Just One Kiss (Fool's Gold #10)

They held each other for a few seconds, and then she moved away.

“Although I was angry at the time, I’m glad we never had sexual relations,” she told him. “Not only because it could have damaged our friendship but because it might have been...” She hesitated.

“Gross” he offered.

She laughed. “Yes. Gross.” Her humor faded. “Justice, you will never truly be free of your past. But if you let that fear win, then so does your father. I know the man you are. I’ve seen you under nearly every circumstance possible. I know who you are when you’re exhausted and wounded and hopeless. I would trust you with my life. If I had a child, I would trust you with that child’s life. Whoever your father was has no bearing on who you have become. You’re a good man. Patience deserves a good man.”

He wanted to believe her. Wanted the promise of long years with Patience. Lillie’s offhanded comment about having a son had lodged in his brain. He would like that. He would also like a little girl. Children and a home. And a lifetime with Patience.

Felicia was right. He’d never forgotten her, had always thought about the girl he’d known so long ago. Stupid maybe, but true. So he’d come and she was even more than he’d imagined.

He wanted to give her all he had, to plan a future with her, to enjoy the rhythm of life in this ridiculous town. All that stood between this moment and that future was his father. Oh, and Patience, he thought with a smile. He had to convince her to say yes.

It was a simple choice. The past or the future. The wide-open bright light of promise or the small, dark corner of shame. Yes, a simple choice, but not an easy one. Because to pick the light meant having faith in himself.

“I can’t lose her,” he said.

Felicia sighed. “That’s so romantic.”

He glanced at his watch. “I have to go. Can we pick this up later?”

“Yes. Go.”

* * *

JENEL’S GEMS WAS an elegant store with more rings than Justice had ever seen in one place. Not that he could remember ever being in a jewelry store before. He hadn’t known about this one until he’d seen the box Lillie’s present had come in.

He stared down at the display of twinkling diamonds and felt his chest tighten. How was he supposed to decide?

“Good morning.”

A tall, pretty blonde walked in from the rear of the store and smiled at him. “I’m Jenel. How can I help?”

“I’m, uh, Justice Garrett. I want to buy an engagement ring.”

Her smile widened. “Based on your slightly panicked expression, I’m going to guess this is a decision made recently?”

“Just now. But it’s right. I won’t change my mind.”

“Good to know, although we do have a return policy.” She studied him. “Who’s the lucky lady? Just so you know, I’m very good at keeping secrets. Knowing the future bride helps me guide you toward the rings she would like most.”

“Patience McGraw.”

Jenel’s blue eyes lit up. “I know Patience. She’s wonderful and her daughter is adorable. I’m so happy for both of you. Don’t you love her new store? The logo is charming and so creative.” Jenel sighed. “This is great news. All right. You need to take a few deep breaths and then we’ll look at rings. Do you have anything in mind?”

She pointed to a padded stool. He sank down and looked at the display in front of him.

“I have no idea. Something nice. A ring she’d like.”

“Patience isn’t especially flashy, and with the work she does, a large solitaire might get in the way. Having said that, every girl loves a little flash with her bling. And it’s very satisfying to have a sparkly engagement ring.”

She pulled out several rings and put them on a padded, velvet tray. “These are simple solitaire diamonds. Classic and elegant. You can go any number of ways with the band. Platinum, gold or something with diamonds. I would urge you to consider the latter because she probably won’t wear her engagement ring all the time. Especially at work. So diamonds in a wedding band are a nice touch.”

He swallowed hard, muttered, “Sure,” then knew he was totally out of his league. He needed help, and fast. Then he saw it. A ring that seemed to sparkle more than the rest.

“That one,” he said, pointing to one in the case.

Jenel nodded. “Nice. It’s one of my favorites, too. One and a half carats, it’s a modified cushion-cut diamond with a double row of bead-set diamonds surrounding it. There are also some diamonds on the band, as you can see.”

Little of what she said made sense to him. What he saw was a large, somewhat square diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds. The whole thing was held up by a V structure.

She returned the other rings and pulled out the one he liked, along with several bands with diamonds.