Page 39 of Just One Spark

She moved away, and I whispered, "Are you sure about this?It looks expensive."

He smiled confidently."Yes."

I let out a breath."I'm starting to think you're a little bit crazy."

He let out a loud guffaw, and I couldn't help but smile at him.

The woman put the ring in a velvet box and handed it to Rowan."You should ask her again with the ring this time.That way she'll have two proposals."

"That's a good idea," he said before I could protest.

I waited for him to pay for it, and then we walked out, my hand curled around his arm.It felt natural to be this close to him after picking out an engagement ring."I kind of wanted to wear it now."

He chuckled."I want to give it to you, but I liked her idea of asking you again."

"First of all, you didn't ask me the first time, and you don't have to propose.This isn't real after all," I said lightly.

"Well, well.It's so nice to see you two out and about," Judy said, causing us to stop.

Judy and Raymond were watching us intently.

Rowan hugged his mother."What are you guys doing in town?"

"Thought we'd do some holiday shopping."Judy lifted her bag as if to prove her point.

Raymond rocked back on his heels."And I need to go to the new hardware store.The question is, what are you kids doing?"

"We were just going to lunch—" I said as Rowan interrupted me.

"We were looking at engagement rings."

Judy's eyes widened."Did you find one?"

This time, Rowan lifted his tiny jewelry store bag."You can see it after I propose to my fiancée for a second time."

Judy covered her chest with her hand."How romantic."

My heart was thumping, because it was romantic, and it was getting harder to discern if this was real or part of the act."It's sweet, isn't it?"

Rowan smiled at my comment, and my heart felt too full."I can't wait to see it on your finger."

We had a moment where we were staring at each other, and he leaned in slightly as if he was going to kiss me.The rest of the world faded away until it was only us.

"We'll let you get back to it.Don't forget to do your holiday shopping before the rush," Judy said, causing Rowan to lift his head.

"Will do," Rowan said easily, and we kept walking."Let's grab a quick lunch.I'm sure you have to get back to work."

"It's not every day you take a break at work to pick out your engagement ring."I still couldn't believe that it was real.

We grabbed slices of pizza and ate at the counter overlooking the street.

"When are you planning to give me the ring?"I asked.

"What would be the fun in telling you?"he teased.

"You're not going to keep it a surprise, are you?"I turned on my stool to face him, wondering why I cared.This engagement was fake after all.

He wiped his mouth with a napkin."Sure.Why not?"