Page 164 of Devious Obsession
She focuses on the board again and nods. “Yes, of course. I’m quite good, you know.”
I crack a smile, although my heart is pounding. “I know. You’ve beat me a few times. Mom, this is Aspen. She’s my fiancée.”
Mom’s gaze goes to my girl.
“Nice to meet you,” Aspen says.
“Pleasure.” Mom beams. “I wasn’t expecting company today! But please, sit.”
I drag another chair over for Aspen and take the one opposite Mom. I’ve got the white pieces, so I move my pawn forward first.
“Are you enjoying the cooler weather?” I ask.
Mom hums and pushes forward one of her pawns. “The snow is nice to watch. They’ve got me knitting scarves for all the ladies. Keeps me busy.” She leans toward Aspen. “Some of them are real nice about it, but other ones…” Her nose wrinkles.
Aspen lets out a surprised laugh.
We continue to play chess, not thinking especially hard about the opening. And for a moment, I allow myself to relax.
Then Mom’s attention lands on me, and she says, “My son and I used to play chess together.”
My stomach knots, and I force a smile. “You must’ve taught him well.”
Mom nods. “He’s playing hockey at his high school. Wonderful thing, that sport. Although I wish he would focus more on his science classes.”
“Are you talking about Steele?” Aspen asks.
“Yes, yes. My eldest boy.” Mom’s smile wobbles. “Do you know him?”
“I do,” Aspen answers. Without hesitation. “You raised a great guy.”
My mom visibly brightens. She shuffles more upright and reaches for Aspen’s hand. “Tell me about him. It’s been a while since I was able to go see him play.”
Aspen scoots her chair closer to Mom, not letting go of her hand. “He’s in college now, but he’s going to be graduating in a few months. He’s still playing hockey.” Her gaze finds mine. “He’s got kind eyes. A protector’s spirit.”
Mom pats Aspen’s hand with her free one. “Youdoknow my son. He’s always trying to protect me. College, you said?”
“Yes, ma’am.” Aspen’s voice lowers. “Can I tell you something?”
“Of course.”
She looks at me again, then back at my mom. Her tone is conspiratorial as she says, “I’m going to marry him.”
“Well.” Mom’s throat works. Her eyes fill with tears. “Isn’t that just the most amazing thing. Did he give you a ring?”
“Not yet.”
Mom scoffs. “Men.” She hooks her thumb under the collar of her sweater, pulling out the thin chain… and the ring on it. With surprising dexterity, she gets it off and thrusts the whole thing at Aspen. “Try this on.”
My throat is tight. Aspen unclasps the necklace and slides the ring off, and her brows furrow.
It’s the ring my father got her when they were freshly out of college. Barely twenty-one themselves and ready to take on the world—or so the stories go. A single round diamond set with silver prongs. There used to be an engraving on the underside, but time has worn it away. I know, because I used to rub her ring between my index finger and thumb. A comfort thing when Dad dropped me off here to visit.
I go to Aspen and go to my knees in front of her, gently taking the ring from her hands.
“Let me.”
She takes a shuddering breath—and I’m right there with her.
