Page 155 of Too Far

Nestled between the velvet pillows is a platinum ring encasing a brilliant dark stone.

“It’s a gray diamond,” Decker explains, plucking it from the case. “It was my mom’s. Not her engagement or wedding ring. Just a ring she bought for herself. It’s not as expensive or rare as a standard diamond, but she loved it. She wore it all the time.”

“It’s perfect,” I whisper, suddenly trembling in his arms.

“I’ll get you a bigger diamond. One you can pick out yourself… or something the guys help pick out. Whatever you want. But for now—”

“Decker.” I cup his face and press a kiss to his lips.

“It’s perfect,” I repeat. “It’s beautiful. And I love that it was your mom’s.” I stare at the stunning, significant piece, feeling completely unworthy of such a generous gift. “Are you sure you want me to have it?”

“You’re my wife, Josephine,” he says, grasping my left hand. “I want you to have everything.” Then, softer, he bows low until our foreheads touch. “Will you do me the honor of wearing my ring?”

I grin at the formality of the request while fighting back a squeal, because he’s finally, effortlessly, giving me a choice.

“Yes,” I affirm, letting him slide the ring onto my finger.

The moment the cool metal notches into place, a sense of ease washes over me.

He’s trying. He’s trying so damn hard.

His earnestness and perseverance stitch a few pieces of my heart back together. It’s still frayed, but it’s healing. His devotion,theirdevotion, and the power he’s finally willing to share are mending what he broke bit by bit.

Decker cradles my fingers for a moment, admiring the ring, then kisses my knuckles. With a small smile, he stands and helps me to my feet.

“This is it,” he mutters as we smooth out our clothes.

Reaching out with my left hand, ring and all, I intertwine our fingers. Decker’s eyes widen in surprise. Then relief, followed by contentment, wash over his expression.

I know it then. Right now, right here, beginning today, I want to start fresh with him.

Not because of the jewelry or the abundance of confessions he’s made over the last several days. But because of the earnestness with which he offered me the ring. He didn’t make a demand or try to tell me what to do, even though I clearly should be wearing a wedding ring for the press conference. It’s the way he offered to buy another or turn over the selection to the guys. The way he asked me if I wanted to wear it and seemed fully prepared to respect my decision if I said no.

Options. Choices. It’s all I’ve ever wanted—and I finally recognize and appreciate just how hard it is for him to give up that control.

We’re not perfect. We’re quite possibly two of the most mismatched people ever paired together. We’re too similar—too stubborn and too hotheaded.

We’re not going to see eye to eye often.

But watching him adjust—knowing how hard he’s working to change—is enough.

“Ready?” he asks, guiding me forward with a gentle touch without letting go of my hand.

This is it. This is what it was all for.

I give him a warm smile and nod. I’m ready, and I’ve got him.

Then I let him help me off the boat and lead me to the car.

Chapter 68

Decker

Iglanceovermyshoulder. Again.

I thought they were already back here, but maybe we got our signals crossed. I’m pulling up our group chat, ready to shoot off a text, when I hear them.

Nicky’s boisterous laughter.