Page 221 of Red Zone
Just off-season.
And apparently, ring shopping.
I shift uncomfortably in the leather chair across from the showroom display as a well-dressed associate disappears into the back to “pull a few options” for me. Whatever that means.
Beside me, Jaxon leans back casually, spinning a bottle of water between his hands like he owns the damn place.
He’s got that same stupid smug look on his face he had when he finally proposed to Madison.
Like he knows something I don’t.
“Why do you look so calm?” I ask, narrowing my eyes.
He shrugs. “Because I’ve already done this part.”
“Yeah, but you’re still not married.”
Jaxon laughs. “She says we’re not in a rush. I say I can’t wait much longer. I swear if I catch her watching one more wedding video without setting a date…”
I smirk. “Sounds rough.”
He shoots me a look. “You’re about to be right here with me, man. Give it a week after you propose, and you’ll be practicing vows in the shower.”
“I already do that.”
He blinks.
“Not like—seriously,” I add quickly. “But…sometimes I say stuff in my head, and it sounds kind of like vows.”
“Uh huh.”
I rub the back of my neck, letting out a breath. “I just want to do it right.”
“You will.”
I nod, but the nerves don’t go away. “She’s not expecting it. I haven’t even mentioned a timeline. It’s been all grad school deadlines and job interviews and?—”
“She’s not expecting it,” he says, cutting me off. “But she’s ready.”
The truth of it settles in my chest.
Yeah. She is.
We’ve been through hell to get here—sneaking around, keeping secrets, falling harder than either of us planned. And she still showed up for me. Still believed in me. Still made space for us, even when everything else in her life felt like it was slipping out of her control.
Now it’s my turn.
My fingers tap against my leg, restless.
“You’re sure she’s a round diamond girl?” I ask, glancing at Jaxon.
He grins. “Nah. She’s a Lyla. You’ll know it when you see it.”
I let out a breathy laugh, right as the associate returns carrying a velvet tray.
Dozens of rings. None of them feel right—until the last one.
Simple. Timeless. Slightly curved band. Elegant without being overly flashy.
