our most popular of our rings. This one is an 18ct white gold third carat princess cut diamond ring, priced at £1399. This one here is an 18ct white gold half carat diamond cluster ring, priced at £1599 and this one, this is our most special. It's an 18ct white gold half carat diamond ring priced at £1999. I'll leave you for a few moments to decide, shall I."

"Thank you."

The assistant walked away as James stood inspecting the rings and took note of Sammy's face as she looked at them. She picked up the first ring which was the 18ct white gold third carat princess cut diamond ring and put it on.

"Oh my god, this is definitely my type of ring." She said.

"It is beautiful."

"Beautiful, it's gorgeous. If Q ever plucks up the courage to ask me in the future, this is the ring for me."

"It's very you but it's not M."

"Okay, so what one do you think M would like."

"Honestly, I think the third one." He said picking it up.

"It's absolutley beautiful James. You're right that one is definately her."

The assistant came back over to see how they were getting on.

"So Sir, have we made any decisions."

"I would like that one please."

"This one, the 18ct white gold half carat diamond ring."

"That's the one. It's M"

"Very well Sir. I'll just get it boxed up for you, and how will you be paying Sir, cash or card."

"Card."

"Very well sir."

She placed the ring into it's presentation box and bagged it up for him and James finished paying.

"Thanks for all you help Ma'am."

"You're welcome and congratulations."

James and Sammy stood outside the store for a few moments inspecting the ring again.

"I can't believe it. I can't believe you're actually gonna ask M to marry you."

"I know. I can't wait to see her face. Come on, lets get back."

Eve walked into M's office a few hours later with a sandwhich and a cup of tea and brought it over to her desk.

"Thought you could do with some lunch Ma'am."

"Thank you Eve but I'm not really hungry." M replied, quietly.

Eve sat the tray down and walked around to sit on the side of M's desk. M looked up at her with curiosity in her eyes.

"Ma'am, you need to eat. James said you barely touched your breakfast."

"I'm not a bloody child Eve."

"No you're not but you are carrying one and you need to look after both of you."

"That's why I brought to the tea. Tanner informed me that it helps you."

"It does actually. I just thought it was one of his silly myths."

"You said you'd let us help you, so how about you do just that." Eve smiled.

"I'm not used to accepting help from people. I'm sorry Eve."

"Eat."

"I will."

Eve was just about out the door when she stopped and turned back to her Boss.

"Oh by the way, I'm not sure if I actually said it or not, but congratulations Ma'am."

"Thank you Eve. I knew Tanner couldn't keep quiet." M smirked.

"He cares a great deal about you." Eve said, as she closed the door.

To Be Continued…