Page 73 of Lock 'em Down

I grip my phone instead and text Harper back.

Then, I leave my laptop behind, shower, and get ready for lunch with the girls.

I force Levi Rousell out of my mind and focus on the life I’m building with Leif.

The life I’ve always wanted. A future I can believe in with a man I trust.

Twenty

Leif

I run the pad of my thumb over the pear-shaped diamond.

River Patton whistles between his teeth.

“It’s gorgeous, isn’t it?” I glance at him.

“Unbelievable,” he replies. “With a hefty price tag.”

I shrug. I don’t care about the price. I want to find the perfect ring. Something unique, something Cami. “I like the pear shape,” I tell the jeweler.

He nods and selects a few other options. “Just for comparison,” he explains.

“Thanks,” I murmur, studying the rings. While Cami’s story about Levi Rousell was tough to swallow, I understand now why she was hesitant about giving our marriage a chance. Over the past weeks, we’ve grown closer but proposing to her, proving that I choose her too, and gifting her a ring as a symbol of my love, will help ease her mind. And when she accepts this token, it will ease my lingering worry too.

The fact that she confided in me about her past with Levi Rousell was a turning point for her. Now, the tradition of this ritual will prove that we’re both choosing each other for the right reasons before we marry again in August.

River asks the jeweler a question and he leads River over to a case to look at earrings. River wants to buy Lola and Mia matching sets for Lola’s birthday.

I pick up a ring and know it’s the one. It’s about three carats and outlined with smaller diamonds that drip onto a double band. It’s a bit flashy but different, and I think Cami will appreciate that. She likes unique things. I snap a picture and send it to my siblings’ group chat.

Me: What do you think?

Me: (Image of ring)

Jensen: DAMN, BRO!

King: Wow! She’s gonna love it, Leif.

Jake: Did you ask her dad for her hand yet?

I roll my eyes.

Me: Next on my list.

Tanner: It doesn’t really matter what he says. Leif’s already married to his daughter.

Jake: It’s the point, Mitts. A matter of respect.

Annie: Leif—you did good, big brother! I love it.

Me: Thanks, Annie! That actually means the most—coming from you.

Tanner: Hey!

Jensen: When are you proposing?

Me: Next week, after Chris’s wedding.

---