Chapter 40
When they went to Lobb at Sixty-Seventh and Madison, Donal cried when he found out that Alexei was having shoes made to fit his feet.
“You couldn’t walk without pain for so long. These shoes will make sure you’ll never walk in pain again.”
The sales clerks measured Donal’s feet with a laser scan and took a cast of both feet. After washing Donal’s feet, the cobbler’s assistant put on his sneakers and socks.
Next they went to Bloomingdale’s and bought casual clothes. Donal turned red when Armand started picking out silk boxers and undershirts of the best quality.
“A suit doesn’t look right without an undershirt,” Sean told Donal.
Sean handed Donal several pair of pajamas, a soft heavy robe, and slippers lined with fleece. “You’ll need all of this, especially the robe and slippers in the mountains.”
Pierre drove the party back to Armand and Sean’s home on Washington Square, and Boris picked up Alexei and Donal to go to Blanc’s Jewelry Store in Chelsea.
* * * *
“Welcome, Alpha Davidoff and Alpha Mate Berne.” Mr. Blanc ushered Alexei and his Mate into a room off the showroom and locked the main entrance.
“The furniture in this shop looks like some of the built-in storage in our suite at home.” Alexei watched as Donal gaped at the ornate and expensive décor.
Alexei smiled broadly when Donal said our suiteand home. “The furniture is French Provincial in style, off-white with a lot of gilding. Etienne bought us a very ornate home. I have furniture to go with it, but I think I’m going to mix in more comfortable pieces for the living areas as opposed to the more formal reception and dining rooms.”
“That would be good. Every time I sit in the family dining room, I’m afraid I’ll break a chair.” Donal laughed quietly.
Mr. Blanc’s assistant served them tea and tiny cakes.
“What are these? They’re very good.” Donal ate one and then put four more on his plate.
“They’re called petit fours. They’re dipped in sweet liquor and then in a double frosting glaze. I think they are decorated by hand,” Alexei said. “I’ll have to ask Katya.”
“All that work and they’re gone in one bite.” Donal shook his head.
Mr. Blanc went back into the vault and brought out six trays of rings. He spread the trays over a long felt-topped table. Donal knew which ring he wanted for Alexei as soon as Mr. Blanc brought out the trays.
* * * *
Alexei watched his little mouse’s eyes light up and followed their trail. The ring looked like a yellow-gold watchband. His mouse’s fingers hovered over the ring.
“Do you see anything you like?”
Donal nodded.
“Show me,” Alexei commanded.
Donal’s fingers shook as he pointed to the ring set that his gaze had been devouring.
“Try it on.” Mr. Blanc took the two rings out of the tray and handed one to Alexei and one to Donal.
Alexei put Donal’s ring on his finger. “Do you like this one, little mouse?”
Donal’s voice broke, “Ye…Yes…”
“Do you want to put the other one on my finger?”
“Yes, Alexei, can I?”
“Yes, you can.”
Donal took the ring with shaking fingers and slipped it on his finger.
Alexei grabbed Donal’s cheek and kissed him furiously. “Every moment I’m with you, I want you more.”
“I want you too, so much.” Donal gazed into Alexei’s eyes and grabbed the back of his head and inexpertly but thoroughly kissed Alexei in return.
“We’ll take these two. Can you show me a yellow-gold Patek Phillipe Nautilus?” Alexei asked.
“Yes, Alpha Davidoff.” Mr. Blanc brought out the watch.
“You need a watch. Do you like this one?”
“Yes…it looks like the ring.” Donal’s eyes widened.
“Let’s try it on.”
Mr. Blanc undid the clasp and put it around Donal’s wrist. Alexei clicked the clasp closed. “It’s a little loose, but it will fit by the time Katya is through with you.” Alexei chuckled.
“You can’t buy this watch for me. What if I lose it?” Donal examined the watch. Alexei could see the longing in his eyes.
“You won’t lose it,” Alexei said in a firm voice.
“How are you so sure?”
Alexei smiled. “Because this is my wedding present to you.”
Donal frowned. “But I can’t get you anything.”
“Edward Keller stopped by yesterday while we were napping. I have your credit cards, a new wallet, and cash for you.” Alexei took the wallet out of his pocket.