Page 123 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim
Théo draws a smooth platinum band to hold the gorgeous diamond. Then he adds another two slender bands—each sloping upward on either side, lined with pavé diamonds to frame the stone.
“Set in platinum,” he explains. “It brings out the pink, holds the shape, anchors the brilliance. Framed with pavé diamonds for strength and sparkle. The center band remains plain, sleek for strength, while the two pavé bands add sparkle and fire.”
When he glances at me for approval, I smile, unable to hold in my excitement, even though I didn’t need or want a ring.
But what he has created is exquisite. Beyond anything I ever imagined.
“You have a total of three bands. Not just for fashion, but for significance. The ring represents all of you. The center band is the promise itself, and the two outer bands stand as its guardians—together, a trinity of devotion, strength, and endurance.”
He looks at Dorian and Brennan in turn. “And as you both requested, timeless. Strong. A little unexpected.”
My two men exchange glances.
“Yes.” Brennan nods.
Meanwhile, the assistant asks me to hold out my hand. A little puzzled, I do as she asks, and she takes a picture of it.
When Théo finally steps back, the woman scans the design and transfers it to a tablet.
Within moments, a 3D rendering shimmers to life and rotates slowly.
Then Théo taps the screen, and the image of my ring appears on my hand. The pink diamond glows like a secret kissed by sunlight, the twin bands a cradle of fire and promise, curves catching the light like a whispered vow.
“This,” Théo says, “is a declaration of your relationship.”
I swallow hard, looking between Dorian and Brennan. Then my eyes start to burn. Damn them.
The image is stunning…as if the stone was here, waiting for this moment.
Théo is right. All of us have had a hand in the design. It’s metal and fire and…us.
Dorian and Théo move to one side, probably to take care of the finances. At that idea, I feel a little stab of guilt.
“How long will it take?” I overhear Dorian ask.
“Three to four weeks, depending on how quickly I can source the pavé diamonds. Each stone must match perfectly. The platinum must be hand-poured and shaped. I will not take shortcuts.”
“Understood.”
Brennan moves me back to the small sitting area where a fresh cup of café au lait is waiting. How had I not even noticed that happening?
But from across the room, my stone winks, and I know that I was totally caught up in the moment. “I feel guilty about the price.”
“Don’t. This matters to Dorian.” He lifts a shoulder. “And me. You would have left this place with something bigger than you were comfortable with.”
I glance at my wedding band. “I honestly don’t need anything. This tells the world we’re married.”
“Agreed.” A hint of a smile toys with his mouth. “But it doesn’t make a statement.”
There’s no doubt the pink diamond accented by the two bands of pave diamonds will do exactly that.
Though I’d never admit it aloud, the rendering was everything I could have dreamed of from my very own Prince Charming.
I glance over at Dorian.
The man is no Prince Charming and this relationship has nothing to do with love.
When the transaction is complete, Dorian rejoins me. “Now it’s time to celebrate.”
