Page 85 of True Blue

Indie’s hands, her long and elegant fingers, and how perfect the ring is going to look on her.

Then I was going to have to figure out how the hell to act normal once we were engaged, because the excitement of it—the physical proof that this incredible woman loved me, chose me, wanted forever with me—was probably going to make me lose my mind.

I know my honey, so I knew she didn’t want a diamond. Too expensive, impractical, ethically messy. With her line of work, too big a stone would cut through her gloves, and she would worry about something happening to it when she had to take it off.

But I knew she loved moonstone.

So I went to a jeweler that Danielle helped find, and with Stephanie’s help, I designed a gold and moonstone engagement ring for Indie.

It’s currently sitting in my fire safe at the condo, just waiting. And the closer we got to the move date, the more excited I became.

I took my phone out and proudly showed Mom the ring. Her mouth twisted as her finger drifted unconsciously to the thick diamond on her own hand. The one Dad upgraded for their fifth anniversary once he started making real money.

I had the ring and the idea of how she wanted to be proposed to. I just had to do it. I considered doing it on the trip, but Europe is her dream. I’m just lucky enough that she wants me to come with her. But when we got back, all bets were off.

“It’s not a diamond,” Mom said.

“No.” I smiled because that was my favorite thing about it. “Indie’s too special for a diamond.”

Mom’s eye twitched.

“I’m going to propose to her in Cape May in September, when we get back from Europe.”

“Theodore, it hasn’t been that long.”

“Two years,” I said, frowning. “You and Dad got engaged after only months.”

Dad let out a weird, snorting laugh that made my frown deepen, but Mom dragged my attention back to her.

“Things were different back then.”

“Indie is the one, Mom,” I said, the truth slipping out easily. “I’m sure of it.”

“And that’s… that’s all fine and good, Theodore, but she’s going to be working all the time, isn’t she? Doctors don’t exactly have easy schedules.”

“We’ll get used to the schedule.”

“What are you going to do in New Jersey while she’s gone all day? Sit by yourself in that house? Wait around for her? You’ll be all alone.”

“I’m going to be fine,” I shook my head. “I’ll be busy, anyway.”

“What are you going to be doing?”

Tell them. You’re allowed to want things for yourself, Teddy. I’ll always support you.

With Indie’s proud voice in my head, I took a deep breath and smiled. “I’m going to go to art school.”

“Art school?” she blinked rapidly, looking confused.

Dad turned his whole head now, looking at me like I just announced I planned to join the circus.

“Jesus Christ.” Dad laughed like I told the funniest joke and shook his head. “You still haven’t let go of that sissy shit?”

My stomach dropped.

“You sure he’s mine, Dawn?”

My Mom ignored him, still staring at me in shock.