As he jogged down the street, paper in hand, Gene was focused on something he saw in route to the fax place up ahead. A woman was putting out a sign, and on it, he saw one thing that had his full attention.
Some people believed in signs, and he was absolutely one of them. This time, it was a literal one.
The chalkboard that she’d placed on the sidewalk called to him.
‘Wedding season is approaching. Get your loved one a ring and take the plunge.’
Well, shit.
That caught him off guard for a few reasons. If that wasn’t the universe trying to tell him something, what was it?
Instead of walking down the street a few more buildings, Gene headed inside as if his legs were on autopilot.
The idea of giving them both something to hold onto made Gene very happy.
Giddy, even.
They couldn’t get married officially since that would mean being removed as partners in the FBI, but a ring was a symbol they’d both take seriously.
It was that vow he and Ethan both needed.
So, that whim became a dream he might just be able to grab hold of and give them both.
Inside, the sales lady continued to put things out. She smiled at him, and Gene knew that he needed to do this quickly. Ethan thought he was going to the fax place, and he had to keep that façade up so that he could surprise him.
Granted, his mate said that something permanent was bouncing around in his head behind the obligation of working this case, and Gene hoped it was this right here.
COMMITMENT.
“Can I help you?” she asked, heading his way.
Oh, he hoped so.
“I saw your sign. I need to buy a ring, but I have to do it damn fast before my significant other figures out that I’m up to something.”
That made her laugh.
“Oh, well, I’d love to help you. What do you need, exactly?”
Gene wanted to propose.
Or make a promise.
He wanted to give Ethan what he needed, and what he also needed.
A vow.
Deep down, he knew they’d not be able to get married for a very long time, despite what Timothy had told him, so this wouldn’t be a wedding ring, but more a guarantee that he would be his forever. He had the paperclip ring that was made as a token, but this…
This needed to be perfect.
“I really just want two bands. My partner isn’t an engagement ring kind of a person.”
That amused him.
For a few reasons.
“Well, we haveMANYbands. You just have to choose what you want and go from there.”
