Page 83 of In Their Hearts
I pull the ring out of my pocket and show it to her. It's a gorgeous ruby stone with two smaller diamonds on each side and even smaller ones set in the band. The minute I saw it, I knew it belonged on her hand.
It's stunning, sexy, and fiery just like her.
“Jo, will you be a part of our forever? We want to spoil and love you always. We want you to grow old with us.”
“Oh my....” She covers her face as tears start to fall. I hope they're the happy ones because I’m not prepared to lose her now.
“Hey, baby. It's okay if you aren’t?—"
She launches herself at me, and I wrap her up tight. Thank fuck.
“Yes,” Jo whispers through her tears.
“I never thought I'd ever be in a relationship again, but you and Grant have helped me heal. You’ve both supported me when I needed it the most. And helped me move past my pain.”
“Jo, I love you.” I squeeze her tight against me, never wanting to let her go.
The clapping around me reminds me we're in public. I lean her back and slip the ring on her finger.
“There. Now everyone knows you're taken.”
“It’s perfect. I love it.”
Grant folds her in his arms. Kissing and hugging. Whispering more I love yous.
We finished the chocolate tart and our celebratory champagne, courtesy of a lovely couple who wished us well.
“Now, Jo, we have one more surprise.”
“There’s more?”
“Always.” I wink at her. There’s so much more.
“Surprise! Congratulations!”
Everyone shouts as we enter Mal's Bar.
We are a tad overdressed, but Jo's friends have missed her, especially since she decided that she wasn't returning to Platinum Pleasures.
“Jo! Omg. Let me see!” Stella pulls her into a hug. “Let’s go show it off.” She pulls her away and into the crowd.
One thing on her list is to work to grow her friendships. I don’t think she realized that she had more support around her, but was too afraid to reach out and take it. She was also holding herself back from having fun with friends, and we want to help her with that.
Tonight, among the friends are her former boss, Star, and her sister Stella. All their men are here too, along with a few women I don’t recognize.
It’s great to see everyone together and the relationships that have developed in our small town. We let the women catch up as Grant and I head over to talk to Malcom and the other guys.
“Hey, Malcom. Good to see you.”
“You guys, too, and congrats are in order, I hear. Stella hasn’t stopped talking all day. She’s so happy for you guys and her friend. Also good to see Jo out.”
“Thank you. We couldn't be any happier.”
“It’s great seeing them all together. We were actually hoping to plan a little spa day or something for them to relax.” Grant is always working on planning.
“That sounds like the perfect idea. I’ll talk with Cole and get something set up.”
I turn to look down the bar as Grant and I settle in with our drinks. Some of the other guys come over to hang out, too, as the ladies start to dance.
