Chapter 77 The Ring
Josie gasps as I open it to reveal a rose gold ring. The center is a one carrot heart shaped diamond with a smaller diamond on either side. It wasn't anything extravagant; but it was beautiful in its simplicity. I chose the heart, not only because it matches her necklace her parents gave to her, but it's because I do actually love this girl.
"Rick?" she whispers in amazement. I love the breathless way she says my name... Now I just need to get her to moan it!
"You are mine, little dancer. I'm not like James, Josie. When I ask for your hand, I want it now," I state slipping the ring on her finger. "And now, everyone is going to know you are mine. I'm not making a vague proposal, little dancer. I just need you to pick a date and a dress."
I'm serious about this. I can go down and fill out the paper work right now and we can get married this weekend. Then I can whisk her off to an island somewhere and we could have a very steamy honeymoon.
I can feel her pulse pick up as I slip into place. She's trembling in my arms, and somehow that turns me on! I pull her tight to me so she can feel exactly what she's doing to my body and she lets out a little gasp and a tiny laugh. I love that sound. I only want happy sounds coming from her pretty lips from now on.
I swear I see tears pooling in her eyes, along with a sweet little smile as she admires her newest piece of jewelry. Her face is flushed in happiness and my heart flips. I should've done this years ago! I could've made her happy and I would have this feeling all the time.The rightness and peace that is filling my soul.
"You... you had a ring? And it fits?" she gasps in wonder as she looks at her ring as she moves it to catch the light and sends rainbow sparkles across the surfaces of the flower shop. It's kinda pretty, in a weird-magical-happy way. I never thought about the refractions looking like rainbows until now. Hopefully it's a good omen.
I chuckle. It's actually adorable how she looks like I just gave her the greatest gift of her life. And maybe it is. This is a symbol of her freedom... And an anchor to me.
"Baby, the moment I found you again, I went out and placed an order just for you," I smirk. "I've been carrying this ring in my pocket for weeks now. I've just been waiting for the right time to give it to you. I guess that's today!"
Then I turn and glare at James who seems to be thunderstruck. He can't take his damn eyes off Josie's rock! Well, let him look. Maybe it'll sink in that she's no longer his.
"You still here?" I huff in annoyance. This guy needs to get gone, and never look back. He can have one of his sluts! He's got plenty to choose from.
"I was going to get her a ring! She was going to marry me in the spring!" James snarls, looking just a bit wild. Maybe he should be put down for the safety of humanity?
"Well, I'm marrying her before Christmas. Today is what, November 27th? That means I've got less than 4 weeks to make all the preparations and seal the deal. So, I guess I win," I smirk in triumph. "Like I said, all she needs to do is pick a date and we're good!"
Then I look over to the corner and see a beaming Hailey. "Oh! Let me see the ring!" she giggles like a school girl, shoving James out of the way and making a bee line right for Josie.
I step back, just enough for her to give Josie a hug. I can't be selfish, after all. This woman is practically family, so there is no reason for me to feel jealous. Except for the fact that Josie trust her more than me.
"I'm so happy for you dear," she blubber and gushes over the ring and how happy she is we are together. It actually made me feel good that she was happy for the two of us. She even gave me a hug!
"Hailey, do you mind terribly if I take my new fiance for the day? I'd really like to take her on our first date, then she and her sisters have some packing to do, because they are coming home with me," I ask the shop owner sheepishly.
"OH! Go right ahead dear! And don't worry about your bouquet, dear. I've got it covered," she says with a giggle and a wink.
And then I push past the jackass who looks like his whole world just shifted and he hasn't been able to find his feet to keep up. I'd feel bad for him... but I don't.