Huge thanks to Sherry and Paige!
Also, shout out to one of my best friends in the whole wide world, Caroline! She's my best friend from RL and just started reading this story. So, Caroline, if you are actually reading this, hi! **waves**
"And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now.
And all I can taste in this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
And sooner or later it's over
I just don't wanna miss you tonight."
-Goo Goo Dolls-
EPOV:
I feel like gestures like this have to be fucking drastic. I'm going to remember this for the rest of my life and want to make it as perfect as I possibly can. My girl deserves the best and I'll do just about anything to give her what she deserves. It still baffles me when I think that, out of all the men in the world, my angel chose to be with me.
I don't have much money, and I don't know what the fuck I'm doing when it comes to picking out rings, but I intend to get Bella the best ring possible. I want the world to know she belongs to me and I belong to her.
With Charlie in tow, I head to a local jeweler in town. I still feel fucking exhausted from therapy, but I want to take advantage of the time I have without Bella by my side. I want this proposal to come entirely out of left field, so I have to do all my shopping and planning on the down low. Charlie is now wide awake and animated as we walk into the quiet shop. He instantly garners every bit of female attention in the room. I had forgone his car seat and am holding him in my arms. In his elephant t-shirt and pair of jeans, he does look pretty fucking adorable. He waves at everyone we pass and I just have to laugh. He's a ladies' man already.
One woman, looking particularly flustered, quickly moves around the counter and makes her way toward us. She is attractive...in an artificial way, with hair that looks like it's been fried after years of abuse from a curling iron. I cringe as she smiles at me and I prepare myself to feel very fucking annoyed.
She flirts with me, which I consider odd considering the circumstances. Obviously, I'm taken; so, I don't really see the point. However, this woman persists as if I weren't shopping for an engagement ring. I ignore her, and gaze at the ring selection. They are all beautiful, but I begin to panic as I look at the price tags. As stupid as it sounds, I had no idea how expensive engagement rings are. I have a bit of money, but not enough to buy my girl something impressive. Nonetheless, I ask to see a few rings to get Charlie's opinion. I want him to have a hand in picking out his new mommy's ring.
"What do you think of this one, buddy?" I ask, holding up a simple ring.
It's a small diamond with a gold band. It's not flashy, but it's in my price range. Charlie giggles at the shiny objects and grabs my hand and tries to bring the ring to his mouth. He's a giggling, slobbering mess, but he is still very... cute. I smile at him and pull the ring out of his reach.
"You like this one, Charlie?"
Charlie laughs, but is uninterested in the ring. Instead, he reaches for me until I place him against my shoulder and hold him close.
"Would you like to see another one, sir?" The saleswoman asks flirtatiously.
What the fuck is with this chick? I roll my eyes and nod my head. She shows me a few more, simple rings, all traditional, with gold bands and diamonds. They're alright, but they don't seem fitting for my girl. She just doesn't seem like the type to want some basic ring. I want something beautiful, rare, and special...just like her. Finally, my eyes fall on a ring that looks extraordinary compared to the rest. It's so different and so fitting for my girl. I pray it's in my fucking price range as I request to have it pulled from the case.
"This is 14K White Gold, with a freshwater pearl surrounded by white diamonds."
I'm thrilled to see it's just under a grand. I turn to my son and show him the ring.
"What do you think about this for mommy?"
"Ma ma!" Charlie yells, before clapping his little hands together.
"Does that mean yes, buddy?"
Charlie squeals, laughs, and drools against my shirt before promptly closing his eyes and falling to sleep. I suppose the excitement was too much for the little guy. I chuckle and look back at the ring, imagining it on Bella's slim finger. My heart speeds up at the thought of her wearing my ring. I've never been one to dream about marriage, kids, and all of that shit, but now that I've found a girl I'm in love with and the thought seems fucking blissful.
The future I see for myself now, is so different than what it once was. In all honesty, I never looked ahead. Drugs find a way to keep you living in the moment and the only thing you think ahead about is how and when you'll get your next fix. I never thought about an education, getting a good job, or finding a woman to settle down with. I thought I was happy all those years ago. Now, I see I was just too impaired to see reality. I'm still struggling, and I know I'll be struggling for a while, but for the first time in a long time, I feel as though I'm taking steps in the right direction.
I purchase the ring with the last of the money my dad had gifted me. I couldn't imagine spending the money on anything more important. If things go well, Bella will be wearing this ring for the rest of her life. I leave the store with a ridiculous smile on my face. Charlie must sense my contentment, because he is awake and smiling too. As I stare at his chubby grin, I wonder if I should incorporate him in my proposal. My proposal...how the fuck am I going to come up with something perfect for my girl? I want Charlie to be a part of it, because we're definitely a package deal. Not only will I be getting a wife, but I'll be giving my son a mother.
My mind is filled with ideas concerning how to propose. Unfortunately, most of them are shit. How on Earth do men come up with this crap? Do they ask around for help or do research online, or something like that? There's always the cute 'cliché' ideas I could easily employ, but I want to do something that is right for me. Suddenly, an idea that isn't complete shit fills my brain and I relax. I get Charlie strapped into his car seat, and call Jasper. I'm going to need his help with this one.
A/N: Thoughts? Until next time!
I know I can be bad about responding to reviews…but I appreciate each and every one of them. A few people have left reviews telling me about problems they are having with their own family, and I just wanted to say I definitely understand and my heart goes out to you. Thank you for taking your time to share your story with me. I appreciate it more than you know and my heart goes out to you. Sending positive vibes your way!
Song- "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls.