Page 26 of An Engagement Pact

“I know exactly what you mean, Vicky. And I agree. It’s cleaner and safer to keep our boundaries clear. And it’s fine to feel weird about how we interact sometimes. I’m sure anyone else in our positions would too.”

I blow out a breath, relieved he sounds more like himself. “Okay. Then we’ll... we’ll just keep doing our best and go forward with the plan.”

“Yes. Oh.” With a small twitch, he reaches into the console compartment between the seats and pulls out a small jeweler’s box. “According to our plan, it’s time for us to get engaged, so I got you this.”

I stare at the box. Then stare at the ring when he opens it.

It’s lovely. Sleek and simple with a modern setting and a beautiful emerald-cut diamond.

“Oh.” I gulp. “Wow.”

“It’s a lab-made diamond. I’m not trying to be cheap, but you’ve got such a soft heart and such clear ethical views, I wasn’t sure you’d be okay with thinking it might be some kind of blood diamond.”

I lick my lips. “No. I wouldn’t want that. This is... this is perfect.”

“Okay.” He lets out a breath, as if he’d been holding it. “Good then.”

We both wait, staring down at the ring.

“So do you want...?” He trails off, finally grabbing the ring and then my left hand and quickly sliding it onto the ring finger.

We both stare at the ring again, this time on my hand.

“It’s perfect,” I whisper.

“Good.”

“Good.”

Neither one of us seems to know what to say. I can barely get even a word out.

Then Dan finally says, “Well, okay then. So we’re engaged now. We can start sharing the news with people we run into.”

“That makes sense. It’s all going according to schedule.”

It is. It’s a premade schedule for a practical scheme that’s entirely based on money.

So there’s no reason for me to feel as fluttery as I do. Or to love the feel of Dan’s diamond on my finger.

No reason at all.

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