Page 46 of Love Letter Lost
“I guess so, if you’re in love. I mean, people get married all the time claiming they’ve found that movie ending. Hence the obscene number of flowers on my table.” I gestured to the floral arrangements, trying to keep the tone light.
“How do you think people know when they’re in love? I mean, Livvy and David seem so sure, but…it’s such a big decision. It certainly didn’t work for my parents.” Ridge’s mention of his parents made me flinch as I remembered his revelation from earlier. How could someone trust in happy endings when that was the example he had to compare everything to?
“I’m probably not the right person to ask.” My voice came out as little more than a whisper. “I’m good at knowing what I don’t want. I’m not very good at deciding on what I do.”
The two times I had been certain—prom with Ridge and my engagement to Matt—had gone so horribly wrong, a complete demolition of my heart. It seemed safer and easier not to commit to anyone, to keep them all at arm’s length, rebuilding myself into someone strong and independent. Someone capable of building her own home, regardless of who else wandered into her life.
“That’s a pretty heavy question for”—I glanced at the clock—“11:00 at night. Where’s this coming from?”
Ridge shrugged and reached into his back pocket, pulling out a velvet ring box. My mouth fell open as he lifted the lid, exposing an extravagant diamond ring. “Because I thought I knew the answer, but now…now I’m not so sure.”
CHAPTERTWENTY-FOUR
Ridge heldout the box to me and I hesitated before taking it and opening it.
This cannot be happening.The comment at the waterfall hadn’t been so offhand after all.
“It’s a ring. It won’t bite, I promise.” He joked, the words sounding far away, as if I was wearing ear protection.
I wouldn’t be too sure about that.
My heart hammered at the sight of the ring. It was white gold with a large center diamond surrounded in a halo of smaller diamonds. The emerald cut jewel took my breath away while also making me question how much Ridge must have spent on it. It was hardly the ring someone on a teacher’s salary could afford.
“You’re proposing to Amber.” The words felt like chalk in my mouth.
“Planning on it. I was thinking Saturday after the wedding would be perfect. We could go for a drive up Provo Canyon and stop at one of the parks to look at the stars. She loves it up there.”
“Sounds like you’ve thought it all out, the perfect proposal.” I handed the ring box back.
“So why doesn’t it feel perfect?” Ridge slumped against the couch, snapping the box closed and stuffing it back into his pocket.
“I’ve never proposed before, but I would think that second thoughts are natural. I mean, it’s a big decision.” I scrambled, thinking about what to say. A part of me wanted to tell him he was making a mistake, that Amber was nice but not right for him. Yet, it didn’t feel like my place. I’d only come back into Ridge’s life a few days ago. Who was I to tell him what to do?
But he’s asking you. Why not tell him the truth?
“You’re probably right. I guess I needed to tell someone. That thing has been burning a hole in my pocket since I bought it.” He blew out a long breath before shaking his head, as if hitting a reset button. “You know, once upon a time, I imagined giving you a ring. Funny how much things change. Now I’m going to be marrying an interior designer and becoming part of her family’s business.”
“Funny.” My voice came out strangled.
Abruptly, he pushed up from the couch and headed into the kitchen, clearly closing the door on our previous conversation. “I think I hear some leftovers calling my name. Do you have any pizza left?”
“I’ve got a better idea.” I followed him and opened the freezer. “How about a bowl of ice cream?” Personally, I could eat the entire carton at this point.
“How about both?” Ridge waggled his eyebrows at me.
“Fine. There are a couple of slices in the fridge.” I pulled out the bowls while he got out the pizza.
“I have no idea how guys eat so much. If I ate even half of the food you do, I’d make myself sick,” I joked, shaking my head to dislodge thoughts of Ridge’s impending proposal. I started dishing up the ice cream, desperate for something to distract me.
“It just takes practice.” Ridge winked at me as he stuck his pizza in the microwave.
The banter and laughter continued while we finished our food. Ridge decided to call it a night and I walked him out. As I closed the door, my thoughts and regrets surrounded me.If only I’d gotten that letter sooner. If only Amber wasn’t in the picture. If only.
Desperate for a distraction, I grabbed my roll of painter’s tape. I didn’t care if it was after midnight or if my home would soon fall victim to Milton Corp’s wrecking ball. I needed to work on something, and writing out my feelings wouldn’t do it. Besides, just because I taped off the baseboards and ceiling in my bedroom, didn’t mean I had to start painting tonight. There would be time later. After Ridge was engaged and out of my life, for good this time.
An hour or so later, I straightened at the sound of Audrey and Chloe outside the condo door. I’d made good progress and would be able to start painting tomorrow. If only I could repair my heart with a few yards of tape.
Maybe talking things out with my roommates would help, even if it meant Audrey’s disapproval and Chloe’s disappointment. As they pushed the door open, they stumbled into the apartment, giggling like crazy.
