Page 51 of Crazy Love

“Okay!”

It’s the fastest I’ve ever gotten groceries put away, and Sam is jogging to the garage as soon as he’s done.

“Let’s do this,” he calls.

The moment we step into the jewelry store, Sam gets completely serious, examining rings like it’s a science. When the clerk comes over, asking if he can help, Sam says, “We need something meaningful. Something that says ‘Penn is in this for life.’”

The guy gives me a look and I just nod, because Sam isn’t wrong.

Then Sam points to a three-diamond ring, eyes lighting up. “What do you think about that one?”

I glance at the ring and then at him. “That’s gorgeous, buddy. I didn’t know you had stellar taste in jewelry.”

“It’s one of the most exquisite rings we’ve ever carried,” the clerk says, bringing the ring out of the case to show us. He holds it up into the light, and I curse under my breath. “It represents the past, present, and future.”

“Three diamonds,” Sam says softly. “Like the three of us.”

My throat tightens.

I look at the ring again.

And then at Sam.

And then I buy it.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

IT’S OFFICIAL

ADELINE

Penn stops by my office the next afternoon.

“Hey, come in.” I wave him in and he shuts the door behind him.

“Checking in,” he says. He sounds nonchalant, but his shoulders are tense and he’s watching me carefully.

“Yeah? How’s Sam doing?” I ask.

“He’s good. Took him shopping yesterday. That was fun. Then Mrs. Murphy stopped by late in the afternoon, and she asked about you. How long we’ve been dating, that sort of thing. Made me nervous, but I think she bought the Bahamas story.” He lifts his shoulder. “I mean itisthe truth. Mostly, anyway.”

I nod, smiling tentatively.

“My parents got in last night. They’ll be staying in the guesthouse…I didn’t get a chance to show you that the other night, but it’s nice and will give them their own space when they need it.”

“They could also use my condo if they wanted…since I won’t be living there.”

He studies me like he can’t believe I’m saying this.

“Thank you. We can let them know that when the time comes. Sam went back to school this morning. He loves my parents, so he’ll be fine with them being there when he gets home from school. I’m heading out, but I just wanted to check…we’re doing this?”

I tilt my head, my shoulders lifting. “I think we are. I’ve given it a lot of thought and I don’t see a better way. And once Mrs. Murphy sees how Sam flourishes in your house, the rest will all fall into place.”

“And you really are sure? I mean, there are a few more days if you need to keep thinking about it.”

“I get it, Penn.” I grin. “My dating life has been pretty dull anyway, and this is worth it. A year will go by fast, I’m sure.” I tap my desk. “I think I’ll go look for a dress tonight, something simple.”

His eyes light up. “Yeah?”

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