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Prologue
Ava
Three Years Ago
Shopping for jewelry is one of life’s greatest pleasures.
The small pieces, designed to be a girl’s best friend, can evoke many emotions. The overwhelming feelings of joy, pride, love, and commitment, even if the so-called ring is for my sister.
Inside the store are glass enclosures showcasing the finest of diamonds. All shine bright, glimmers of hope that maybe one day I’ll find my knight in shining armor who will lavish me with a ring to symbolize eternity.
Okay, what the hell is going on here?
I shake my head to rid myself of these thoughts. I’m twenty-two, and I can’t think of anything worse than committing to one man for life. It’s not that I don’t believe in it, but if I settled down with any of my exes, I’d have considered it a jail sentence rather than a precious gift of love and devotion.
My eyes gravitate toward a particular ring, but even then, I am unsure. I certainly like it, but I’m not sure if Millie will. She’s never one to be into jewelry, and most of the items she wears were gifts from Mom and Dad.
I point my finger to the Asscher-cut diamond. “This is beautiful.”
“You think Millie will like it?”
“She’s not one for extravagant diamonds,” I mention, then shrug my shoulders. “She’s always been a sentimental old soul.”
“Okay, so are you thinking something more vintage?” Austin asks, scratching his head.
“Hmm, maybe.” I continue to browse until the shop assistant finally stops gossiping and pays us the attention we deserve. Sales assistants often work on commission, and this chick isn’t doing anything to earn this sale.
“Let me guess, engagement ring?” She forces a smile while watching us furtively.
“Yes,” we both say in unison.
“I see you were eyeing the Asscher-cut. It would look amazing on you.”
My eyes lift, meeting with hers. On closer inspection, the woman should really tone down the false eyelashes. It’s one thing to enhance your eyes, but go overboard, and you’ll be mistaken for a drag queen. God, I sound more like Eric every day.
“It’s not for me, it’s for my sister,” I tell her, then point to Austin. “I’m just helping him choose.”
“Oh, well, my apologies. I just thought you two looked like a couple.”
Austin laughs beside me. “We get that a lot, don’t we, Ava?”
I roll my eyes, letting out a huff. “He’s my soon-to-be brother-in-law who is a pain in the ass because he can’t decide what ring to choose.”
“So, tell me about your girlfriend?”
“She’s beautiful, kind, loving, and my best friend,” Austin says all in one breath.
I nudge his side, holding in my laughter. “I think she means her taste, you goof.”
“Oh,” Austin mouths then grins. “She’s simple.”
“So, more classic, would you say?” the assistant presses, making Austin uncomfortable. Austin turns to me, his eyes pleading for a much-needed life jacket.
“Amelia is simple with her taste,” I inform Miss-fake-lashes. “So yes, perhaps something classic.”
The assistant bows her head, moving it from left to right as she scans the glass enclosure. She stops suddenly on a small cluster of rings. Then, carefully, she pulls a ring out of the cushion bed it sits in and lifts it closer to us. “How about this?”
“I don’t know,” Austin mumbles, leaning back while slipping his hands into his pockets. “It is beautiful.”
“What are you unsure of?” she questions.
“All of it.”
An obnoxious groan leaves my mouth. I pull Austin aside, away from the assistant, ready to give him one of my overbearing pep talks. “Are we back here again? Doubting whether to do it? Dad said yes, so what’s the problem?”
“What if Millie says no?”
“She won’t say no.”
“How do you know?”
“Well, I can’t bet my life on it,” I admit, but quickly straighten my shoulders to appear confident. “Is there something else you’re not telling me?”
Austin lowers his head to raise it again moments later. “No… you’re right, Ava. I want to marry Millie, and this is the right thing to do. Give me your hand?”
“What for?”
“I want to slide it on, to practice and see if it feels right.”
