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Delilah smiled. “My name is Delilah Frost. I used to come into your store all the time when I was in high school. You were kind enough to let me browse for hours and answer questions.”
The middle-aged man smiled, his eyes twinkling. “Of course. I apologize, Delilah. I didn’t recognize you.”
She laughed. “I’m not surprised. I’ve changed quite a bit since those days.”
“You look wonderful, my dear. I heard you had left town. What brings you back? Visiting family?”
“My mother passed away a few days ago. I’m here to handle her estate.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Thanks.”
“Is there something I can help you with or would you like to browse around like in the old days? I’ll be happy to answer more questions for you.”
Matt threaded his fingers through Delilah’s. “Delilah and I are interested in engagement rings and wedding bands.”
“Congratulations. Follow me.” He led them to the right side of the room with a long display case of solitaires, wraps, and wedding bands. “Any preference or should I select a few things to get you started?”
Delilah darted a look at Matt.
“You spent a lot of time dreaming in this store. Choose a ring that makes you happy.” Matt remained quiet as she and the sales associate discussed different looks and cuts of stones.
When they left the store an hour later, Delilah was wearing an oval-cut sapphire surrounded by diamonds on a wide gold band. Matt helped her into the SUV and kissed her. “The ring is perfect for you.”
“It’s more beautiful than I ever imagined having on my finger.”
“Is this one of the rings you chose while window shopping during high school?”
Her cheeks turned pink as she nodded.
“I’m glad. I’ll spend the rest of my life making the rest of your dreams come true.”
On the way to a restaurant for lunch, Matt smiled when he caught Delilah sneaking peeks at the glittering gems on her finger. It eased something in him to give her a gift that brought such happiness in a week filled with fear, sorrow, and loss.
Following their meal, Matt and Delilah drove to Oliver Shannon’s office, hoping to catch him between appointments. He didn’t want to give the lawyer time to come up with excuses to avoid seeing them.
As he held the door open for Delilah to enter the building, Matt noticed a man walking rapidly down the street. He frowned. What was Shane doing here? Maybe he consulted with the lawyer about the stipulations in Michelle’s will.
Matt trailed Delilah to Shannon’s office. The assistant glanced up at their entrance. Matt’s eyebrows rose. Ms. Walters’s dark hair was mussed and her lipstick smudged. Her cheeks were flushed and her breaths rapid.
“May I help you?” she asked, her tone rapier sharp.
“Delilah needs to see Mr. Shannon.”
“Do you have an appointment?”
“If he’s not in a meeting or in court, I need to see him.”
“He’s a busy man, Ms. Frost. You’ll have to make an appointment and come back later.”
Delilah glanced at Matt. “Guess we’ll be announcing ourselves.”
They turned away from the desk and walked to the lawyer’s closed door.
“Hey, you can’t do that.”
“Watch me.” Delilah pounded on the door and twisted the knob.
