Page 56 of Hearts of Wealth

“What’s wrong?” she asked.

I offered her a reassuring smile, reaching out to take her hand in mine. “Nothing’s wrong, Paisley,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “In fact, it’s quite the opposite. I wanted to talk to you about Catherine.”

Paisley’s eyes widened in surprise, and she leaned in closer, curiosity evident in her expression. “What about Catherine?” she asked eagerly.

I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before continuing. “I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and I’ve come to a decision. I want to ask Catherine to marry me.”

For a moment, Paisley just stared at me, her eyes wide with shock. Then slowly, a smile spread across her face, and she let out a delighted squeal, throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.

“Oh my gosh, that’s amazing!” she exclaimed, pulling back to look at me. “I’m so happy for you guys!”

Relief flooded through me at her reaction, and I couldn’t help but return her smile. “Thanks, Paisley,” I said, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. “I’m glad you’re happy about it.”

Paisley nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with excitement. “So when are you going to do it?” she asked, bouncing slightly on the bed.

“Well, that’s the thing,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck nervously. “I was hoping you could help me with that.”

Paisley’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. “Of course!” she said, her voice brimming with excitement. “I’d love to help you with the proposal. What are you going to do? Skywriting? Lights?”

“Nothing quite so big,” I said. “I think Catherine would appreciate something more low-key.”

“Good point.” She nodded.

As we discussed ideas for the proposal, my thoughts drifted to Regina. I couldn’t help but wonder what she would think of all this, and if she would try to interfere in any way. Knowing Regina, she would. But maybe it would be the thing that made her realize we were never going to be together.

“Do you have a ring yet?” Paisley asked.

“No. Not yet. I was thinking you could help me pick something out.”

Her face lit up. “Really?”

“Yeah, you’re a girl. You should know what they like, right?”

She giggled. “What’s our budget?”

“Come on,” I said. “This is the ring I’m going to give the woman I love in order to convince her to marry me. The woman I want to spend the rest of my life with.”

Her face lit up. “So no budget.”

“Right, no budget,” I agreed, grinning at her excitement.

She hopped off the bed and grabbed her laptop. The next few hours flew by in a whirlwind. Paisley pulled up a website. “Are you thinking diamond? Or are you going to be different?”

“Different?”

“Rubies, sapphires, emeralds,” she said. “Something different from what you gave my mom.”

“Are you okay with this?” I asked her.

“Yes, I am. I know you love Catherine. She’s nothing like my mom. I think she’ll make you happy. I like her. I would be happy to have her as my stepmom.”

“Good, because I know she will be happy to be your stepmom.”

“Okay, I think you need to give her something subtle and elegant but not huge. That just wouldn’t look good on her.”

“I agree,” I said. “I want her to be able to wear it at work.”

“So everyone knows she’s taken,” she teased.

“Yes.”

She rolled her eyes. “That’s so dated.”

“Whatever,” I laughed. “When it comes to your time to get engaged, trust me, you’re going to want a ring. I don’t care how dated the practice is.”