Page 48 of Tempting Tessa

Jake

8 Weeks Later

I can’t believe summer is basically over. It seems like just yesterday was the 4th of July and we were at the cabin. But next weekend is Labor Day weekend and we are all headed back up again. I have some plans up my sleeve but need Caroline’s help to pull them off.

Jake: Hey Caroline, I need your help with something. Think you can keep it a secret from Tessa?

Caroline: Sure! What do you need help with?

Jake: Well I’m going to propose to her when we’re at the cabin next weekend. I need help with a few things. I need to pick out her ring and then I need help setting up everything up at the cabin. I’ve talked to both my parents and hers and they are all coming up as well. I think her brothers and their wives might be coming up too.

Caroline: OMG JAKE!!!!! I’m so freaking excited!! And you have my word that I will not say anything to her about it.

Caroline: OK. First, her ring. Have you picked out anything?

Jake: I stopped at a jewelry store the other day but got so overwhelmed by all the styles and designs. I just want the perfect ring and couldn’t decide.

Caroline: I know a few of her preferences in jewelry. Want me to meet you at a jewelry store to help you pick something out?

Jake: That would be amazing. Can you possibly get away today? I have a few hours this afternoon I can sneak away.

Caroline: Let me see if I can get someone to keep Jack and Oliver for me and I’ll let you know.

Jake: Thanks Caroline.

I’ve been planning things out for the past couple of weeks. My first step was to get permission from Tessa’s dad, which I took care of one evening when we were over at her parents’ house. I pulled him aside when we were outside and asked him. He was over the moon happy and honored that I asked him. I know we are in our 30s and she has been married before, but I still felt like it was the right thing to do.

Next, I have been brainstorming on how and where to ask her. She absolutely loves it at the cabin and I thought what better place to ask her? We are always so relaxed when we spend time there, and I knew it was a place that we could have our family all together without her being suspicious about everyone being together at one time. I rented out the cabin next to my parents’ so that we have enough space for everyone for the weekend.

Caroline: My mom can watch my boys this afternoon, so I’m available whenever you need my help.

Jake: Thank you so much, can we meet at Howells Jewelry store in 30 minutes?

Caroline: Yep, see you then.

I take off a few minutes later to meet Caroline. Tessa is working today so I knew that I wouldn’t possibly tip her off by talking to Caroline.

I make it to the jewelry store a few minutes before Caroline and head over to the engagement and wedding sets. The saleswoman has a few options pulled out of the case for me to look at when Caroline comes in and finds me.

“Hey, thanks for meeting me down here. Do any of these fit the style that she would want?” I ask Caroline as she looks over the rings that the saleswoman has pulled out.

“Let me take a quick look at all the cases and I’ll let you know. I know she prefers white gold or platinum, square cut with the halo around the center.”

“Damn, how did you know all that?” I ask her.

“Silly man, don’t you know women fantasize over jewelry?” she says to me while laughing.

“Good thing I texted you then, I don’t think I would have picked the right one.”

“Jake, do you really think you can pick a wrong ring? She’s going to love anything you give her because it’s from you. You know Tessa isn’t superficial like that. Yes, she has preferences, but had you picked something on your own she would have loved it just as much.”

“I know. I just want it to be perfect.”

“You’re a good man, Jake. Now, let’s find you a ring for that perfect woman of yours.”

Caroline takes her time looking at all the options asking to see a few from the saleswoman. She has narrowed it down to 3 different rings that she thinks Tessa would like best.

“What do you think of these?” she asks me.

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