Page 46 of Heartstrings & Horizons
“Ok Cowboy,” she says playfully, entering the elevator ahead of me, “where are we off to? Should I call an Uber?”
“Already done. The car should be pulling around any minute andthey already know where we’re going, so don’t bother asking.” Her eyes narrow as she realizes I read into her little scheme perfectly.
“Ugh, fine,” she grumbles, but I know she’s not actually mad at me. She’s adorable when she’s pouting. I reach my thumb out to tug on her bottom lip before placing a chaste kiss where it had just been.
“No sad faces today, baby. I promise you’re going to like everything I have planned.”
Her eyes meet mine, and they’re sparkling with affection. From what I’ve learned about Paige over the last few months, she’s usually the planner. From birthday get-togethers to Halloween parties to housewarmings — she takes it all on herself. I know she enjoys some aspects of it — she thrives on control and organization, but nobody should have to plan their own birthday parties and According to Mags, Paige has planned at least the last 3 years of birthdays herself. My new goal in life is to show her it’s okay to let someone else take care of her, even if it isn’t in her nature. We’ve been in a super secret group chat planning the perfect birthday for my girl.
I lean in and give her a quick kiss on her temple before helping her into the back seat of our Uber, then slide in beside her, stretching an arm along the back of the seat behind her. She keeps her eyes trained out the window, watching the city speed by, my fingers gently tangling in her curls. She’s either taking in the scenery or she’s nervous; my money is on the latter, as I watch her bouncing her knee in the passenger seat. I take her hand in mine and give it a reassuring squeeze.
Before long we’re pulling up to a quaint building on the corner of Queen street. There’s a simple black awning with colorful lanterns in the window. When I was researching the best place for this outing, I wanted somewhere that with a more diverse selection of rings, including vintage inspired pieces and gemstones. I want something distinctive for my girl, something that makes her eyes sparkle when she looks at it.
I hold the door open for her and watch as she takes in our surroundings. The place is brightly lit with pastel pink walls and natural light wood accents. It has a bohemian feel to it, and it smells earthy and inviting. Her eyes are scanning the room with her mouth slightly parted — she’s speechless.
“Welcome to Wanderlust Jewelry!” A tall eccentric looking woman approaches us from behind the counter. She smiles at Paige who remains frozen in place. “What can we do for you today?”
“Hi, I’m Cade Brooks and this is my fiancée, Paige. We have an appointment to pick out a ring.”
Paige sucks in a sharp breath beside me, her eyes meeting mine, shining with unshed tears. This is the first time I’ve introduced her as my fiancée.
“You didn't think I’d let my future wife walk around without a ring, did you?” Her bottom lip quivers and I can’t help but place a soft kiss there. I don’t know what thoughts are going through her mind right now, but I hope they’re happy tears. “Are you ready, baby?” she nods in agreement and laces her fingers with mine.
“Congratulations! Do you have a style in mind or would you like to have a look around first?”
I glance down at Paige silently prompting her to answer.
“I’d love to look around, if that’s ok with you?” she asks me, an apprehensive look on her face.
“Anything you want, Sunshine,” I reply, then tug her towards one of the large jewelry cases under a rustic wood sign indicating a selection of gemstone rings. Something tells me I picked the right display because her entire face lights up. After a few heartbeats, she points out a ring in the middle row. It has a large green pear-shaped center stone with three delicate leaf-like stones on each side. There’s another band on the bottom with a row of diamonds in the same leaf pattern and it nestles against the larger band above it. They’re both inset in a dainty yellow gold band. The green stones are beautiful with wispy green tendrils throughout the inside, creating an almost ethereal look to it.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” Lynn, the saleswoman, joins us at the counter. She takes the set from the case and displays it on the counter so Paige can get a closer look. “It’s a pear cut moss agate, the bottom band contains ethically sourced moissanite diamonds and it’s all set in 14 carat yellow gold. Moss agate is supposed to stoke creativity and emotional balance. It is also said to be symbolic of new beginnings and can help one find their true path in life. It has a grounding energy promoting healthy communication, understanding, and patience.”
Paige is listening intently to everything the woman is describing, but my heart has latched onto two words “new beginnings”. I don’t know much about diamonds or precious gems, but it feels almost like fate.
“It’s perfect,” I hear her whisper with a breathy sigh. I expected this appointment to take a lot longer, but I’ve recently learned that some things are inevitable. “Can I try it on?” she asks.
“Absolutely. If it doesn’t fit, we can have it sized for you.” Lynn says. “Would you like to do the honors?” She’s talking to me now. My hand momentarily shakes as I grip the twin bands between my fingers. I look over at Paige, whose bottom lip is trembling now. I take her left hand in mine and slowly glide them onto her ring finger. They’re a perfect fit.We’rea perfect fit.
Lynn asked Paige if she would like to wear them out of the store, but before she could answer, I requested a ring box. She places the rings in a delicate green velvet box which I then tucked into my right pocket— I’ll be needing this later. A flash of disappointment came over Paige’s face, but it was gone in a blink, replaced by a subtle smile.
Paige
I’m dreaming. — that’s the only logical explanation I have for the last 24 hours. From our first kiss, to the ring, every moment has left me breathless. The ring is gorgeous and delicate. Somehow, he instinctively knew I wouldn’t want something conventional. You can call it unromantic to take someone shopping for their own engagement ring, but somehow Cade knows I crave control in life, despite my desire for the opposite in the bedroom.
“He’s a keeper,” Lynn whispers before we leave the shop. I don’t disagree.
We stopped for breakfast after we left the jewelry store and Cade suggested we walk to our next destination a couple of blocks away. I don’t know where he’s leading me but, like a perfect gentleman, Cade is on the traffic side of the sidewalk as we stroll hand in hand along Young street. I smile up at my fiancé as we come to a stop outside of an electronics store.
“We’re here,” he says as he points to the display of Nikon cameras in the window.
“Cade, no. Absolutely not. This is too much,” I plead. He already spent an exorbitant amount of money on the ring. Surely he’s not going to also buy me a camera.
“Let me spoil you, Paige. You can’t become a photographer without the proper tools.”
“Okay,” I sigh. There’s no arguing with this man. When he sets his mind to something he’s going to make it happen come hell or high water. It looks like his latest aim is to give me everything I’ve ever dreamed of but never dared to ask for. Cade guides me through the entrance towards the massive display of photography gear. Idon’t have the slightest clue what I’m looking for, so we seek out an employee and ask about a million questions. I almost feel bad for the guy, but I remind myself that it’s his job, and he’ll be well paid with the commission from the sale he’s about to get.
Approximately 30 minutes later, we exit the store with the best mirrorless camera and 50mm lens they have to offer, along with every accessory I could ever need, including a strap and various memory cards. I lift the camera and snap a photo of my fiancé before he can protest. Replacing the strap around my neck, we walk toward Ramsden park. It’s unseasonably warm for a January day, so we take a seat on a park bench to people watch.
