Page 67 of Retribution

“Give me a second.”

I rush off into the office, pulling open the bottom drawer. There sits a lonely velvet black box, encasing a four-carat diamond solitaire ring. I grasp hold of it, the box feeling dainty in my large hands.

Entering the kitchen, I notice Indie hasn’t moved from where I left her, looking gorgeous as always.

Clearing my throat to prepare, I get down on one knee. Her hands fly to her mouth, eyes wide in awe.

I open the box, the diamond reflecting hundreds of dancing lights across the ceiling.

“Indie Margot Thorne, born on the September 17, 1995.” I wink at her as she chuckles.

“I know we’ve had a bit of a whirlwind romance, and it feels like we’ve only known each other for weeks,” I grin at her, her laughter delighting me.

“But ever since you told me you liked pineapple on pizza, I knew you were the one.” She throws her head back, struggling to keep her amusement contained.

“Love is a waiting game, but you proved that time is inconsequential when you stole my heart.” Her laughter ceases as she looks down at me, adoration in her eyes.

“Indie, will you marry me?” I finish, eagerness threaded throughout me.

“Of course I will, Mr. Breckenridge!” She squeals in delight, flinging her arms around my neck and throwing me off balance.

We tumble to the floor together, her straddling my hips. I peer up at her, her teeth glisten with her cheesy grin, the dimples never ceasing.

“Give me that hand worth two million dollars.” I bait her.

She rolls her eyes and presents her hand. I retrieve the ring and slide it up the fourth finger on her left hand. She lifts her arm, admiring the ring in the light.

“God, Reed. How much is this thing worth?” She studies it.

“Hm, around four-hundred-thousand dollars.” I shrug.

She hits my chest playfully. “You’re kidding.”

I shake my head. “Nope,” popping the P.

“Hold up, I can’t accept this.”

“And, why not?”

“This thing is worth more than my apartment!” She tries to remove the ring to return, and I clasp my hand over hers.

“Speaking of, we need to start house hunting. I want a fresh start.” I purse my lips, considering the list of Realtor agents I have stored in my contacts database.

Indie stands up, leaving me laid flat on the floor. She paces a little and I prop myself up on my elbows, leaning back.

“Of course, we need to go over the contract together, but we need Harrison for that. He’s already drawn one up and we need witnesses.” I inform her, hoping to ease her panic.

“Harrison?”

“Yeah, the guy who harassed you at the coffee shop. He’s a lawyer and also unfortunately my brother,” I confirm.

“He’s your brother!”

“Yeah…” I trail off, confused why she’s so astonished.

She stares at the ring on her finger, then at me, then at the ring again.

Great, she’s already changing her mind. Maybe I should call Harrison now and get him over here before she can back out. I mean, it’s her free will to but I can’t lose this chance of winning the custody battle.

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