Page 125 of Wicked Love

Elle

Me too.

Half an hour later, we’re assembled in Treasure Trove, the local jewelry store. The guys might give me shit when they hear about this, but I trust the girls to keep this secret a helluva lot more than I do the guys. And I need the help desperately.

On my right, Tru is tapping her chin thoughtfully, and on my left, Elle and Sadie stifle laughs when I so much as glance at a ring that’s not Poppy’s style.

When I hover near a giant, princess-cut rock that I figure looks nice, they shake their heads.

“Poppy’s not a princess-cut kind of girl,” Tru says. “Think oval or round.”

“It really matters that much?” I ask, sweating under my collar. I’ve faced down crucial playoff games with far more confidence than I have right now.

“This ring will be on her hand every day. People will study it on social media. It represents your eternal love. It’s good that you have us here,” Sadie says.

“People will study it?” I echo.

Elle pats my arm. “Don’t worry, Bowie. We’ve got you.” She directs my attention to a stunner.

Ed, the owner, perks up when he sees our interest.

“This is a 3-carat Art Deco piece. See the filigree flowers and scrolls?” he says, holding the diamond up. There’s a large round diamond in the center and the way it sparkles is out of this world. “The diamond lies flush so it doesn’t catch on things.”

“Perfect for Poppy when she’s at work,” Sadie says, sounding giddy next to me.

“It’s beautiful,” I agree. I nod, staring at the ring. “That’s the one.”

The girls squeal and squeeze my arm, hugging me as I pay for the ring.

“Thanks for the help,” I say when we’re standing outside the store.

“Anytime,” Tru says.

“Let us know what else we can do to help,” Sadie says.

“I’m so proud of you, Bowie,” Elle says sincerely. “You picked a good one.” She pauses. “And I’m proud of you for having the sense to realize it.” She smirks and I laugh sheepishly.

“I don’t know if she’ll say yes, but I have to let her know that I hope with all my heart that she will.”

They allAwwww,and I head home, eager to get things ready.

I gave Mrs. McGregor the night off and asked Mom to take Becca out for a while. I know they’ll be eager to celebrate with us later, but for this, I want it to just be the two of us.

I prepared an easy meal that I know Poppy likes. I rarely cook with the ladies around, but I’m capable, and I just needed to do this for her.

When Poppy steps through the door, I almost forget the little speech I rehearsed. She looks tired but happy to be home, and when she sees me, she gives me a warm smile.

“Hey,” she says softly, leaning in for a kiss. I linger there, inhaling the scent of her hair, memorizing this moment. “You okay? You look…intense.”

“I’m good,” I smile, trying to chill the fuck out. The lastthing I want to do is scare her. “I made dinner for us. Do you want to get comfortable and meet me on the deck?”

Her smile lights up the room. “That sounds perfect. I’ll be right back.”

When she comes back a few minutes later, I’m waiting for her at the small round table lit with candles and a vase of hydrangeas and roses from the yard. We sit and I pass her the pasta dish.

“This looks so good, Bowie. Thank you. It’s just us tonight?”

“Just us.”

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