Page 45 of Claiming My Grumpy Ex

“I am,” I said, relief flooding through me.

Jim extended a hand, and I shook it firmly, the tension between us easing. “Alright, then. Guess I’m gonna be a granddad again. Maybe this one will be a girl.”

Ellen smiled, wiping her eyes as she stepped forward to hug me. “You better make her happy, Cory. That’s all we want.”

“I will,” I promised, my voice full of conviction.

As I drove away from the Mitchells’, my thoughts lingered on the conversation I’d just had. Jim’s blessing and Ellen’s kindness were more than I’d hoped for, and they gave me a renewed sense of purpose. There were still bridges to rebuild and promises to keep, but I felt like I’d taken a solid first step toward proving I was serious about the life I wanted with Elena and our family.

The next step was clear, and as I pulled into the small parking lot of the jewelry store, the gravity of what I was about to do hit me. I stared at the modest sign in the window, my mind racing with possibilities. It was funny how this tiny shop, one I’d passed a thousand times as a kid, now felt like the gateway to the rest of my life.

I took a deep breath, grabbed my wallet, and stepped out. As I entered, a familar scent of glass cleaner greeted me. The store was quiet, with glass cases displaying rows of rings, necklaces, and watches that sparkled under the soft lighting.

A cheerful woman behind the counter looked up and smiled. “Good morning! Can I help you find something special today?”

“Yeah,” I said, my voice steady even though my chest felt tight. “I’m looking for an engagement ring.”

Her smile widened, and she stepped out from behind the counter. “Of course. Any idea what style she might like?”

I thought of Elena—her understated elegance, her quiet strength. She didn’t go for flashy things, and that’s what made her stand out. “Something simple, but meaningful,” I said. “Elegant but not too… over the top.”

The woman nodded, her expression thoughtful as she guided me to a case filled with rings of all shapes and sizes. “I think I know just the thing. Let’s start here.”

She pulled out a tray, setting it on the counter in front of me. My eyes scanned the options—some with clusters of diamonds, others with intricate designs. But then, one caught my eye: a solitaire diamond on a thin platinum band, timeless and understated.

“That one,” I said, pointing to it.

“Excellent choice,” she said, picking it up carefully. “This one is classic, but the simplicity really highlights the diamond. It’s a great option for someone who values elegance without being overly flashy.”

I nodded, turning it over in my hand. It was perfect—just like Elena. I could imagine her wearing it, her smile lighting up the room as she said yes.

“This is the one,” I said, setting it down gently.

“Wonderful,” she replied. “Would you like it gift-wrapped or just the box?”

“The box is fine,” I said, pulling out my wallet.

As she rang me up, I glanced around the store, my thoughts wandering. I thought about how far I’d come since reconnecting with Elena—about Jake, the baby, and the life we were building.It felt like my life was going in the right direction, and I wasn’t looking for an escape for the first time in a long time. I was exactly where I wanted to be.

The woman handed me the small black box, her smile warm and knowing. “Congratulations. I hope she says yes.”

“She will,” I said, a quiet confidence settling over me as I tucked the box into my pocket.

I started the engine and headed back to Cedar Cove, my thoughts shifting to the next step. The ring in my pocket felt like both a promise and a question, but as much as I wanted to propose to Elena right away, I knew we needed more time. Jake was still getting used to having me in his life, and I wanted him to feel completely comfortable with me before I took that leap. For now, I’d focus on building that trust—one day at a time.

Twenty-Two

Elena

One Month Later

The waiting room was quiet, the soft murmur of the television in the corner the only sound breaking the stillness. I sat between Cory and Jake, their presence grounding me and easing my nerves. Since Cory had moved in almost a month ago, we picked Jake up from school early, and his excitement had been bubbling over ever since. No matter how much I tried to settle him, he kept bouncing in his seat, his enthusiasm impossible to contain.

“When do we get to see the baby?” Jake asked for the third time, leaning forward to peer toward the exam room doors as if willing them to open.

“Soon, Buddy,” Cory said, his hand resting on my knee in a gesture of calm solidarity. “These things take a little time.”

I smiled, grateful for his steadying presence. It was hard not to get swept up in Jake’s enthusiasm. This was a moment I’d dreamed of sharing—seeing my baby for the first time with my little family by my side.

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