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Jane returns. "Let's see if any of these speak to you. These are merely samples made using artificial diamonds. If you choose a setting, we'll move on to picking out the perfect stone."
The second she sets the tray down, my eyes home in on the ring meant to grace your finger. I pick it up and can't help but smile and show it to Kate.
"So, this is the one?" she asks.
"This is the one. What do you think?"
"It's perfect. Big, but perfect. She's going to love it," she assures me.
"Good choice, Mr. Cullen," Jane says, taking the ring from me and placing it on an empty tray while she prattles on about the specs. "Four-point-zero-two carats, elongated cushion cut in a platinum setting. Twenty-eight accent brilliant diamonds equaling out to point thirty-two carats total."
"It's perfect."
"Let me put these away." Jane gathers the trays of rejects. "And I'll bring out the stones."
Kate and Jane are patient as they walk me through choosing the perfect diamond. I pick one with the highest clarity because you deserve the very best.
When asked for your ring size, I produce your college class ring that you usually wear on your ring finger.
You took it off the other night to do the dishes, and I stole it off the windowsill. You think it's lost forever, but I plan on finding it tonight now that it's served its purpose.
An hour later, things are official. I pay the deposit, and Jane tells me they'll call me when the ring is finished.
Kate follows me out to my car. "Now for the hard part."
"Huh?"
"You have to figure out the perfect way to ask Bella to marry you."
"I have a few ideas."
"Good. You can run them by me while we eat lunch, which you're paying for to pay me for my services."
"You barely did anything, and I just dropped fifteen thousand dollars. You should buy me lunch."
Kate just laughs and tells me to meet her at our favorite restaurant.