Page 145 of With A Little Luck
“Of course. I’d like it if the two of us could be friendly, if not actual friends.”
I nod. “I want that too.”
It’s a shocking revelation, but it’s the truth. Not just for Quincy’s benefit, either. If the three of us don’t find some common ground, life will be miserable for all of us. I don’t want the baby growing up in an environment where we only tolerate each other.
“Very good.” He shoves his glasses up and examines the picture he printed. “Now, I’ve noticed Quincy doesn’t wear much jewelry, but I bought her a necklace and a ring. From what I’ve read, her fingers might swell the farther she gets into her pregnancy.”
I’m not sure what he’s getting at, so I stay quiet.
“Even if she can’t wear the ring, I believe the necklace will be a decent compromise,” he says, dropping the picture on the sheet I gave him. They’re meant to be decorated individually, then you clip them into the album in whatever order you choose. “I intend to ask her to wear one or the other whenever I get back. If you’d like the opportunity to bond Quincy before that happens, I suggest you not squander your time alone.”
My eyes narrow.
Does that mean he’s going to ask her to marry him tonight?
“Are you saying the ring you bought is an engagement ring?” I ask, trying to keep the annoyance out of my tone.
“Yes.”
“Jesus Christ, Trigg,” I mutter. “There are three of us who shouldallbe involved in picking her engagement ring. At the very least, you should let us chip in on whatever the one you bought cost. And we should get the chance to ask hertogether.”
“Okay,” he says, smiling tightly. “I’ll give her the necklace. I want her to have at least one gift that’s solely from me.”
I sigh. “Can you send me a link or something so I can check it out?”
“Fine.” He grabs his phone, clicking away on the screen. “Although this is just to give you an idea. The one I selected wasn’t listed online. I was torn between a round and an oval shape, but I believe the oval will fit her hand to perfection. None of this means much to me, so I took his word for it. It’s just under four carats, E color rating, super ideal cut, clarity FL. The jeweler assured me it was the best he had in stock. I could have saved a few thousand dollars if I paid by wire transfer, but it was after five p.m., and I didn’t want to wait to pick it up.”
I grab my phone as it vibrates and unlock it before clicking on his text. The picture is of an oval diamond solitaire in platinum.
“It’s set in a low basket setting, which should keep her from snagging it on things. That was purely by luck, because again, I didn’t want to wait to have the band swapped out.” Trigg sighs. “Are you going to give me your opinion?”
“I don’t know what most of that means either, but I’m sure she’ll love it.” I smile tightly, tossing my phone down. No matter what I give her, it’s going to pale in comparison to that thing. Hell, I could buy her a brand-new car, and I bet it wouldn’t even come close to what that ring cost. Jabbing a finger at him over the table, I say, “Warn Ridge, and don’t ask without us. That’s how afriendwould handle that situation. The three of us have to get better about working together.”
Trigg’s eyes narrow, and his face morphs into something terrifying for a split second. It disappears as quickly as it appeared, and a shiver runs down my spine.
“I’ll tell him while we’re at the warehouse. If he’s even up for accompanying me,” he says. “Don’t worry. There will be a team here to watch over you and Quincy.”
Not once in my entire life have I ever felt incapable of protecting myself or someone I love.
This whole situation is a mindfuck.
Chapter Forty-Five
Quincy
I’m emotionally exhausted by the time the lawyer leaves. Ridge tries to be a good sport, but he’s physically exhausted, and he kinda collapses on the couch for what he calls apreplanned mid-morning nap.
Technically, it’s probably closer to noon. I don’t mention that, though. Ridge needs rest to heal, and watching King try three times to get up on the couch makes me smile. He finally gets enough momentum with his fourth try, or maybe he realizes Ridge can’t lift him to give him a boost. Either way, he struggles his way onto the couch and lies down next to Ridge’s stomach.
Even as exhausted as he is, Ridge lifts a hand and moves it to King’s back to pet him as he falls asleep.
That man is going to make a damn good father, and I once again try not to obsess about how lucky I got in finding him.
Or I guess how Trigg led Ridge to me.
Whatever.
I’m counting my blessings without fixating on them.
