Page 56 of We're One

“There’s nothing I like to see more than a man standing at the diamond counter with that panicked look on his face as he realizes he’s found the one woman he can’t live without,” a booming voice says as a large hand comes up to my shoulder and squeezes. I’d know that voice anywhere. Of course Joseph Anderson is here and sees me in a moment of near meltdown. There might be a sky message tomorrow saying Zach Callahan panics at the engagement counter. That’s Joseph Anderson to a T.

“Hello, Joseph,” I say as I turn. Sammy beams at her boss before looking at me.

“How are you, Zach?” Joseph asks as he laughs. “Besides panicking because you’re about to buy a ring.”

“I wasn’t going to buy a ring. I’m looking for a gift,” I quickly tell him.

“By that expression on your face, I’d say you’re about to buy a ring,” Joseph says. “Who’s the lucky woman?”

“Sia Rivers,” I say before I can stop myself. Joseph’s head leans to the side. For a man who knows most of Seattle, it’s nice to stump him.

There are many rumors that Joseph’s quite the matchmaker; he got his sons all married and then moved on to nephews and nieces and even friends. I’m a bit scared being right here beside him. Am I going to buy a ring? I can’t seem to pull myself from this counter.

Joseph lets out a hearty laugh. “You can fight it, Zach, or you can save yourself a whole lot of heartache and do it.” He then turns to Sammy. “I want you to pull out the black velvet case.” Sammy’s eyes widen before she grins then rushes through a door into a private room in the middle of the huge display area.

“What’s the black velvet case?” I ask, knowing I shouldn’t.

“It only comes out for special people. You can’t buy just any ring, you have to buy a ring she can’t say no to, a ring that tells her you’re serious,” Joseph says.

Sammy comes back and presents a case. She carefully unlocks it, then opens it. I’m nearly blinded by the sparkling rings inside. Joseph leans over and looks down.

“Each of these rings are one of a kind. They’re designed by the best of the best and their value is immeasurable,” Joseph says.

“The diamonds are big enough to break a woman’s hand,” I tell him with a laugh. While he might say the value is immeasurable, I’m sure the price tag on these is most certainly in the six digit range which is certainly measurable.

“When you love big, you give big,” Joseph tells me.

“I can understand why you’re the wealthiest man in the world,” I tell him.

“Ah, money doesn’t matter at all if you don’t have love,” he says. The funny thing about this is I believe the man. He’d give up every single dollar he has for his wife, Katherine. The rumors of his matchmaking are only matched by his epic love story with his wife of over fifty years. He throws her a birthday bash each year that rivals a royal wedding. He doesn’t hide how much he adores her. It’s quite beautiful.

“I want you and your brothers to bring your beautiful women to my place for dinner very soon. Call me and we’ll get it arranged. If you don’t call, I will be calling. I know you have some things to handle first, but I don’t wait forever. Time isn’t anyone’s friend. It’s been too long since we’ve visited,” Joseph says. He then pats me again. “I’ll leave you to your decisions. Just remember love is scary, but it’s the one thing in this world that will save you again and again.”

He leaves me feeling confused, but I turn back to the case and look at the diamonds inside. They’re all stunning. I tell myself I’m not buying one, but I reach down and pick one up. It’s absolutely stunning, a gorgeous diamond surrounded by vines with a wide band set with diamonds all around it. It’s the heaviest ring I’ve ever held. The light sparkles off of it, sending out rainbows all around us.

“That’s my favorite ring in this box. It’s both delicate and bold. I can’t imagine wearing something so beautiful,” Sammy says in a hushed tone.

I turn the ring, the circle so tiny. It looks like it would be a perfect fit on Sia’s petite hand. I could buy it today and hold on to it. Just because I buy the ring doesn’t mean I need to give it to her anytime soon. It’s almost as if I don’t have control over my own actions as I look up, my eyes a bit glazed. But if I don’t get this one-of-a-kind ring now, it might be gone when I need it... and I have no doubt I’ll need it.

“I’ll take it,” I tell her in a hushed voice. She beams at me. I’m in shock as I hand it over. I could stop this . . . but I don’t.

“It’s an incredible choice,” she says. “I’ve worked here for three years now, and I’ve never seen Joseph show up and ask for this case to come out. He only sells about one of these rings a year. They really are exclusive.” She’s in awe; it’s apparent she loves her boss.

“Can you find a bracelet and some earrings that have this vine sort of style?” I ask. I still need a gift to give Sia today. I pull out my black card and try not to panic at what I’m doing. It’s far too late for that, though.

The entire time in the store takes a little over an hour, then I walk away with an engagement ring in my inside breast pocket, and a gift bag with all sorts of goodies in it. I’m not sure what all I’ve bought. All I want to do is get to Sia.

I arrive at her place, and rush up the stairs. I’m too impatient for the elevator. I’m excited as I knock on the door. I immediately hear footsteps, and then the door opens... and it’s Nikki. I’m disappointed as I look around her and don’t see Sia. It’s a tiny apartment so there’s not many places she can be hiding.

“Hi, Nikki, can I come in?”

She shakes her head. “Sia isn’t here.”

“But she’s sick,” I tell her. I look behind her, then back at Nikki. “Please, I want to see her. I’m worried.”

She gives me a sympathetic look that scares me. I’ve come to realize women share everything with each other. If Nikki’s looking at me like this, it might mean that Sia’s done with me and Nikki feels sorry for me. I refuse to believe that’s the case.

“She was sick, but is feeling better today so she went to a meeting with a new client,” she tells me. She still isn’t opening the door to invite me in. This isn’t good. I hold up the bag.

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