He laughed then put the car in drive and headed out for downtown Miami. A half hour later they were in Freddy’s Jewelry and Solie was gazing, wide-eyed, at diamond rings in a variety of shapes and sizes.
“They’re so beautiful,” she whispered reverently. “I’ve never owned a real diamond before.”
Ransom laughed. “I’m only too happy to remedy that. Which one do you like?”
She drew in her breath and let it out in a frustrated sigh. “I don’t know. They’re all so…sparkly. You choose.”
Ransom gave her an indulgent smile. “What about this heart-shaped one?” Then he shook his head. “Too big for your slender finger.” Then he pointed to a marquise one glittering on its bed of black velvet. “Perfect.”
“Excellent choice,” the associate said as he drew the ring from its secure chamber so Solie could try it on. Of course he would say that. She could imagine the hefty commission he’d be collecting since the ring Ransom had selected looked like it was the most expensive one in the store.
And it was indeed perfect. When Ransom slid it onto her finger it fit so perfectly that she wondered if he’d had it custom-made. She gave him a suspicious glance. She would not put it past him. He could be devious sometimes but always in a good way.
Solie smiled, her eyes filling with sudden tears. It was really happening. She was one step closer to marrying Ransom Kent.
And then, as if it wasn’t bad enough that she was having a sudden attack of emotion, Ransom went and did the unexpected.
Right there in front of the store manager, the associates and all the shoppers milling around Ransom went down on one knee, took her hand then gazed up into her eyes.
“Now that there’s nothing hanging over your head I want to ask you one more time, Solie Felix.” He lifted the hand that now wore his engagement ring and kissed it before looking back at her. “Will you marry me?”
Okay, so he was determined to reduce her to a blubbering mess. Her face crumpled as she stared down at him. “Yes,” she said, her voice breaking as she began to cry. “Ask me a million times and my answer will always be yes.”
And as their spectators burst into wild applause Ransom rose to his feet, pulled Solie into his arms and gave her a kiss that sealed her fate forever.
From this day forward she would be none other’s but Ransom Kent’s.
EPILOGUE
“Gimme an R.”
“R.”
“Gimme an A.”
“A.”
Solie grinned as Trevor hopped back and forth, leading the cheer for Ransom. He’d already done Solie’s name so this was the second round.
“Gimme an N.”
“Ay, nina, you have made me a proud madre.” Ignoring the cheers, Niurka pulled her daughter over to the rose bushes a little distance away from the celebration. “I knew that one day you would find a good man.”
“Gracias, Mamita.” Solie squeezed her mother’s hand. “He is good. And the rest of his family, they’re really nice. They all welcomed me.” Solie smiled as her gaze drifted over to where Ransom’s brothers Rafe, Ridge and Ryder stood around him, laughing and shouting just as loud as anyone else.
“I was talking with the mother and she’s a wonderful woman. No airs, no nothing. When she saw me she gave me a big hug.” Niurka’s eyes were wide like she was still in shock that she’d been so warmly received.
“That’s how they all are,” Solie said, happy that her mother was happy. “Now let’s get back to the party before they hunt us down.” She shooed her mother back to where her sisters lounged in wicker chairs on the back patio.
It was a lovely spring evening, perfect for the engagement party Ransom had organized in his own backyard. Just like they’d done for New Year's Eve they kept it simple, ignoring all suggestions for a grand affair. Instead, they invited family and close friends to a gathering in the back yard.
“I’ve got the gazebo,” Ransom said. “Why not make full use of it?”
And so they did. And, as far as Solie was concerned, it was the best engagement party a girl could ever have.
“Where’s my wife-to-be?”
Solie snapped out of her reverie when Ransom’s voice boomed over the whoops and calls.
“I’m right here.” She waved her hand then ran over to stand by his side.
“Two of Solie’s good friends just told me they have a special surprise for her.”
At Ransom’s words Solie gave him a quizzical look then her gaze flew to where Kyra and Dominic stood by the backyard pond, grinning and waving.
Solie frowned. The fact that those two were involved was more than enough cause for worry.
She turned back to Ransom. “What surprise?”
“Your friends wanted to take the occasion to tell you that you've become their inspiration. They have an announcement to make."
Solie whipped back round to glare at Kyra and Dominic who were walking toward her. What kind of announcement were they going to make now? If they were planning to reveal any of her embarrassing moments from work she would kill them.
In three seconds they were standing in front of her and that was when she saw that Kyra had tears in her eyes.
"Solie, thank you for being so brave and fighting for the love of your life. I will always be grateful to you for showing me what a difference love can make." Kyra reached out and took Solie's hand. "All this time I've had someone trying to get close and all this time I've put up a fight. But not anymore."
She reached out with her other hand and clasped Dominic's hand with her own, her lips curling in a tremulous smile as she turned to gaze up at him. "It's time we tell her, don't you think, honey?" Then she turned her happy face back to Solie. "Dominic asked me to marry him and I said yes."
Solie gasped, her eyes wide, as she stared open-mouthed at one then the other. "Are you serious? Is this a joke?" She wouldn't put anything past these two trouble-makers, especially Kyra.
Dominic laughed. "No, Solie, it's all true. I've been pursuing this girl for ages and she's finally made me the happiest man in the world. And it's all because of you. Thank you." And then he leaned forward and on her forehead he gave her a gentle kiss of gratitude.