Page 112 of The October Arrangement

“I’m not.”

“You are. I can tell by the look on your face,” I said.

“I would love to go with you to get a ring for Bella.” He stood from his chair, tucked his hands into his pockets, and stared out the window.

“Dad?”

“Give me a second, son.”

“Christ. Are you fucking crying?”

“No.”

“You are! Why are you doing this?”

He turned around and stared at me. “You know, for a man who came in here asking his father to help him buy an engagement ring for his girlfriend, you’re being a real asshole about this.”

“Sorry, Dad.”

“No, you’re not. You’re enjoying every second of it.”

I couldn’t help but smile. He sat on the edge of his desk.

“I’d be honored to go with you. When do you want to go?”

“Today.”

“Today?”

“I already made the appointment and cleared your schedule for you.”

“What?” He laughed. “You came in here pretending you were asking me?”

“I am asking you,” I said.

“You already decided I was going no matter what, son.”

“I knew you’d say yes.”

“And what if I had an important meeting?” he asked.

“I’d have canceled it for you.” I smiled.

“You really are my son. What time are we going?”

“Two o’clock,” I said.

“Two o’clock it is.” He grinned.

The jeweler was waiting for us when my father and I walked into the private room at the back of the store.

“Mr. Montclair.” He extended his hand to my father. “It’s good to see you again.”

“And you as well, Roberto. This is my son, Simon.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Please, have a seat. Can I get either of you anything? Coffee? Champagne?”

“Coffee,” my father said.