Page 103 of Kneeling to Candy

The middle-aged jeweler releases a small, forlorn sigh, probably sensing I’m ready to walk out the door and move on to the next shop. I can’t help feeling a tad sorry for the dude. He’s been patient and helpful, whereas I’ve been completely useless in giving ideas to guide him in my search.

It’s not like I don’t know my woman’s taste. I do, quite well, actually. Candy may have a flashy personality and dress to accentuate her looks. But her accessory style is simpler, more refined.

Most of what I’m seeing is over-the-top opulence. Candy doesn’t need the extra lavishness. She needs something to complement her, not outshine her.

Does the perfect ring for my goddess not exist? Am I going to need to have one custom made to fit her style like Atlas did for Jo?

Ugh! I don’t have time for custom.

“Brother, relax.” Ziggy grips my shoulder in a show of comfort. “You’ll know it when you see it.”

Another ten minutes of searching proves fruitless. I’m about to throw in the towel when a familiar southern voice behind us says, “It was hard for me, too.”

Our heads whip around, finding Gauge standing with a coffee-to-go in his hand and Atlas beside him looking like a bull in a china shop. Both of them have smug smiles on their typical mean mugs, like they’re enjoying being in on my secret.

“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath. It’s one thing bringing Ziggy with me to pick out a ring—he already knows Candy and I are married. But it’s a whole other thing having Prez and the VP dropping in on us, especially when they’re as clueless as my bride about our marital status.

“What are you guys doing in town?” My tone is a tad harsh, considering they’ve done nothing wrong other than show up where I wasn’t expecting them.

Atlas thumbs his best friend. “Coffee run. Dude’s addicted to caffeine.”

“I keep telling Opal she needs to provide coffee in her bakery. It would save me the gas money driving into town every day.”

“We saw your hogs outside and decided to come see what you’re up to.” Atlas chuckles. “Not surprised one bit. About time you make it official.”

Gauge steps forward, pointing at the rings before me. “As I said, I had a hard time finding Opal’s ring, too. Turned out diamonds weren’t what I was looking for.”

“That’s right,” Ziggy says, turning his attention to me. “Opal has an opal for her stone. Perhaps a different gem or?—”

“A different colored diamond,” I finish. I jut my chin at the jeweler. “You got any colored diamonds?”

“Of course,” the sales clerk says, with a hint of excitement in his voice, opening a drawer under one of the glass cases with his keys. “Is there a particular color you would prefer?”

I think back to the bright pink Ring Pop I proposed to Candy with. It is her color of choice.

“Pink. The brighter, the better.”

The jeweler places a white velvet case of pink diamond rings before me. It takes me less than a minute to choose a two-karat marquise vibrant pink diamond set in a black gold band—a rather accurate representation of the two of us combined. The stone’s shape radiates nobility—perfect for my goddess. A stone as impressive as this needs no adornments set in the band. It’s perfect and has my woman written all over it.

The sales clerk tries to sell me on a gaudy wedding band to go with it, but I say no. Candy and I will have matching wedding bands in black gold, showing others we’re connected in every way and completely untouchable.

In a matter of days, Candy will be a hundred percent all mine. And I’ll be hers.

She’ll say yes, choose me willingly, and I’ll finally belong to someone who wants me—flaws and all.

Dropping more cash than most men would be comfortable with, I smile as the jeweler hands me the silver bag with the three black velvet ring boxes. I’m practically skipping out the door when Atlas lays a heavy catcher’s mitt-sized hand on my shoulder, halting me on the sidewalk outside the jewelers.

“Care to share when you plan on popping the question?”

Ziggy bites off his laugh, turning his face away from the others. He knows I’m screwed if I reveal too much.

“After the mission.” I can’t exactly tell him it’s already happened.

Atlas nods, approving. “Good. I understand wanting to do it soon. Believe me, I do. I couldn’t get my ring on Jo fast enough. But this is not the time. Not while your old lady has enough to deal with as is. I’m glad you agree.”

He only reaffirms I’m making the right call by waiting to tell Candy of our marriage.

“I won’t do anything to distract her from the case,” I reiterate, trying to put his nerves at ease.

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