“Well, you don’t have time to brood about it. We’ve got places to go, people to see, sales to hit, and sweets to eat.”
“SO WHAT ARE YOU GETTING Charlie for Christmas?” Brad asked Josh as they donned their lab coats.
“I’ve got it covered,” Josh said, proudly. “I’m giving her an engagement ring.”
“When did you have time to go ring shopping?”
“Luckily, I already had one. And it’s a beauty!”
“Josh. You’re kidding me, right? You’re going to give her the same ring you gave Olivia?”
“Well... yes. But technically, I didn’t actually give it to Olivia, because she turned it down. She only wore it for an hour while we talked to the ad litem.”
“And you already know what kind of ring she wants?”
“It’s a big diamond. What else matters?”
“Believe me, all women have very specific ideas of what they want in an engagement ring. But don’t take my word for it. Ask Charlie. Or if you want to surprise her, ask Emily. She probably knows what Charlie wants.”
“I can’t do that by Christmas. Now I’ll have to think of something else.” He should have known he couldn’t use the same ring for Charlie. Of course he needed to make her feel special.
“You know what I think would make her really happy?” asked Brad.
“What?” he asked eagerly.
“I think she’d like to be absolutely certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, you’re in love with her.”
“I’m pretty sure she knows—I’ve done
everything I could think of to show her what she means to me.” A note of bitterness crept into his voice. “I’m the one who’d like to have that as a Christmas present.”
“But you’ve told her you love her?”
“Well... It’s complicated.”
“Have you had any arguments?”
“No, but we’ve come close. Sometimes she comes up with really crazy ideas. But you know, I always give in rather than argue. And after I give in, she does too. We never argue for very long. So, I guess we’re doing well in the communication area.”
Brad made a huffing sound. “Why do you give in? That’s not like you.”
“Yeah, but... Listen. I’ll tell you something, but don’t tell anyone. Especially Grace.”
“Okay.”
Why did Brad sound so reluctant?
“You see... Well... You know I’m in love with Charlie. I’ve admitted it. But she’s only marrying me because she loves Jace and Chloe, so I can’t afford to have an argument with her. She might change her mind about getting married.”
Brad’s expression was pained. “Josh. Has anyone ever told you, you’re an idiot?”
“Only Olivia, and I certainly didn’t appreciate it.”
“Don’t you think it’s possible she’s already in love with you? Isn’t it possible she’s unsure of your feelings? And isn’t it possible, since you’re acting so considerate and always giving in rather than being yourself, you’re making her doubt your motivation?”
“No. When she really falls in love with me, I’ll be able to tell.”
“Really? And how is that?”