Page 25 of Doctor I Do

My mouth falls open, and I stare at it as if it’s going to disappear.

“Alex, it’s beautiful,” I breathe.

He clears his throat. “I was scared it was too simple.”

I blink over and over, trying to make sure it’s real.

“Do you want this back?” I blurt out.

He frowns. “What are you talking about?”

I whisper. “When this is over, what am I meant to do with this?” I point at the ring.

“Keep it.”

“You bought this beautiful ring for me to keep? You realize that we’re not staying married,” I say, feeling like I need to remind him.

“I know. After you get your inheritance, and we break up, you could take it back to the Jeweller. It’s up to you.”

I push the hair away from my face and gaze back at him. I’m still in shock at the ring’s beauty.

“This wouldn’t have been cheap,” I mumble, flicking my gaze back down to the box. It’s hard not to stare at it the whole time.

“Your parents will find out I’m a doctor. If they’re to believe the engagement is real, I needed you to have a ring. And I don’t want you getting something cheap and fake. You deserve a nice ring.”

I wish I had more wine right now. “Alex. This is a lot,” I whisper.

“At least you like it. I was at the shop stressing.”

I giggle, trying to picture the scene. “You in a jewelry store. Now that would’ve been funny to see. I wish I could’ve been there.”

“I surprisingly didn’t hate it. They just had too many options.” He inches forward with the box, a silent urge to get me to take the ring.

I pluck it from the box, moving the diamond around between my fingers. The sparkle is captivating. “What made you choose this one?”

“I wanted a classic but elegant ring. When I saw this one, I knew it was the one.”

I peer up from the diamond to stare into his eyes. His blue eyes gleam under the bar’s lights. I’m speechless. How did he know this would be my choice? I shake my head at the silly thought. He didn’t. It was a fluke.

The server comes back, asking if we want more drinks, but as we look at the time, his eyes hold mine. “Are you ready to go?” he asks, handing over cash to the server and rising.

I take a deep breath, slip the ring on my finger, and stand. “I think so.”

“I got you,” he says, trying to reassure me.

I offer a weak smile. I can’t shake the fear that this will all crumble, and my only hope of a future will fail. Then all this will be for nothing.

Chapter 8

Alex

She’s been quiet since we left the bar. The pinch between her brows sits embedded, and I hate to see the stress having an effect on her.

We’re on our way to her parents’ house in my car. I prefer to drive, and it will look better for me to be driving us anyway.

Tonight, was unexpectedly enjoyable. The banter, chit-chat, and overall mood was fun and easy between us. At no time did anything feel awkward or forced, just smooth and comfortable. It’s nice to see the outgoing T, not the one who reverts back into her shell.

The music plays in the background, but still, it will be a long ass drive if we don’t speak. Especially now, since her knee is bouncing up and down. I’m a tad nervous about slipping up, but I’ll do everything I can to help her.

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