Page 16 of Painting Him Mine

“If you think they’re perfect, I’m sure they’ll be amazing.” His trust in me made my heart soar.

How in the world did I get to be so lucky?

Chapter Twenty-One

MAURICIO

I hadn’t beensure what to expect with visiting Ezra’s friend’s jewelry store, but a super-posh place for the rich and famous hadn’t been what I had imagined when he first brought up the idea of getting wedding rings from Etienne. The decor was modern and chic, with everything white and sparkling as rich people with more money than I’d ever earn in my lifetime browsed the cases for the perfect accessory.

Ezra looked up at me with a grin. “You were expecting something a bit more bohemian, weren’t you?”

“This is certainly a surprise.”

“Despite how it looks, I promise we aren’t going to wipe out your bank account for this.” He tugged on my hand to lead me over to where a handsome man greeted us with a friendly smile and wave. His dark hair was perfectly styled to go with his expensive three-piece gray suit that was paired with a pink shirt and tie.

“Bonjour,mon frère.” The man’s French accent was warm as he came out from behind the counters to give Ezra a hug and kiss both of his cheeks. “Toutes mes félicitations!”

Ezra beamed at him with radiating joy. “Mercibeaucoup.” He gestured to me. “Etienne, this is my fiancé, Mauricio.”

He held his hand out to shake, then kissed both of my cheeks. “Congratulations on your engagement. I wish you and Ezra all the happiness in the world.”

“Thank you.” His words warmed my heart as they made our engagement feel even more real. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine.” He returned behind the counters and gestured for us to follow him over to a case. “Come, I have the perfect rings for you both.”

Ezra took my hand in his as we followed Etienne, squeezing it as we walked. I loved how his hand felt like it was made for mine to hold.

Etienne pulled out a row of enamel wedding bands that all had famous post-Impressionism paintings on them. Two Vincent van Gogh ones immediately jumped out at me as they were hisStarry NightandAlmond Blossoms. There also were some Claude Monet waterlilies that were equally stunning. “I believe these are what you had in mind, Ezra?”

“Yes, they’re perfect!” He picked up theAlmond Blossomring and held it out to me. “What do you think?”

Accepting the ring, I studied it closely. The printing of the artwork on the enamel was flawless, and the delicate pink flowers stood out beautifully against the turquoise background and gold accenting. Despite its feminine touch, the ring wasstunning. “I’d be lucky to wear something so beautiful every day for the rest of my life as your partner.”

Ezra radiated with joy as he took the ring back from me, only to slide it on my finger like we were getting married. “I knew you’d like it!”

“I love it.” I was surprised to find it fit perfectly, almost like it had been made especially for me. It truly was a work of art in its own right. The ring looked right at home on my hand, complementing my numerous flower tattoos. “It’s just as perfect as you promised.”

“I made it, so of course it is.” Etienne chuckled as he handed theStarry Nightring to me to inspect.

It was as perfect as the ten-dollar bill that had brought Ezra into my life in a twist of fate. I took his hand in mine and slid the ring onto his finger. The gesture was surprisingly intimate. “It’s as perfect and wonderful as you.”

Ezra’s sunny smile brightened my entire world. He was downright giddy as he twisted the ring on his finger to see the full wrap of the artwork. “Etienne, they’re everything I had hoped they’d be. We’ll take them.”

I reached into my pocket to pull out my wallet, but the Frenchman tutted at me with a shake of his head. “Non, there is no need. These are my wedding gift to you.”

“Thank you, but that’s too generous,” I protested. “You’re an incredible artist and deserve to be supported.”

“You can pay me by giving Ezra the lifetime of happiness he deserves.” Etienne gave me a charming smile. “That is worth more to me than any money.”

“I’ll do everything in my power to do that.”

Ezra responded by giving me a hug that was so strong it forced me back a few steps as I held him to steady myself. “I love you so much!”

Even though it had only been a short time since we had met, I had no problem returning the sentiment. “And I love you just as much.”

He looked up at me with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Are you ready to get married for real?”

Chapter Twenty-Two

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