Chapter 16
Benjamin dropped Chloe off at Amber’s house and told her he needed to take care of something. Chloe didn’t ask questions thankfully. Benjamin rubbed the back of his neck as he looked over at Colton. Colton raised his brow, cocking his head and asked. “No Chloe?”
“This is something I need to do alone.”
“Have you come to murder me?”
Benjamin chuckled and shook his head, “No. I’ve come to have a man to man chat.”
“But you hate me. What could we possibly have to chat about?”
“I’ve spent most of my life hating you. Today that stops. I forgive you, Colton.”
“You what?”
“You heard me. I. Forgive. You. Let the past stay in the past. I know you hurt people you care about, but I also know something else. In the end, you did the right thing. You put the man responsible behind bars. Even though you’re paying the price, you did right by Chloe and Jenna.”
“How is she?”
“That’s why I’m here.”
“Jenna… how is she?”
“She’s… she’ll be just fine. Chloe and I have been checking in on her. Look man, right now Jenna is hurting. It will take some time, but she’ll come around. Ever wonder why Nazareth said love hurts. Well, it fucking does. And right now, that’s the tune running through Jenna’s head. It will take some time, but I think there’s still hope for you guys.”
“Look at you, Benjamin giving me love advice. My sister really put a spell on you.”
Benjamin smiled nervously, “Speaking of Chloe, I have something I need to ask you. I love Chloe with all my heart. The truth is, I’ve loved her for years. I want to ask for her hand in marriage. I want her to be my wife.”
Colton grinned, “I would love to have a brother. You’ve got my blessing. On to other things, where did you get those marks on your wrists?”
Benjamin shook his head and laughed, “I… it’s nothing. So, I have your blessing? Now, there’s something else I need to talk to you about. It’s about Jenna.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Don’t worry, she and the baby are fine. It’s about Tommy.”
“Fucking Tommy.” Colton muttered under his breath and sighed.
“Tommy is in love with Jenna. I’ll try my hardest to keep him away. The fucker is relentless.”
“I really appreciate that. Look, I need to warn you about him. He’s unstable.”
“I’m not following.”
“He just got released from a mental institute.”
“The fuck?”
“I only know this because I overheard some of the cops talking about him a few days ago. They say he went crazy on his mother. So, please… steer clear of him.”
“How can they just let him out on the streets?”
Colton tapped his temple, “Why do you think he’s not in L.A. anymore.”
“We good now?”
“Yeah. And Benjamin, congratulations.”
“She hasn’t said yes yet.”
“Trust me on this. Chloe is going to say yes.”
Benjamin shook his hand and asked, “How do you know that?”
“I can tell when someone is in love and she is definitely head over heels with you.”
Benjamin left the station with a grin on his face. He drove into town and stopped at Jenna’s Flowers. He stepped into the store and spotted the blonde behind the counter. Their eyes met, hers widening at him. He stood at the counter and said, “Relax, I’m here to buy some flowers.”
“You are? I mean of course you are. It’s a flower shop.”
“How are you?”
“I’m fine… all things considering. So, flowers?”
“I want a dozen white roses blended with red roses.”
“Are these going to need to be delivered?”
“No. I have to go across the street for a few minutes, but I’ll be back to pick them up.”
“It comes up to forty dollars.”
Benjamin reached in his pocket and handed her a hundred dollar bill. “Keep the change.”
“I can’t take that from you.”
“Please, take it. I know you need the money.”
“Thank you, Benjamin. Chloe is a very lucky girl.”
Benjamin stepped out, crossing the street and walked towards the jewelry shop. He had already picked out the ring he wanted online. He just hoped it was still there. He opened the door and entered the shop. Benjamin approached the counter and cleared his throat. The older man behind the counter widened his eyes and chuckled. “Benjamin Grayson, where have you been?”
Benjamin grinned at Cal Hunter, his father’s best friend, “I’ve been busy.”
“So I’ve heard. What can I do for you?”
Benjamin glanced down to the glass counter and pointed at the ring. “I want this one.”
“Holy shit, you’re getting married.”
“I am.” he paused, “Well, if she says yes to me."
Cal unlocked the case and reached inside, retrieving the ring. “It’s a size six. What is her size?”
“Six.”
Cal placed the box on the glass counter and slid it over to Benjamin. Benjamin picked it up and opened the box. The fourteen carat gold Tiara halo Diamond Ring was perfect for his little princess. The halo of glittering diamonds twinkled under the light as he smiled. The milgrain detail, surrounding the center gem complimented the shining diamond.
“It’s perfect.”
Benjamin smiled as he watched Cal place it in a small plastic bag. There was no need for him to pay, since he’d already done that online. Cal leaned forward and grinned. “Good luck.”
Benjamin exited the jewelry shop, crossing the street once again. He picked up the roses and entered the vehicle. He was a man on a mission now. Bound and determined to make everything perfect. He picked up his phone, dialing Maria’s. Tonight had to be absolutely perfect for his girl.
“I need a reservation for Benjamin Grayson at seven this evening.”