Page 37 of Billion Dollar Vow

Before I can stop myself, I wink and respond, “You have no idea...”

I can see the wheels turning in her head as if she’s going to ask me something as we step inside, but Grant Winston interrupts us. “Mr. Lincoln. The one I have yet to meet,” he says, a reminder of how single I still am as everyone else in my family had their wedding bands made by him. He's around sixty, with gray hair and a short black beard peppered with more gray. He wears a navy suit that keeps him looking professional and yet approachable.

“Hi, Mr. Winston, thanks for having us on such short notice.” I reach out to shake his hand.

“It’s good to see you again.” He clasps my hand briefly, then turns his attention to Karley.

“This is my fiancée, Karley.” The wordfiancéefeels foreign yet natural for a lie that’s only hours old.

Karley smiles as she takes in the surroundings.

It’s just the three of us here, so it’s quiet, but with all the lights on, the shop sparkles. Floor-to-ceiling glass cases display diamonds and gemstones so flawless they don’t look real; each piece resting on velvet like it’s royalty. Crystal chandeliers hang overhead, casting soft, golden reflections across the marble floors. The walls are a deep, rich navy, making the jewelry pop like stars against the night sky.

Mr. Winston works alone, always has. Not because he can’t afford help; he could hire an entire staff if he wanted, but because no one else meets his standards. Every piece in here has passed through his hands, shaped by his expert eye. “So, you're here for something available to take now?” he asks. “Cora explained—”

“I don't think Cora has explained…” I interrupt. “This is not to be mentioned to anyone from my family.”

Winston’s eyes widen. “Why is that?”

“We’re eloping,” I say, matter-of-factly.

Karley remains unusually quiet, and when I glance at her from the corner of my eye, she looks rigid, her hands still at her sides. Immediately turning to her, I whisper, “Are you okay?”

“I didn't want to interrupt you,” she says, trying to wave me off, but she doesn't seem like herself. Quieter…

I turn back to Mr. Winston. “I’d pay extra for you to keep this just between us until I'm ready to announce it to the family.”

“Not necessary,” he assures me. “So, who would like to start?” His eyes dart between mine and Karley’s.

I suddenly realize I’ll need to choose a ring too. I’ve been so focused on Karley that I didn’t even think about myself.What would I like?

I turn to Karley, asking, “Do you want me to go first?”

She nods. Her face has paled. Maybe watching me choose something first will ease her nervousness.

“I didn’t have anything specific in mind,” I admit to Mr. Winston. “I wouldn’t even know where to begin. This is all new to me.”

He turns around. “Let's start with something simple and classic. For men, I have gold, platinum, and black.”

I turn to Karley. “What do you think?”

She looks up at me, her eyes bright and wide. “I don't know. Whatever you prefer.”

I’d hoped she might have an opinion; her detachment makes me uneasy.

We follow Winston over to the glass cabinets. I pull out an emerald velvet chair for Karley, and she sits, nodding her thanks. I take my seat next to her.

He pulls out a selection. “We should start by choosing a color,” he suggests. “Then we can decide on a design.”

“Okay,” I mumble as this all becomes very real.

Winston pulls out a gold band, so I slip it on my left finger. It feels cold and strange.

I shake my head. “I don't like this color on me. It just doesn't feel right.”

“Well, let's try the black next,” Mr. Winston offers.

I hand back the gold band and slip on the black. Again, it doesn't feel or look quite right. Part of me wants to pick anything and be done with it. After all, this is all just for show. But then I worry that others will notice and question our relationship. “No, I don't like this color either.”