Left (Left 1)

“We can certainly assist you with that Sir. My name’s Paul, and I’ll be helping you this evening."

"I'm Houston, and my brother here is Braedon is playing the part of the peanut gallery. "

" We're happy to have you both here. I always like to ask for a description of the woman, so I can better assist you.”

“Liv is amazing. She’s brilliant, focused, but funny, sweet, and classic.”

“So nothing too modern?” Paul asks.

“No.”

“Do you have a shape in mind?”

“Pear or Circle,” I say.

“This way, please.” He walks toward the cases on the far end. “Is there a cut amount you’re aiming for?”

“At least one, but closer to two or above is ideal.”

Braeden whistles.

“She’s my forever woman. She deserves it,” I say with a shrug.

I find myself drawn to the circular rings. I lean down closer to the case, and one catches my eyes. A large diamond in the centers is surrounded by a smaller band of diamonds and then a larger row below it. It has a some like shape I think she'll find pleasing. Leaf like flourishes on the sides add character before diamonds went down the band. It’s not flashy, but it’s solid.

“How many karats is this all together?” I ask pointing at the ring.

“It’s two and a quarter.”

“And what’s the setting made of?”

“Platinum,” Paul says.

“Can I see it?”

“Of course.” He reaches inside the case and grabs the ring. The minute it touches my flesh I know it’s the one. I hold it up to the light turning it to and fro. In the shimmer of gemstone I see my hopes for the future.

“This is it.”

“Are you sure you don’t want to look at anything else, bro?” Brae asks.

“No need. This is the one meant to go on her finger.”

“How much am I looking at Paul?” Iask.

“Four thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine dollars.”

“Done. I need a size eight and a half.”

“We can have it ready for you in a week.”

“Perfect.”

“You’re not playing around tonight are you?” Brae says.

“Life is short and unpredictable. I spent too much time trying to get things just right and in the end it didn’t matter. So, I’m trying to exist somewhere between living for the moment and planning for the future.”

“Does wisdom come with age?” Brae asks.