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After I called Bandit’s doggy day care to let them know we’d need to extend his staycation, I spent a good part of that evening on the phone with my father as he assured me that regardless of the outcome, nothing would change between us, that I would always be his little girl and the love of his life. When I’d finally gotten up the nerve to have the conversation with my dad, he had admitted that he always questioned Alexandra’s paternity in particular over the years, but he’d ultimately decided not to pursue testing because he felt it wouldn’t have changed anything in his mind or heart.
Dex and I ended up spending the night at his father’s guesthouse, which was adjacent to the Truitt’s main waterfront property. So exhausted from the long day at the hospital, I relaxed into Dex’s arms. The mood was somber as we fell asleep in the king-sized bed listening to the sound of the waves crashing just outside the French doors.
The following morning, he snuck up behind me as I was looking out at the ocean from the patio.
He handed me a mug of freshly brewed coffee. “How are you feeling?”
“Sort of numb.”
“I know what you mean. It feels like a shock. I went from preparing myself to possibly never find out…to now inevitably dealing with the truth as soon as tomorrow.”
“We couldn’t have lived like that. We would have always wondered.”
“I think deep down I knew that, but I still didn’t want to believe it.” Dex suddenly looked panicked. “We can’t waste these last hours, Bianca. I feel like we need to not let a second pass us by unnoticed.”
“What do you want to do?”
“We have a huge day ahead.”
“We do?”
“Fuck, yes. They said the results could potentially be in tomorrow…that means today could be the last full day that we’re living in ignorant bliss. I feel like I need to give you a lifetime today.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means there are certain things that I want to see and do with you while you’re still my Bianca, in case I never get a chance to experience them. Although, the one thing I really need to do, I can’t.”
“What are we going to do?”
“I want to take you to a few different places.”I’d made some phone calls to area businesses while Bianca showered and got dressed. The Truitt name was well known on the island, so I had no trouble getting people to cooperate with my plans.
Our first stop was Worth Avenue, which was Palm Beach’s version of Rodeo Drive. Bianca wasn’t very materialistic, but that didn’t stop me from wanting to shower her with the best that money could buy.
A lifetime.
I had to give her a lifetime today—just in case.
We’d parked and were strolling along the sidewalk, looking in the windows of the upscale shops. Her face turned red when I intentionally stopped in front of Tiffany’s.
Seeming to read my guilty expression, she asked, “What are you up to, Dex Truitt?”
“Wait right out here, okay?”
Once inside, I raced to the first person I saw.
“Can I help you?”
“Yes, I’m looking for Julia. She and I spoke over the phone.”
Moments later, an older blonde woman approached. “Hi, Mr. Truitt. I have it right here. If for some reason it doesn’t fit, just bring her back in today and we can resize it.”
“Perfect. Thank you.”
With the small blue gift bag in hand, I ventured back outside to find Bianca waiting for me, looking perplexed.
“What’s in the bag, Dex?”
I wasted no time getting to the point.
“Okay, first off, I want you to know that this isn’t a proposal. I’m hopeful if things turn out okay, I can do that the right way someday. I want to really appreciate that moment without this cloud hanging over us. But I wanted to give you something now that you will always remember me by.”
I took the small box out and opened it, showcasing the nearly three-carat diamond eternity band. The bright sunlight beamed over the diamonds, causing them to really shine.
“I’m not getting down on one knee today, because I want to keep that option open for later. No matter what the outcome is tomorrow, you’re going to be a Truitt. I want you to wear this and always remember me, remember the time we’ve had together. Whether I can complement this someday with another ring, or whether it stands alone as a symbol of what never could be, this eternity band represents my eternal love and respect for you, Bianca.” I placed it on her finger. It fit perfectly. My earlier estimate of her ring size was right on the money; that was pure fate, kind of like this whole experience.
She looked down at the sparkling gems, seeming shocked as I continued.
“Today isn’t our wedding day, but it’s our day, and we’re going to celebrate what we do have—today. There’s going to be cake, and a pretty white dress, and some frolicking on the beach. And we’re going to spend every moment together.”
