So clear like the diamond in your ring
Cut to mirror your intention
Oversized and overwhelmed
The shine of which has caught my eye
And rendered me so isolated
So motivated I am
Certain now that I am
-Dashboard Confessional "Vindicated"
It wasn't a small diamond. It wasn't a large diamond either by some standards. He would have bought her a larger one.
He knew it wouldn't shine any brighter though. Nor could the largest diamond have won Elizabeth's affection. Despite having been brought up in the world he had grown up in and still loved, she was quite happy with something simpler.
Her heart belonged to the town's Mountie, despite his best attempts to convince her otherwise.
As he watched the sunlight catch the diamond on her hand, Lucas knew it wasn't the diamond that made Elizabeth's smile so bright today. The smile was because of the giver not because of the ring. Nathan Grant could have proposed to her with no ring at all and Elizabeth still would have glowing this morning.
As Elizabeth disappeared into the general store, Lucas looked around. His eyes drifted to the Mountie office, across the street which sure enough, Nathan Grant was standing outside of. As their eyes met, Lucas gave him a nod, admitting defeat and acknowledging the change in dynamics.
He respected both Elizabeth and Nathan. Now that Elizabeth had made her choice, Lucas fully intended to respect that choice. He still hoped he could be friends with Elizabeth but he would not cause trouble between her and Nathan. In fact, in order to preserve that friendship he might have to put in an effort to improve his relationship with Nathan.
But not today. Today the sting of defeat was just a little to new.