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“Thanks. We thought about matching, but then decided against that.” I look over at Nate.
What kind of joke was that? Stupid, stupid joke.
But Laney giggles. Of course, she does.
I don’t know what to do with my hands. I rub them on my pant legs, praying they’re not too clammy, and then take Laney’s free hand. “It’s so good to see you, Laney.”
She lets me lean in close and kiss her cheek.
Her smell. It’s new. I want to devour it. Like dark, black cherries and cinnamon.
“You too, Mason,” she murmurs, right in my ear.
Nate hands her off to me.
We’re doing good at the balancing act so far. Last thing I know either of us wants is to make the other jealous.
“We’re so glad you could join us for dinner.” I lead her to the table.
With a glance to the band and the spectacular, twinkling lighting our designer was able to achieve, Laney sighs. “I am too. It’s all…too much. Just gorgeous.”
“Never too much for you.” Nate picks up a bottle. “Champagne?”
Nate pops the cork, and we all take a seat at the table.
It is quiet at first. Awkward. There is so much to say, but where to start?
This meeting isn’t very organic. In fact, it was organized from the second Nate and I received texts from not only Sonia, but Bridget and Abigail too, all of them saying almost the exact same thing.
You better have a plan to get Laney back.
Lucky for us, we were already planning this night.
It was much more of a risk before we knew Laney was still thinking about us. But still, the grand gesture was already underway.
Now, we’re able to really enjoy it instead of being worried Laney is going to get up and walk right out without giving us a fair shot.
Laney looks down at her place setting. “What’s this?”
Nate and I smile as she holds up the flat, square box.
“It’s a gift,” I say. “From both of us.”
Her eyes scrunch at the corners, and though she smiles, she looks like she could be brought to tears if we say the wrong thing.
“You shouldn’t have.”
“It’s a symbol more than anything,” Nate explains. “If you’d just open it, we can explain.
Laney opens the jewelry box with the utmost care.
The band has timed their romantic, swooning melody to perfection.
I hold my breath as her fingers travel along the chain of the necklace. “It’s beautiful.”
“You want to tell her about it, Mason?” Nate throws it my way with a nod.
I smile.
